These temporary solutions can help you secure doors to apartments, bathrooms, bedrooms and even entrance doors without permanent locks.
Locks are the best way to secure a door. But if a lock fails, if the door has no lock, or if you don’t trust the lock situation in an apartment or hotel, you may want to take steps to make sure the door and home are protected.
The best solution is to install, rekey, repair or replace a lock. However, we also know some clever DIY tricks you can use to secure an unlocked door. Below you will find quick, temporary solutions that will help you get a good night’s sleep without worrying about your security.
1- Chair backs
If you’re wondering how to barricade a door with items you have around the house, look no further than your dining room: sturdy chairs can be a good choice for keeping a door closed because they can be tilted so that the top of the chair is wedged under the doorknob while the chair legs are firmly planted on the floor. This creates pressure between the door and the floor along the chair back and legs, preventing the door from opening. The chair back may also prevent the handles from opening downward. If the handle can also be turned upward to open the door, this method is not as useful. In this case, it may be a good idea to use a belt or rope to tie the lever handle to the chair to prevent it from opening downward or upward.
Belt or rope
Latches are often easier to lock than lever handles, as a belt or rope can be used to restrict the physical movement of the latch. Simply tie one end of the belt or rope to the handle and the other to a fixed object. Consider using two ties to completely prevent movement when the handle can be opened both up and down.
A belt or rope is also a good option for securing a door that opens outward, as the tie can be attached to a heavy object, such as a refrigerator or sofa. For patio doors, wrap both handles with the rope, which will prevent them from opening.
Portable door locks
These handy devices are perfect for renters and travelers who can’t install more permanent solutions. As the name implies, a portable door lock is designed to be used and removed as needed. It usually consists of a piece of metal, sometimes called a claw, that fits over the existing door handle latch or deadbolt and a deadbolt that fits into the claw to prevent the door from opening. However, these locks are not effective for outward opening doors.
Security bar
For added protection against a large force, such as an intruder attempting to break down a door or break it with the shoulder, security bars may be useful. Security bars or barricades consist of a pair of sturdy brackets that are attached to the wall or door frame, depending on the product. A thick metal or wooden bar is then attached to the brackets, blocking the entire width of the door. This security bar can be lifted up and out of the brackets when you need to use the door, and can be quickly put back in place afterwards with very little effort.
Fork
In an emergency situation, a simple fork can be used to temporarily lock a door that opens inward. To secure the door, bend the tines of the fork so that the tines fit into the door handle and the rest of the fork can remain snugly in the gap between the door and the door frame when the door is closed. Open the door and remove the fork, then break off the fork handle. Replace the fork head on the door latch and make sure the curved tines are firmly attached to the door latch, then close the door. When the door is closed, slide the fork handle across the tines to create a horizontal barrier to prevent the door from opening inward.
Door stop
A door stop is a simple alternative to do-it-yourself solutions for closing a door without a lock. These devices usually consist of a height-adjustable security bar with a rounded end that fits snugly under the door knob or handle. The other end has a padded foot that rests on the floor and cannot slip. The result is a system that puts pressure on the floor when someone tries to open the door inward.
Floor barricade
Floor barricades consist of two parts: a base and a buttress that can be inserted into or removed from the base. Mount a floor barricade by inserting screws through the base into the floor. It must always be possible to open the door above the plinth so that it can be used freely when the buttress is removed. If you wish to lock the door, simply insert the spacer, which will prevent the door from opening inwards. Using a floor lock is a good option for people who may remodel their home, but it is not an option for renters and travelers.
Removing the door handle
While not the best option for securing the door, removing the handle entirely is a challenge for anyone trying to gain access to the home. Without a handle, the door cannot be opened in the traditional sense. However, those interested in this method should note that it is possible to turn the door mechanism without a handle by applying sufficient force and using one or more improvised tools. It is best to combine this option with another type of temporary door security, such as a stop or even a barricade.
Deadbolt lock
A deadbolt lock is a small device that can be mounted on the door frame where the deadbolt lock is attached. It works similarly to a standard door chain, except that the deadbolt has a metal loop that slides over the door handle to prevent it from opening. This method is more secure than using a set of screws on the back of the door to protect against break-ins. In addition, users can install a striker using the existing screw holes in the strike plate to prevent further damage to the door frame.
