11 Ways to Lock a Door Without a Lock

Emergencies can catch us off guard, and a malfunctioning door lock is the last thing you want to deal with, but what can you do? In this blog post, you’ll explore resourceful solutions for those moments when your door lock decides to take an unplanned break. From clever makeshift barricades to portable travel locks, we’ve got you covered with practical tips on how to lock a door without a lock.

Use a wedge

When it comes to fortifying your door without the need for a conventional lock, employing a wedge or door stopper is a straightforward yet highly effective solution. A few words on the ledge itself that you should keep in mind:

Improvised door barricades

Items like chairs and furniture can also help lock your door without a lock from the inside.

Take chairs, for example. A heavier chair is more effective in creating a barricade, so pick your most solid one. Angle the chair so that the backrest is wedged against the doorknob side of the door. Once the chair is in place, conduct a stability test. Gently apply pressure to the door to ensure that the chair is securely positioned, providing effective resistance.

As far as other pieces of furniture go, they can also be used as improvised door barricades. Whether it’s a sturdy bookshelf, a weighty couch, or drawers, the fundamental rule remains the same. Select the piece with the most weight and solid construction and position it in front of the door. That always works for couches.

For drawers, stacking them in front of the door creates a layered barricade, adding an extra level of security. Also, interlocking the drawers, if possible, is a good idea.

Lock the door with a fork

In a pinch, a simple fork can be used to lock a door that opens inwardly. Mind you, though, that this is a very temporary solution. Here’s how to do it:

1. Bend about 1cm (0.4 inch) of the fork’s tines (teeth). You can accomplish this easily using pliers, but you can also use a vice and a hammer;
2. Break off the handle of the fork;
3. Open the door and insert the fork’s head into the strike plate’s hole. Check that the bent tips are securely attached to the door latch;
4. Close the door;
5. Insert the fork handle between the two middle tines;
6. Now the door is locked.

Give the sock-locking method a try

Utilising socks for a DIY door lock offers a quick and makeshift solution, especially in scenarios such as moving into a new place or dealing with a broken lock. Like all other methods so far, it’s only a temporary fix, though.

1. Choose a thick winter sock for optimal effectiveness;
2. Fold the sock into a sturdy wedge shape, ensuring it remains secure when placed;
3. Slide the sock under the door. Add an extra sock on the door frame for enhanced security if needed;
4. Gently close the door while pushing the wedges to lodge tightly between the door and the wall or floor. Tools like rulers can be used to adjust the position.

Tie a belt around the hook of the door

There are two instances in which you can use a belt to lock a door without a lock.

Get a door jammer

A door jammer is how to lock a bedroom door without a lock when you’re at a hotel or in temporary housing for a very short while.

1. Extend or retract the door jammer to match the height of your door. Most door jammers are adjustable to fit various door sizes.
2. Place the door jammer at the base of the door on the side that opens into the room. The angled part of the jammer should press firmly against the floor.
3. Engage the locking or jamming mechanism of the device. This ensures that the door jammer provides a secure and stable barrier.
4. Apply pressure to the door to test the door jammer’s effectiveness. It should resist attempts to open the door from the outside.

Reinforcing the door frame and hinges

A door is only as secure as its weakest components and sturdy frames and hinges play a pivotal role in fortifying your door against forced entry attempts. While the absence of a traditional lock may seem limiting, the foundational elements of a door—its frame and hinges—should not be underestimated.

Remove the handle of the door

Another method for locking a door without a lock is to remove the door handle. When the handles are removed and the door is closed, opening it requires specialised tools or the door handle itself. So, unless you have either of both, you can’t open it.

1. You’ll need a screwdriver and/or a flathead to remove the screws holding the door handle in place;
2. Identify the screws securing the door handle on both sides of the door;
3. Carefully unscrew the door handle from both sides. Keep track of the screws to prevent them from being misplaced;
4. Once the screws are removed, take off both door handles, leaving only the door itself;
5. If there’s an exposed mechanism or hole, consider covering it with a metal plate or another protective measure to maintain the door’s appearance.

This approach is appropriate for inward and outward opening doors. However, this method does not guard against the door being kicked in.

Add a door lock chain

The door lock chain can be easily engaged and disengaged, providing a swift and convenient way to secure the door without the need for keys or intricate mechanisms. While not a full-fledged lock, a door lock chain offers a simple yet effective means of controlling access.

Also, it allows for partial opening of the door, enabling controlled access without fully exposing the interior. This is particularly useful for interactions with unknown individuals. So, how do you install a door lock chain?

1. Identify a suitable location on the door frame for installing the door lock chain. It’s typically installed on the interior side of the door, above or below the existing lock.
2. Measure the appropriate height for the door lock chain based on your preferences and the door’s construction. Make a pencil mark at the desired position.
3. Attach the base plate of the door lock chain to the marked location using screws. Ensure that it is securely fastened to the door frame.
4. Affix the chain plate to the door, aligning it with the base plate. Screw it down to guarantee stability.
5. Once installed, the door lock chain can be engaged by sliding the chain into the channel of the chain plate. This allows for partial opening of the door.
6. Slide the door lock chain out of the chain plate to disengage it. This allows for unfettered access.

Installing security bars or braces

Fitting a security bar across the inside of the door is a sure way to lock a door without adding a lock. However, this only works for doors that open inwards and not outwards. With that said…

You may use wood to build a DIY security bar for an unsecured door. Simply nail or screw a solid wood block on both sides of the door frame. When you need to remove the security bar or bars, just remove the nails or screws.

DIY security bars work well on doors that are not in use in structures with another entry, such as a side door in a barn, garage, shed, or outhouse.

Give a portable door lock a try

Portable door locks (also called travel locks) are designed for easy and rapid installation on various types of doors in a variety of settings, including hotels, rental properties, or unfamiliar spaces. Most travel locks are compact and lightweight, making them convenient to carry in your luggage.

To use a travel lock, you need to: