Buzz
A well-locked door is a formidable barrier against potential intruders. Locks function by sliding a bolt from the door into the door-frame, anchoring the door securely. To lock a door, mastering the art of sliding this bolt is key. If dealing with a door lacking a lock, improvisation can be effective, such as placing a chair under the doorknob to impede easy access.
Procedures
Utilizing a Chair to Secure a Door
Place a chair beneath the doorknob. This classic method, often depicted in movies, proves surprisingly effective. Note that its efficacy relies on the door opening inward.
- Caution: While effective, this technique isn't foolproof. A forceful attempt to open the door from outside might result in the chair breaking. It serves as a deterrent rather than an infallible security measure.
Choose a sturdy chair. Avoid using folding chairs. Position yourself inside the room with the door opening toward you. Slide the top of the chair's back under the doorknob, ensuring it fits snugly between the knob and the door. Keep the two front legs of the chair off the ground.
Position the chair as close to the door as possible. Angle the chair to exert pressure on the door, focusing just below the doorknob. This added pressure makes it significantly more challenging for an intruder to open the door easily.
Securing a Doorknob
Locate the keyhole. If your doorknob features a lock, you'll notice a jagged slit on the outward-facing knob. Look for a locking button on the inside part of the knob. Insert your key into the keyhole; it should fit perfectly, granting access to those with the correct key.
Ensure your key fits correctly. Insert the key into the keyhole of the outer doorknob. If it doesn't fit, try flipping it over. The jagged edges of the key should align with the lock's ridges, ensuring a secure fit. The more jagged the key, the tighter the security it provides.
Secure the door externally. Stand outside and close the door. Insert the key into the keyhole and turn it clockwise until it stops. If the door doesn't lock, try flipping the key upside down and retrying. To unlock from the outside, turn the key counterclockwise until the door releases. Remove the key.
Secure the door internally. Most internal locks don't require a key. Locate the push-lock or twist-lock button on the inner doorknob. For a push-lock, press the cylindrical button protruding from the knob. For a twist-lock, pinch the circular button's ridge and twist it clockwise. Check by turning the knob; it shouldn't unlock from the outside.
Confirm the door's lock status. Attempt to turn the knob and push the door. If it opens easily, the door isn't locked. If the knob rattles but doesn't turn, it's locked.
Securing a Deadbolt
Inspect for a deadbolt. Look for a circular metal piece above the doorknob, either on the outside resembling a keyhole or inside with a heavy, rotatable switch. A locked deadbolt prevents the door from opening, adding extra security. If your door lacks a deadbolt, it's not essential but enhances security.
Lock a deadbolt externally. If you possess a deadbolt key, utilize it. This key should differ from the one for the doorknob. Shut the door and stand outside. Insert the key into the deadbolt keyhole, turning it clockwise until fully locked. To unlock, turn the key counterclockwise.
Lock a deadbolt internally. No key is needed to lock from the inside. Find the twistable switch on the door's inner side. Turn it clockwise to engage the deadbolt. To unlock, turn the switch counterclockwise.
Contemplate deadbolt installation. Enhance security by installing a deadbolt if privacy is a concern. Assess the need for security versus the inconvenience of an extra key. Consider hiring a locksmith for proper installation.
Securing a PVCu or Composite Door
PVCu and Composite doors utilize multipoint locking systems. These systems secure the door into the frame at multiple points, enhancing security.
Shut the door firmly against the frame.
Lift the handle to activate the multipoint locking system.
Rotate the key or thumb turn in the cylinder to secure the lock.
Securing a Wooden Door
Wooden doors typically feature night latches and mortice deadlocks.
Shut the door firmly, ensuring it fits snugly into the frame. The night latch will automatically engage, securing the door in place.
Press the snib down on the night latch to disable the handle or latch, preventing operation from both inside and outside.
When locking from the outside with a compatible night latch, turn the key in the cylinder towards the latch frame to deadlock the lock.
Insert the appropriate key into the mortice deadlock and turn it towards the latch frame to deadlock the door.
