There are tons of reasons for wanting to lock your doors. How do you do so without a lock though? Maybe your roommate has kids and you need to lock your bedroom door to keep them out. Perhaps you don’t have a lock and can’t install one on the door. Do not fret. Here are some of the best ways to lock your door without a lock for privacy purposes.

Portable Locks Are an Option

Locksmith of San Mateo, a locksmith in San Mateo, recommends looking into purchasing a portable lock. This allows for the door to have a lock that can be removed with causing any damage or making any changes to the door that a landlord would not want. Not all doors take portable locks, but some do. A portable lock can be added at any time.

The great thing about portable locks is that they can be used anywhere the door is accessible. As noted above, some doors are not compatible with the portable locking system. A lot of people who travel like to add a portable lock to the door for extra security and peace of mind.

To install a portable lock, simply follow the instructions that are included. The portable lock should come with an instruction pamphlet.

Make a Barricade

Another way to lock a door without a lock is to set up a barricade. This will only work if the barricade is set up in a way that the door will swing into the barricade. It does not matter if the door is an inside door or an exterior door. Barricades work well at locking a door and they are generally great at being able to withstand strong forces.

Here is how to set up a barricade to lock a door without a lock:

• Choose a heavy object. The heavier the object, the more likely it is that the barricade will hold up. Some examples are heavy dressers, chairs that are durable, and heavy headboards with beds.
• Set up the barricade in a way that the door will not open. For instance, a chair can be placed under the door knob and positioned in a way that the door will become locked.

Door Wedges Can Work in a Pinch

The very thing that was made to keep a door open can actually be used to keep a door shut and create a makeshift lock. Door wedges, also known as door jams, can easily be used to lock a door. The great thing about using a door wedge or door jam is that it does not take up any space at all.

Here is how to use a door jamb as a lock:

• Purchase a door jam and a hammer if you do not have one.
• Close the door completely.
• Wedge the door jam in the top corner of the door. (Make sure that the door wedge is placed on the top of the door along the side of the door that opens, not the side with the door hinges.)
• Tap the door wedge in place until secure. A test try can be done to make sure that the door wedge will securely lock the door.

More information on where to find door wedges can be found at Grainger.

When All Else Fails, Use a Sock

This may be the least though of lock for locking a door, and it is not meant to replace an actual lock. However, if you are in desperate need of a quick lock and have a sock around, then you can securely lock a door. This method is not recommended for long-term use because it can mess up the hinges on the door. Doing it once or twice should not cause damage though.

Here is how to use a sock to lock a door:

• Get a sock, the thicker or longer the better. Ankle socks may not be really useful, but if they are thicker it may work.
• Open the door slightly.
• Fold the sock to make a wedge.
• Take the sock and put it along the side of the door at the top where it opens or closes. Then push the door closed. Be careful of pinching your fingers in the door.

Once the above is done, the door can be tested to ensure that it is locked tightly. For the most part this will keep the door jammed shut. If anything, it can notify you that someone is trying to enter. A couple of tries should get it right. To unlock, simply pull on the door and the sock at the same time.