I need to lock my bedroom door, but I don’t want to drill into it. Any ideas on how I can do this? The handle is not a round knob, so I’m not sure what would work.
You could try a locking knob, or if you only need to lock it from the inside, maybe a door stopper could work.
Alexander said:
You could try a locking knob, or if you only need to lock it from the inside, maybe a door stopper could work.
I only need to lock it from the outside. I attached a picture to my post—do you think a locking knob would even work?
@Sara
You’d need to remove the current knob and replace it. A locking knob stops the latch from being pulled back when the knob is turned. If you’re renting, you might want to ask your landlord for a key-locking knob.
@Alexander
Thanks! I’ll check out locking knobs. I was worried they wouldn’t work because my handle doesn’t look like the usual round ones.
@Alexander
Are locking knobs available in different sizes? Or do they all fit the same way?
Sara said:
@Alexander
Are locking knobs available in different sizes? Or do they all fit the same way?
Not every knob is interchangeable. You’ll need to find one that matches the style of your current handle, but there’s usually a keyed version available.
Sara said:
@Alexander
Are locking knobs available in different sizes? Or do they all fit the same way?
You’ll need to measure the diameter of the hole for your current knob. Most are a standard size, but it’s good to double-check.
Luchivya said:
Check this out: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Prime-Line-Door-Knob-Lock-Out-Device-Diecast-Construction-Gray-Painted-Color-Keyed-Alike-S-4180/202639100?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&gQT=1
Would this fit the handle I posted? My door doesn’t have a round knob, it’s more of a long handle.
@Sara
No, that’s only for round knobs. You’d need to replace your handle and latch with a locking handle. For locking it from the outside, you’d want a keyed handle. The style you have might be more expensive since it looks like commercial hardware. If you want cheaper options, you’d need to re-drill the door for standard hardware.
If you want to avoid drilling, your options will be limited. You could get a locking knob and replace the screws with longer ones for added security. It won’t stop someone determined to kick the door in, but it’ll make it harder.
Check the hole size and see if you can get a privacy-style lock. Just keep in mind, these locks can sometimes trap kids inside. I’ve had to deal with locked kids in rentals—it’s not fun.
Are you sure it’s not one of those handles where you lift it to lock? Those are the worst.
Look up videos on how to change door knobs and how locks work. It’ll give you a better idea of what you need.