Lock for hollow core door

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81987533#Comment_81987533

They are good in terms of minimum alteration to the door and least visually intrusive, but to operate the bolt usually means giving the key several full turns. As an occasional thing that isn't a problem, but if the lock needs to be used multiple times a day it can be a PITB. Also even the stubby version of the key is quite bulky and inconvenient on a key ring or in a pocket.

The other thing is the bolt can only be operated by key from one side at a time - there's no thumbturn on the inside so without a key (or without the ability to use a key if you have one) it would be possible to get locked in to the room.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81987331#Comment_81987331

How did you get a kettle bell inside the room?! 😶

Anyhoo, if you are not too fussed about the style of handle - if any satin chrome round knob will do - then there are bound to be versions with a central key lock. I know I've seen them.

On the assumption your kids will at some point 'grow up', you'd only have to fit this other handle for a couple of years or so.

That is the 'best' solution in my view, as it doesn't require any more drilling or mortising.

A cunning method - with some major reservations - could be to fit a doorstop like this - and add a string going up over the door and just showing at the top on the outside. But, lawdie, if you lose the end of the string…

ChilliBob

That's a fascinating idea! The kettle bell, I pushed it into the room before shutting the door then put my arm round and pulled it close. 18kg, so only one child could push against it, alas, not such a bright idea.

Latest revision post lunch with my wife (kids at nursery of school).. Seems as predicted, she's not keen on a lock, despite being keen before...

Main door - I have a tapo door sensor, so I know when it's opened or closed. Seems I can make the tapo hub sound alarm if it's breached, but I can use a smart button hidden somewhere to bypass this myself - well that's the theory. It may act as a deterrent, I suspect not, but it might be amusing.

Large cupboard - I may use the bolt method above for this cupboard. Essentially it's the same problem to solve as it's an identical setup - just a cupboard not a room

I also have a few old vinyl record flight case type things, which I may lock stuff in if needs be.

molerat

Should be a simple job to swap that out for a lockable door knob - key in the middle of the knob - available at the DIY sheds for around £20, depends on how important it is to keep that particular style of knob. Just need the relevant measurements - many of those available cover the usual measurements in one pack.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81987705#Comment_81987705

A key with its own keyslot can seem a chore, but a key slot in the middle of that handle can surely not be?

Still strikes me as the best option.

The actual key could surely be secreted somewhere close by, out of sight?

MyRealNameToo

A lockable door knob seems the simplest option but it will depend on how much you want it to match the other doorhandles plus if they make your model with a lock option. If you dont care about it matching it's a cheap purchase and easy diy job to replace the existing with it.

In our bedroom doors someone added a 3 leaver mortis lock for some reason, more effort to fit, low visibility other than a small keyhole plate. Possibly fractionally more secure but not going to stop anyone who's percistant. Ours only came with a key for one of them so the other hasn't been used since we moved in.

Personally wouldnt go for the deadlocks that can only be unlocked from the outside (in your case), they have universal keys so you know at some point someone is going to think its funny to lock them from the outside when someone is inside. They could easily pick up or borrow a key from elsewhere.

In principle the same could happen with a mortis lock if they left the key in partially turned but as its a unique key it will be more effort for them to get the key to play the prank.

WIAWSNB

Temporary measure, until your kids and wife start to listen to you…

https://www.manomano.co.uk/p/43cm-black-bath-handle-stainless-steel-handrail-wall-mounted-towel-rack-non-slip-handle-toilet-handle-85233293

moneysaver1978

Probably the easiest minimalist solution is to fit a separate lock underneath - something like https://www.hiatt-hardware.com/euro-locking-deadbolt-thumb-set-satin-nickel

And when the kids are grown up, you could take it off and fill it in.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81989998#Comment_81989998

Tsk, you missed the post right before yours... ;-)

Adding a second lock is not particularly 'easy', and filling the hole in afterwards absolutely fraught with hassle.

ChilliBob

Yeah, I think filling the hole, especially in pretend wood grain doors, is a bit of an art!

For now I'm going down the "smart" route with Tapo for the main door and possible something more robust for the cupboard.

And meantime, anything especially tempting/dangerous/important I've stashed into a locked flight case for vinyl records!

Need to do something though, walked in this morning to find my fountain pen under my chair wheel and a pad scribbled on! Arrgh! I suppose at least my chair wasn't drawn on (yet!)