How To Temporarily Lock A Door From The Outside
If you need to securely lock a door when you leave your home or office for a short period of time, there are several clever ways to temporarily lock a door from the outside without installing a new lock or permanently altering the door.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of 5 different methods for temporarily locking a door from the outside.
We’ll cover basic household items like tape and clamps as well as more advanced options like portable door locks and wireless smart locks. By the end, you’ll know which temporary door lock is right for your needs and budget whether you’re gone for an hour or a whole weekend.
Using Tape
Duct tape
Duct tape is a versatile and strong adhesive tape that can be used for various purposes, including temporarily locking a door from the outside. To use duct tape to secure a door, you will need a long strip of tape.
Start by wrapping the tape tightly around the doorknob several times, creating a loop that secures the knob in place. Then, stretch the tape across the door to the opposite side and attach it firmly to a sturdy object, such as a nearby railing or a hook on the wall.
This will prevent the door from being opened from the outside. It’s important to note that duct tape may leave residue or damage the door’s surface, so use it with caution and only as a temporary solution.
Packing tape
Packing tape is another option for temporarily locking a door from the outside. This type of tape is commonly used for sealing boxes, but its strong adhesive properties can also be useful for securing doors.
To use packing tape, cut a long strip and wrap it tightly around the doorknob several times, similar to the method used with duct tape. Then, stretch the tape across the door and attach it securely to a fixed object nearby.
Packing tape is generally less sticky than duct tape, so it may be a better choice if you’re concerned about potential damage to the door’s surface.
Reinforced strapping tape
Reinforced strapping tape is a heavy-duty adhesive tape that is specifically designed for securing and reinforcing objects. It is often used in shipping and packaging industries. To temporarily lock a door using reinforced strapping tape, cut a long strip and wrap it tightly around the doorknob multiple times.
Then, stretch the tape across the door and firmly attach it to a sturdy object nearby. Reinforced strapping tape is incredibly strong and durable, making it an ideal choice for securing doors. However, it may also leave residue or damage the door’s surface, so use it with caution and only as a temporary solution.
When using any type of tape to temporarily lock a door from the outside, it’s important to remember that these methods are not foolproof and should only be used as a temporary solution. If you require a more secure option, consider investing in a door security bar or consulting a professional locksmith for assistance.
Leveraging Clamps and Wedges
When it comes to temporarily locking a door from the outside, clamps and wedges can be incredibly useful tools. They provide a quick and effective solution, allowing you to secure a door without the need for any permanent modifications. Let’s explore some of the options available:
Spring Clamps
Spring clamps are a versatile tool that can be used for various purposes, including temporarily locking a door. These clamps typically have adjustable jaws that can be tightened to hold the door firmly in place. They are easy to use and can quickly secure a door from the outside.
Simply position the clamp on the edge of the door and tighten the jaws until the door is securely held in place.
Door Wedges and Stoppers
Door wedges and stoppers are another popular option for temporarily locking a door. These devices are placed at the bottom of the door, preventing it from opening. Door wedges are typically made of durable materials such as rubber or metal, and they provide a sturdy barrier that keeps the door securely shut.
They are compact, portable, and can be easily carried in a bag or pocket for added convenience.
Rubber Door Stop Wedges
Rubber door stop wedges are specifically designed to prevent doors from opening. These wedges are placed between the door and the door frame, creating a tight fit that prevents the door from being easily pushed open.
Rubber door stop wedges are widely available and come in various sizes and shapes to suit different door types. They are highly effective and provide a reliable temporary locking solution.
Remember, it is essential to prioritize safety and security when using temporary locking methods. Always ensure that the door is securely locked and that the temporary solution is stable and reliable. If you have concerns about the security of your door, it is recommended to consult a professional locksmith for expert advice and assistance.
Installing Portable and Temporary Door Locks
When it comes to securing a door temporarily from the outside, there are several portable and temporary door lock options available. These locks provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind, whether you are staying in a hotel room, renting an apartment, or simply wanting to secure a door while you are away.
Let’s explore some popular options:
Addalock
The Addalock is a portable door lock that can be easily installed and removed without any tools. It is designed to work on inward-opening doors and provides an additional barrier against unauthorized entry.
Simply insert the metal rod into the strike plate of the door frame, close the door, and slide the lock into place. The Addalock is compact and lightweight, making it a great option for travelers or those who frequently move between locations.
Implemax portable door lock
The Implemax portable door lock is another effective solution for temporarily securing a door from the outside. This lock is designed to work on both inward and outward-opening doors, providing flexibility in various situations.
It features a strong metal construction and a unique locking mechanism, ensuring reliable security. The Implemax lock can be easily installed by inserting the metal plate into the door frame and adjusting the lock to fit snugly.
