How to Lock a Door with a Sock? – 3 Simple Steps

Moving into a new home or office can be challenging, since you might have a door without a lock or no key to keep your property secure. In this case, there are temporary alternatives, like using socks to keep a door locked.

You might be wondering how to lock a door with a sock, since it might seem like an unreliable solution. However, by following the steps listed below, it will be easier for you to stop a door from opening using this simple item.

Steps to Lock a Door With a Sock

Socks give you a DIY door lock from inside the house. Aside from just moving into a new house or office, sometimes our old locks break, adding to the reasons why we need to have a temporary lock.

Here are the steps on how to make a homemade door lock using a sock:

What to Prepare

Step 1: Find a sock.

Carefully consider what sock type you’re going to use. As mentioned earlier, the best sock type to use as a door wedge is a thick one. If your first option is to use thin, formal socks, then reconsider and use thick fabric instead.

Step 2: Fold it.

Fold the sock and carefully fashion it similar to a door wedge. You must remember that the overall structure of this item must be sturdy, so it won’t be dislodged when nudged.

The best thing to do is to take the end of the sock, fold it toward the sock’s opening, and keep on doing it until you form a sturdy wedge. However, you need to leave a small piece of the sock hanging, since that piece will help you remove the wedge later on.

Step 3: Use the sock as a lock or wedge.

Take the sock and slide it below the door. You can also add another sock wedge on top of the door frame for extra security or use only one sock in either place.

Slowly close your door. As you’re closing your door, push your wedge or wedges so that they will be lodged tightly between the door and the wall or floor. You can also use thin tools such as rulers or flathead screwdrivers to push the socks even further.

Note:

This step-by-step instruction works for both inward and outward doors. No matter how your door closes, you’re guaranteed to have a portable door lock if you follow these steps.

Pros and Cons of Locking a Door With a Sock

While using a sock as a door lock might be an effective solution, keep in mind that this method should just serve as a temporary fix. While there might be many pros to using this method, there are also just as many cons.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of locking a door with a sock:

Alternatives to Locking Your Door With a Sock  

If you fancy yourself a DIYer, you can find just about anything and turn it into something else. While socks are an effective substitute for door wedges, you can use other household items as your DIY security measure.

Here are some other ways to lock a door when you don’t want to use socks:

1. Make a DIY doorstop

With some cutting tools and a small piece of wood, you can create a DIY doorstop. Take your small piece of lumber and cut it at a sloping angle, and you’re good to go. You’ll be able to lock a door from the inside by inserting this doorstop under your entryway.

2. Barricade your door with a chair

Chairs aren’t just good for sitting; they can also double as a DIY locking mechanism for your bedroom door or primary door. By lodging your chair at an angle under the doorknob, it will serve as a heavy obstacle and prevent anyone from entering.

3. Insert a fork into the door latch 

Forks serve as one of the lesser-known door hacks, but one that is actually pretty creative and ingenious. By taking a fork and bending its prongs at a 45-degree angle, you can insert the prongs into the door frame and allow them to cling to the door latch.

To hold the prongs in place, sever the handle from the utensil and place it horizontally between the tines, supported by the doorknob.

Read more: Ways to jam a door lock.

4. Block your doors with furniture

While using furniture as blocking tools for your door might seem primitive, it still gets the job done. If you don’t have any available tools at your disposal, you can try using this method. However, be prepared for the physical toll required if you choose to go with this option.

5. Use a belt to tie down door knobs or hinges

Depending on what type of door you’re working with, you can try using a belt to tie down the doorknob. In case you’re using a door with a hinge on top, similar to doors in commercial establishments, you can tie your belt there.

6. Detach the doorknob

Consider detaching the doorknobs as a last-ditch effort to prevent anyone from entering your room. If you choose this method, you need to unscrew the doorknob to completely remove it.

However, this solution is only temporary and might even require you to use other tools to help you lock your door.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to lock a door with a sock, it will give you the confidence to try out different household items to protect your home. Finding yourself in a situation where no security option is available can be stressful, but a simple sock on doorknob will do the trick.

By following the instructions or trying the alternatives discussed above, you will never have to worry about running out of locking materials again.

Justin Williams

I am the last member to join Revolar and might be just the luckiest to work with dedicated people like Teddy and John. Our team has established a process where my only job is writing the best content to deliver incredible ideas and guides.