Most bedroom door locks have weak security that only locks from inside the room. If you want reliable security in your bedroom while you are away, you should learn how to lock a bedroom door from the outside.
Fortunately, there are nine effective ways to lock a door from the outside. From installing a padlock to using a deadbolt, you can find an option to suit your needs. However, you must learn how to use them properly for the best results.
As home security specialists, we have helped our readers secure their entry doors in all areas of their property. Keep reading to learn how to lock a bedroom door from the outside. We will provide both temporary and permanent options you can use for your circumstances.
When Should You Lock a Door From The Outside?
If you haven’t replaced the door knobs on your bedroom door, you likely have a traditional door option with a weak lock. These door knobs come with a small push lock you can activate inside the room.
When you live in a residence with multiple people, you should lock your bedroom door before leaving for the day. Standard bedroom locks are usually ineffective, so it’s best to upgrade them to a better option that protects against attempted break-ins.
With some effort, you can lock your bedroom door from the outside and unlock it when you return. The locking methods in this article range in cost, so choose which one suits your preferences.
9 Ways to Lock a Bedroom Door From The Outside
Add a High-Quality Padlock
One of the most straightforward ways to lock a bedroom door from the outside is with a standard padlock. This old-school option requires a hasp and padlock to secure your door from the outside.
However, it’s important to mention that there are more stylish choices. If you are not concerned with the appearance of your door lock, you can install a padlock in a few minutes. The installation involves screwing a hasp to the doorframe and the bedroom door.
Since the installation requires you to drill holes, this option may not be suitable if you rent a room. Most landlords don’t allow tenants to drill holes in the walls or doors without charging a fine for damages.
Overall, this option is simple and easy to implement into any property. As you leave for the day, you can attach the padlock to the hasp and secure it. Additionally, it would be best to choose a padlock that is challenging to pick for reliable protection.
Purchase a Doorknob Lock-Out Device
When all of the bedroom doors in a house have the same keyways, you can add a lock-out device to prevent unauthorized access. This device covers the outside of a standard twisting door knob on most bedroom doors.
Once you wrap the device around your door knob, you can lock it using the keyed lock on the side of it. Lock-out devices are an effective non-invasive option and won’t require permission from your landlord.
However, since this device must be attached every time, we recommend this for temporary use. Using this lock-out device for a long time can become an annoyance that causes you not to keep your door secure.
Depending on the product model, you may need a padlock to attach to the device. Unfortunately, this locking option does not work with lever-style door handles. You will need to find another solution if you have a lever door handle.
Click Here to View the Defender Series Lock-Out Device
Install a Keyed Door Knob
Generally, you should replace the standard door knob included on a bedroom door. These door locks are ineffective and easily breakable with a screwdriver. Upgrading your bedroom door to a keyed option is a good long-term way to secure your belongings.
When installing a keyed door knob, you can use the same hole drilled for your original door knob. Measure the diameter of the hole and choose a door knob option that fits securely in the door.
Follow these steps to install a new keyed door knob:
- Remove the existing door knob with a Phillips-head screwdriver
- Pull the door knobs apart and pull out the door latch
- Take off the lock’s strike plate on the door jamb
- Measure the center of the big hole to the edge
- Insert a new latch and steel peg into the door
- Align and push the door knobs together
- Screw in door knobs and attach screw plates
Many lock options are available, so you should pick one right for your needs. Along with improving the security of your bedroom, you can also boost the style of your bedroom door with a new door knob.
Barricade the Door
Barricading a door is a temporary solution to preventing someone from entering your bedroom. Whether you tie the door knob to a heavy object or pile furniture at the door, there are numerous ways to do it.
When paired with other techniques on this list, you can effectively lock a bedroom door from the outside. Along with standard barricading techniques, products on the market help fortify your door.
The Bearacade Lockdown Response system is designed for school applications but is effective for residential situations. You can deploy this barricade by sliding it under the door and securing it with a pin.
Once installed correctly, this barricade can handle up to 4,800 lbs of external force. If you want to keep your room safe and don’t have an effective lock, you can use this option to improve your security.
Install a Door Barricade Bar
A barricade door bar is one of the oldest locking methods. In previous ages, a piece of wood was placed and held by two supporting points on either side of the door. Today, a door barricade bar is constructed of solid steel and includes an integrated locking system.
