Quck answer
To prevent a door from being opened, you can take the following steps:
1. Use a door stopper: Place a door stopper at the bottom of the door to hold it in place and prevent it from being pushed open.
2. Install a door lock: Install a door lock, such as a deadbolt or chain lock, to secure the door and prevent unauthorized access.
3. Use a door wedge: Insert a door wedge at the bottom of the door to create a wedge-shaped barrier, making it difficult to open the door.
4. Reinforce the door frame: Strengthen the door frame with metal plates or longer screws to make it more resistant to forced entry.
5. Install a security system: Consider installing a security system that includes door sensors, which will trigger an alarm if the door is opened without authorization.
Remember, it’s important to prioritize safety and follow any local regulations or guidelines when securing doors.
If you find yourself on the side of a door that swings inward (the inside of the door), there are several ways to keep it closed when the door lock is not working or missing. On the other hand, if you are on the outside of the door, your options are slightly more limited, but there are still a few strategies you can employ. In either situation, you can usually accomplish the task using materials readily available around the house. However, if you are on the inside, you can also utilize commercial products that require no tools for installation and provide enhanced security.
Methods for the Interior of the Door
When you are situated inside a door, the simplest ways to prevent it from opening are to barricade it by placing a chair under the doorknob or by inserting a wedge between the door and the floor. A rubber wedge is the most effective, but you can also fashion a functional one from sturdy cardboard, eliminating the need to visit a store. However, neither of these options is secure enough to deter a determined intruder. For added security, consider the following methods:
- Utilize a portable door lock. Numerous models are available, ranging from inexpensive to fairly costly. To use one, open the door, attach a plate to the hole in the door strike, and then close the door and connect a second part that uses the door strike for leverage, preventing the door from opening.
- Utilize a security bar. An adjustable bar can be wedged against the doorknob, similar to a chair, and it can also be placed in the track of a sliding door. This is one of the most effective methods for securing sliding doors. If you do not have a security bar, a length of wood can serve the same purpose.
- Install a door barricade. This heavy-duty metal device is screwed to the floor in front of the door. It features a metal plate that rests against the door, preventing it from opening. This can be used for both single and double doors.
Methods for the Exterior of the Door
None of the methods mentioned above for keeping a door closed from the inside will be effective if you are on the opposite side. However, you still have some options to consider.
- One method is to use tape and a broom handle. Make sure the handle is long enough to reach across the door frame and secure it to the door handle with tape. The success of this method depends on the quality of the tape and how well it is secured. Duct tape is recommended, and using a large amount of it will make the door more secure.
- Another option is to use a rope. Tie one end of a rope to the door handle and the other end to a heavy object in the room, such as a bed, sofa, or refrigerator.
- You can also remove the handles. This is a relatively simple process. Unscrew the screws holding the doorknob together, remove both handles, and keep them on your side of the door. When you need to open the door, insert the handle with the tailpiece into the latch and open the door. Take the handle with you so you can open the door from the other side in the same way.
Install a Chain Latch or Barrel Bolt
If you don’t mind creating screw holes in the door and door frame, you can install a chain latch or barrel bolt on both sides of the door to prevent it from opening. To install a chain latch, attach one side of the latch to the door and the other side to the door frame. When attaching to the frame, use screws that are long enough to go through the door trim and penetrate into the wall framing.
If you choose a barrel bolt and you are on the inside of the door, attach the barrel to the door and the strike plate to the door frame. If you are on the inside of the door and cannot attach the strike plate to the door frame, drill a hole in the door jamb that is deep and wide enough for the bolt to be inserted fully.
