How can I make a door lockable without any drilling etc

Doublespresso

I want to make a bedroom door loackbale with a key or similar, but don't want to drill or have to make any modifications to the door or frame.

Is this possible? are there any gadgets around that allow you to do this?

Thanks!

macman

Sliding surface bolt is probably easiest, you still need to do minor modification to the door though, to mount the catch. This will give privacy, but is not 'secure'.
If you want greater security you could fit a surface mounted keylock like a Yale, but this requires some drilling etc.
Any lock is going to require you to put fixings into the door and frame, even if only small screws.

Locknut

Doublespresso wrote: »

I want to make a bedroom door loackbale with a key or similar, but don't want to drill or have to make any modifications to the door or frame.

Is this possible? are there any gadgets around that allow you to do this?

Thanks!

No I cant think of anything the idea of something being locked means the lock being secured to the door and frame.

SailorSam

If you mean you want to secure it from the inside while you are in the room, the easiest way would be to put a wedge beneath the door.

Doublespresso

I was thinking of something similar to the principle of a steering wheel lock (whereby the steering wheel is jammed and locked onto the gear knob with a lock), I was hoping there was a gadget that can jam the handle so that it cannot be moved unless unlocked with a key...

Hmm.. any more ideas?

macman

Are you trying to make it lockable with a key from outside, or just secure it when you are inside?

sickparrot

Doublespresso wrote: »

I was thinking of something similar to the principle of a steering wheel lock (whereby the steering wheel is jammed and locked onto the gear knob with a lock), I was hoping there was a gadget that can jam the handle so that it cannot be moved unless unlocked with a key...

Hmm.. any more ideas?

Jam a chair under it, that's how they do it in films:D

tadpoleuk

If you need to lock the door from inside you could use a travel lock, these where designed to lock yourself into hotel rooms. The kind we used to sell went into the latch hole on the frame then you slide a catch down against the door, a bit like a garden tie and it will secure the door without drilling.

I had a quick google and there is a modern version.

So search for travel lock or keyless lock.

http://www.c-p-p.co.uk/product/asp/ProdID/2340/CtgID/2338/af/page.htm

http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/Howsar_Temporary_Door_Lock.html

If you want to lock the door from outside with a key that will be trickier. They used to sell them but I havnt seen one for a long time.

There was a device that fitted into a keyhole of a locking handle, but that would only stop you unlocking it, it wouldnt secure the door to the frame. I would google temporary locks.

I have seen locks that you can lock from outside with a key. I think they sold them in that innovations booklet that came with the sunday newspapers, they wouldnt be strong, but would be useful for keeping kids out of each others bedrooms. If it was forced it would mark the door or frame though.

You could always "no more nails" a hasp and staple on and use a padlock, it would take the paint off when removed but you wouldnt need to drill it. Would look ghastly though

If you have an old fashioned locksmiths nearby go in and explain what you need. They may have something covered in dust out the back . . .

socks_uk

Doublespresso wrote: »

I want to make a bedroom door loackbale with a key or similar, but don't want to drill or have to make any modifications to the door or frame.

Is this possible? are there any gadgets around that allow you to do this?

Thanks!

I'm guessing... but probably guessed wrong... that you are in a rented room in a shared house, maybe even one for students and need to keep others out or you are still living at home with annoying siblings or nosey parents, and just want some privicy. If so, have you thought about asking the landlord or your parents if they mind if you fit a proper lock. They might not actually mind. If I'm wrong, or you have already asked, then ignore this message. -x-

Just remember about means of escape should there be a fire or some other emergency.

Doublespresso

tadpoleuk wrote: »

If you need to lock the door from inside you could use a travel lock, these where designed to lock yourself into hotel rooms. The kind we used to sell went into the latch hole on the frame then you slide a catch down against the door, a bit like a garden tie and it will secure the door without drilling.

I had a quick google and there is a modern version.

So search for travel lock or keyless lock.

http://www.c-p-p.co.uk/product/asp/ProdID/2340/CtgID/2338/af/page.htm

http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/Howsar_Temporary_Door_Lock.html

If you want to lock the door from outside with a key that will be trickier. They used to sell them but I havnt seen one for a long time.

There was a device that fitted into a keyhole of a locking handle, but that would only stop you unlocking it, it wouldnt secure the door to the frame. I would google temporary locks.

I have seen locks that you can lock from outside with a key. I think they sold them in that innovations booklet that came with the sunday newspapers, they wouldnt be strong, but would be useful for keeping kids out of each others bedrooms. If it was forced it would mark the door or frame though.

You could always "no more nails" a hasp and staple on and use a padlock, it would take the paint off when removed but you wouldnt need to drill it. Would look ghastly though

If you have an old fashioned locksmiths nearby go in and explain what you need. They may have something covered in dust out the back . . .

Thanks for the excellent post, I was hoping to be able to lock the door from the outside and have a key to allow access.
It doesnt have to be "thief proof" but sufficiently secure to keep away nosey flat sharers.

thanks!

AdrianW2

You could always fashion some kind of arrangement with a toggle that goes inside the frame, a short length of thin cord (dyneema if you want small and strong) passing between the frame and the door and a padlock.

If you're feeling adventurous, make a mold and lay up some glass fibre.