Due to the large design, we recommend this barricade door bar only for high-security situations. The sturdy construction can withstand a lot of pressure if someone attempts to break into your bedroom.
If you are in serious circumstances where thefts happen, you can protect your belongings with this door barricade bar. Investing in this barricade will help protect your precious belongings from even the most dedicated intruders.
Add a Magnetic Door Lock
Magnetic door locks are a high-tech locking mechanism you can add to your door. When activated, the magnet creates a strong connection that keeps the door shut and prevents unauthorized access.
These locks automatically activate when the door closes, so you can easily lock from the outside. You can unlock the door with a key fob or finger scanner, depending on your activation preferences.
A magnetic lock is the most effective choice if you prefer not to have a keyed locking option. An electromagnetic lock can typically withstand 1,200 lbs of force and provides responsive unlocking features.
While electromagnetic locks are impressive, they can be quite complex to install for the inexperienced. If you have DIY skills or are willing to hire a professional, you can add a reliable lock to your bedroom door.
Buy a Keypad Lock Option
Keypad locks are a relatively new doorknob option with a responsive keypad to activate a set code. If you have a habit of losing keys, you can remember the passcode and always have access to your bedroom.
Keyless door knobs can be installed like a standard model but have many unique features included in them. Once installed, you can set the passcode or use the included key to open your bedroom door.
Follow these steps to install a new keypad door knob:
- Remove the existing door knob with a Phillips-head screwdriver
- Pull the door knobs apart and pull out the door latch
- Take off the lock’s strike plate on the door jamb
- Measure the center of the big hole to the edge
- Insert a new latch and steel peg into the door
- Align and push the door knobs together
- Screw in door knobs and attach screw plates
- Set the new passcode for your keypad
Install a Deadbolt Lock
When locking a standard bedroom door, the typical way is to press down on the button and close the door behind you. However, you can’t lock the bedroom door from the outside unless you have a deadbolt.
A deadbolt is usually on entry doors like the front and back door, but you can add it to the bedroom door. These lock options are standard in the home security industry and help to protect against lock-picking attempts.
If your door doesn’t have a deadbolt currently, you must drill a hole in the door at the correct height. Once installed, you can turn the key to activate the deadbolt when you leave your room for the day.
Additionally, you should ask permission to install a deadbolt if you rent your property. The installation can be time-consuming and requires a tool like a hole saw to create the space to insert the deadbolt.
Remove the Door Handle Entirely
Before you skip this option, we emphasize that this is the last option for your bedroom door. If you are in a situation where you do not want someone to enter your bedroom door, you should remove the handle on the outside.
To remove your door handle, you will need a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the door knob on the outside. Once you’ve unscrewed the screws, you can pull the door knob off it and put it somewhere inaccessible.
This method will make your life difficult if you want to do it daily. Purchasing a new doorknob is easier than disassembling and assembling it daily. However, if you are in a pinch, you can use this to prevent someone from accessing your belongings.
You can use this technique if your door knob breaks and you must purchase a new lock. Additionally, this method doesn’t work with every door knob model, so you should attempt it to see if it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want to lock a door from the outside that doesn’t have a lock, the best way is to barricade the door. When a lock isn’t an option, your only option is to barricade the door to slow down intruders. Additionally, you can remove the lock handle to prevent someone from gaining unauthorized access.
If you want to barricade a door that opens out, you should purchase a door barricade device. These door barricades can be placed on outward-opening doors and are set in place by two support points on both sides of the door. When someone attempts to force entry, they face a solid barricade on the other side.
You have several options when you want to lock your door from the inside but not the outside. The most popular option is installing a padlock and hasp on the interior of the desired door for this project. Additionally, you can buy a portable door lock that you can utilize to lock a door from inside your room.
Conclusion
Locking your bedroom door from the outside doesn’t have to be challenging with these nine methods. Whatever option you pick, you can expect to receive reliable security and keep your bedroom’s items safe.
The locking methods mentioned in this article should be combined with other security measures like security cameras. Additionally, you should not use these locking methods if your bedroom is a fire exit. It’s not legal to modify any fire escape on a property.
Do you have another way to lock a bedroom door from the outside? Let us know in the comments!