Want to know how to lock a door without a lock? Make a DIY door lock using a fork. After making the makeshift door lock, insert the prongs in the latch slot then keep the door closed. Place the handle into the prong to secure the lockless door.
Not all doors have a home security system, so portable locks are needed. It is not impossible to secure a door without a lock, whether it is for single doors, double doors, inward opening doors, or inswing doors. Know the ways to lock a door without a lock.
Table of Contents
What You Need
In order to lock a door with no lock, there are materials that you are required to have. There won’t be too much fuss since you may find them in your toolbox. Rubber band, a sturdy chair, and office chair can also be options for a door wedge, door bull, door stop, door barricade, door jam or security bar, but we will be using a fork.
Fork
You need a metal fork as a door lock that will suit any kind of door such as inward opening door and outward opening door. A dinner fork can also work as a lock for an interior door, front door, bathroom door or toilet door. Choose a fork that will fit into the latch hole.
Ideally, the prongs must be at least two inches long so that they will fit perfectly. Also, the handle must be thin enough so it can be easily slid between the prongs. Such a feature is ideal for door hinges. It will serve as the locking mechanism to prevent leaving the door open.
Vise & Face Shield/Goggles
Since you will be using a metal fork, it is advisable to use a metalwork vise, also known as engineer’s vise. It helps in holding metal pieces to make cutting and bending easier. However, make sure that the vise you will use has a bench or firm support so that it can function properly.
As you use the vise, wear a face shield or goggles to protect your eyes, especially when you are striking the metal with a power tool. Also, check if the vise has any cracks or damages. Look for another vise if it is damaged.
Hammer
A large hammer is required for bending the fork. Since you will be dealing with metalwork, the ideal hammer that will fit this kind of material is a ball-peen hammer. This type of hammer is used for bending a metal piece that is clamped in a bench vise. When it comes to metal fabrication, it is ideal in forming the material.
If you don’t have a ball-peen hammer, you can also use a rubber hammer as an alternative. Compared to other hammers with metal heads, the rubber hammer delivers a lower impact that prevents leaving impact marks. Aside from that, it suits shaping metal. This is also the tool that is commonly used for shaping jewelry and other crafts.
Metal Saw
If you want to finish the cutting process fast, you can use a circular saw. By using the right blade, a circular saw works great in cutting metals. You can use the inexpensive steel-tooth blades for this portable door lock. Also, you can choose from a corded or a cordless one.
However, if you don’t have a circular saw, you can also use the traditional hacksaw. When choosing a hacksaw, make sure that it has a sturdy frame and the tensioner is easily adjustable. You need to select the right size of teeth per inch (TPI), which will depend on the metal that you will cut. You can use a blade that has 14 to 18 TPI.
Marker
If you don’t like the mark to vanish easily and quickly, you can use a steel writer pen for portable locks. This kind of pen is designed as a writing material for non-porous metal surfaces. Also, it is used for marking metals that are about to be cut. You can use a damp cloth if you want to get rid of the markings.
You can also use an oil-based paint marker. Some are permanent but others can be removed by using water, detergent, or soap. You can also choose different colors; however, these colors may look dim or bright, depending on the type of metal where you will apply them. It is handy for DIY projects like creating portable door locks.
How to Lock a Door without a Lock
Step 1: Make a line to the latch hole and mark the prongs.
First, you need to make a portable lock using a metal fork. Insert the fork into the hole of the latch present in any standard door, then measure how deep the fork goes. You will find it near the door handle for a double door.
Using a steel writer pen or oil-based paint marker, draw a line on the prongs to help you turn the fork into a portable lock. This will serve as a guide for the latch hole’s depth as you proceed to the next procedures.
Step 2: Position the prongs inside the vise.
As a safety measure, you have to position the fork at a right angle as you place it inside the vise. Insert it until you reach the line you have made earlier. Also, make sure that the vise is tight enough so that you can do the bending easily and perfectly.
Step 3: Bend the prongs of the fork
By using a ball-peen or rubber hammer, swing it to the fork until the prongs are bent 90 degrees. If the vise is tight enough, you won’t encounter any problem. But if you notice that the fork moves as you swing, tighten the vise again then repeat the step until you come up with the desired result.
Step 4: Cut the handle of the fork using a metal saw
Now, you can cut the handle of the fork by using your circular saw or hacksaw. After you cut the handle, check if it fits between the prongs. If not, you can file the fork so that the handle will fit. The handle will serve as your security lock for the door, so make sure that it fits perfectly so that you won’t have to encounter any problems in the future.
Step 5: Put the DIY lock into the latch
For the final step, hold the door handle to keep the door open then insert the prongs into the slot of the latch located near the strike plate and door frame. After you are done, you can now keep the door shut.
Place the handle of the fork between the middle prong until it is tight enough that it cannot fit any longer. Check if your temporary door lock works properly by closing and opening it using the door handle.
Conclusion
Are you satisfied after learning how to lock a door without a lock? You can lock door without lock for your own door. You can create your travelers security lock for bathroom doors or have additional security for sliding doors or lock double doors since this method is useful for most doors.
If you have tips for creating door jammers, door barricades, security bars and door wedges, leave a comment below. Also, you can share this post with your loved ones so they will learn how to make completely portable DIY locks for a door as a temporary solution.
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