Sliding door locks
Sliding doors can present a unique challenge when it comes to security. However, there are portable locks specifically designed to address this issue. Sliding door locks, such as the ones offered by companies like Master Lock, provide an additional layer of security for sliding glass doors or patio doors.
These locks are easy to install and can be adjusted to fit different door widths. They provide a sturdy barrier against forced entry, giving you peace of mind when you are away from home.
Travel door alarms
In addition to portable locks, travel door alarms are another option to consider for temporary door security. These compact devices are designed to detect any attempts to open a door and emit a loud alarm, alerting you and potentially deterring intruders.
Travel door alarms are easy to install and can be used on both inward and outward-opening doors. They are ideal for travelers who want an extra layer of protection in their hotel rooms or for those who want to secure their doors while they are away from home.
Remember, while temporary door locks can provide additional security, it’s important to always follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by the manufacturer. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the laws and regulations regarding temporary door locks in your specific location to ensure compliance.
Using Smart Locks
Smart locks have revolutionized the way we secure our homes, offering convenient and innovative solutions for locking and unlocking doors. With the advancements in technology, there are now several types of smart locks available in the market that allow you to temporarily lock a door from the outside.
These locks provide enhanced security and peace of mind, as well as the flexibility to control access to your home remotely.
Bluetooth Smart Locks
Bluetooth smart locks utilize the power of Bluetooth technology to connect your smartphone or other devices to the lock. With a simple tap on your phone, you can lock or unlock the door. This type of smart lock is ideal for those who prefer a more hands-on approach and want to be in close proximity to the lock.
It provides a secure and convenient way to temporarily lock a door from the outside.
WiFi Enabled Smart Locks
WiFi enabled smart locks take convenience to the next level by allowing you to control the lock remotely, even when you’re not at home. These locks connect to your home’s WiFi network, enabling you to lock or unlock the door using a smartphone app or a virtual assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
With this technology, you can easily lock the door from the outside if you forgot to do so before leaving.
Keypad Smart Locks
Keypad smart locks offer a keyless entry option by utilizing a numeric keypad. You can program a unique code into the lock for temporary access and then easily change it when needed. This type of smart lock is particularly useful for granting temporary access to guests, service providers, or even family members who might have forgotten their keys.
With a keypad smart lock, you can lock the door from the outside by simply entering the correct code.
Smart Locks with Auto-lock
Smart locks with auto-lock feature provide an added layer of security by automatically locking the door after a specified period of time. This ensures that your door is always locked, even if you forget to do so manually.
With this type of smart lock, you can temporarily lock the door from the outside knowing that it will automatically lock itself after a set interval.
When it comes to temporarily locking a door from the outside, smart locks offer a range of options to suit your needs. Whether you prefer the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity, the remote access provided by WiFi enabled locks, the keyless entry of keypad locks, or the peace of mind offered by auto-locking features, there is a smart lock that can meet your requirements.
Securing French Doors
French doors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they can also be a potential security risk if not properly secured. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to temporarily lock a French door from the outside, providing an added layer of protection for your home.
Here are three effective techniques:
Leveraging door handles
One simple way to secure French doors is by utilizing the existing door handles. Many French doors come with handles that have a locking mechanism built in. By turning the handle to the locked position, you can prevent the doors from being opened from the outside.
It’s important to ensure that the handles are securely locked, as some handles may not provide sufficient resistance against forced entry.
Using sliding bolts
Another effective method to temporarily secure French doors is by installing sliding bolts. Sliding bolts are metal rods that can be extended or retracted to lock or unlock the doors. These bolts are typically installed at the top and bottom of the inactive door, providing additional stability and preventing the doors from being forced open.
Sliding bolts are relatively easy to install and can be found at most hardware stores.
Installing temporary flush bolts
A more permanent solution for securing French doors is by installing temporary flush bolts. Flush bolts are mounted in the top and bottom edges of the inactive door, locking it securely into the door frame.
These bolts are designed to be easily installed and removed, making them an ideal choice for temporary security measures. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the appropriate tools for installation.
Remember, while these methods can provide a temporary solution to secure French doors from the outside, it’s always best to consult a professional locksmith or security expert for a more comprehensive assessment of your home’s security needs.
They can provide expert advice on the best security measures to implement, ensuring the safety of your home and loved ones.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of clever, easy ways to temporarily lock a door from the outside for short periods of time. The best solution for you depends on your door type, budget, and how long you need the lock to last.
Portable door locks, smart locks, and even simple household items like tape or wedges can securely lock a door for hours or days when needed. Just be sure to consider your own needs and home setup as you choose the temporary door lock that’s right for you.
