Best door latches & bolts according to redditors

We found 99 Reddit comments discussing the best door latches & bolts. We ranked the 58 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.

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Top Reddit comments about Door Latches & Bolts:

u/tomygun3 · 173 pointsr/pics

Someone was inside the room or someone locked it then went out through a window. Chances are this photo was not taken by the OP or his story is made up.

Edit: Apparently it is like this. It must be a bitch to lock when you leave.

u/krileon · 49 pointsr/LetsNotMeet

You need to get a door security bar. Even if they manage to get the door unlocked that's not going to let them get the door open without a hell of a lot of noise and effort. Most importantly though it buys you a lot more time. I live in a really nice part of town, but I always have that on my door after 5PM. You could also get 2 so if they make it in you can use it on an interior door to buy more time until police arrive. You should be able to find them at Walmart for cheap as well.

u/novicebuttmice · 28 pointsr/AskNYC

install your own lock on the door, you don't need some asswipe lazy super to do it for you. also invest in a security camera system please

edit: jimmy-proof deadbolt or if you can't or don't want to modify the door, install one (or actually two, one on top and one on bottom) of these

You should also look into security alarms for your windows and doors, something like one of these. Or if you go through with the security system, you can get sensors that will let you know when doors are opened/closed.

People are psychopaths and can do really horrible things. People are also lazy (like your super or 311) and will only do as little as required. No one in this city will care about your security and well-being as much as you.

u/her_nibs · 14 pointsr/ottawa

You can get a chain lock that has a key lock in it, that you can lock and unlock from either side of the door. It's not a replacement for a deadbolt or anything, but it will give shifty landlords a moment's pause, at least. A product I would not have known about if not for the slumlords at CLV!

Do go to the landlord-tenant board -- they are pleasant to deal with and generally effective. You can also try bylaw services -- "By-law provisions concerning zoning, business licences, and the maintenance and upkeep of existing buildings, including rental properties, are the responsibility of the City’s By-law Services Branch Community and Protection Services Department." It sounds like the place is run-down enough that it'd arouse their interests.

u/sabowski · 14 pointsr/pics

I don't know what exactly is going in this situation, but this exists

u/lux_nox_ez · 11 pointsr/legaladvice

You can get door chains that can be locked/unlocked from outside the door,

https://www.amazon.com/National-Hardware-Keyed-Chain-Brass/dp/B000CRFWEU

u/NeverEnoughCorgis · 11 pointsr/Parenting

I think while you wait to see a professional you should better secure your doors to keep your child safe. My 2yr is experimenting with our locks now that he is tall enough so we bought a chain that has a key. My husband's childhood home had one attached to the top of the front door because the previous owner had a runner so that's where we put ours. No way my son can reach and if I leave it locked my husband can just use the key to get in.

u/gothicpretzel · 11 pointsr/Parenting

My best suggestion is to install a sliding lock near the tops of the doors that lead outside. When you're home and he's awake, keep the top lock closed. Since it's at an adult height, he won't be able to get at it, and since you're awake, you can open the door if your brothers come back.

I'd also suggest that you stress to your son that it's important to ask for permission to go outside, and to have an adult with him. You mentioned that he loves to copy his uncles. Maybe you could ask your brothers to start "asking" you if it's okay for them to go outside? If he sees them asking, he may start to copy the behavior.

u/Gedi_knt2 · 9 pointsr/asktransgender

Sorry, it sounds like she might be a pain, but hopefully she comes around.

In the meantime this or this might be what you need.

:hugs: good luck

u/ikilledtupac · 7 pointsr/HomeImprovement

that's some old thing i wouldn't even use it

Remember too that locks are just delays, if someone wants through the door, they will get through eventually. So you gotta think about what will give you reasonable time to escape the situation.

I prefer the "swing bar" locks like hotels use. like this

For a few reasons. One, no chain, means it can't be slid aside with a coat hanger. Two, they are loud as fuck if somebody tries to open the door it will make a loud bang and wake you up. Three, no lock cylinder = cannot be picked. Four, it buys you at least a minute against an intruder, which gives you time to run out the other way, or, break every finger on their hand. There's a reason hotels use them!

You can also put longer screws in the hinges for added strength.

u/bicch · 6 pointsr/TropicalWeather

At our old house we used plywood. My neighbor showed me a really easy way to do this with some prep work beforehand but you only have to do it once. Cut each sheet of plywood exactly to the dimensions of the window you are placing it over and label each. Attach 4 (or more for large windows) eyebolts to each corner of the plywood, then drill holes in the concrete/brick/stucko where the eyebolt lines up when put in place. When a storm comes, you just have to put the plywood in place and latch the eyebolts. We went through 4 storms (biggest was a cat 4) and never had an issue. Super quick to put up and take down, although not as quick as accordian/electric.

u/Ducman69 · 5 pointsr/CCW

Sorry, forgot the technical term. I have these on my doors. There are other styles that attach to your floor. Inexpensive, and in testing seems to add considerable reinforcement to the door, and cannot be lock picked (but for obvious reasons are primarily intended for when you are home).

u/canarchist · 5 pointsr/whatisthisthing

A common variation on the standard chain security device.

Keyed Chain Door Lock
https://www.amazon.com/National-Hardware-Keyed-Chain-Brass/dp/B000CRFWEU

Normally it would be mounted so that the key isn't needed to unlatch it from inside. The one you picture just has the key lock part mounted outside the door trim and that affects the reach of the chain. It's questionable if you could even open the door enough to reach in with the key in that position.

u/mtux96 · 4 pointsr/daddit

These might work as well if he can access the track where the doors slide on.

But, kids can be pretty strong. I had to screw these chains on some of my cabinets because those plastic ones get broken a couple seconds after I install them.

u/brannana · 3 pointsr/DIY

How locked is "lockable"? How much force will be applied along the direction of the track when it's locked?

If you can drill holes in the track, one of these should work for you. Depending on the stability of the arch, you might want one on each leg to maintain perpendicular alignment.

u/ClashThrone · 3 pointsr/CasualConversation

This is the latch that I have and I’m not sure if there is a way around it. I have looked on google with no luck

u/Mrbeansspacecat · 3 pointsr/badroommates

This is another variation of that lock that I have used on every apartment I've lived in. The advantage over the addalock is you can lock it when you leave the house. It's simple to install and looks like a regular chain lock. In my state Landlords are supposed to give 24 hours notice before entering your apartment and we all know they don't always follow the law. This keeps everyone honest and if say there is an emergency, I am sure a big strong guy can bust the door down from the outside if necessary.

https://www.amazon.com/Defender-Security-11093-Diecast-Nickel/dp/B01AY0JPT2/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_60_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=EQ34PGMTBJTSK99YY7KF

u/Cheech47 · 3 pointsr/pools

That would do it for me as well. If they can't respect the fact that it's not their pool, then they are free to spend the time, money, and effort to make their own.

At this point, spending a bit of cash for legal advice isn't a bad idea. Definitely document the fact that she's persona non grata at the pool (and make her sign said document), and discuss with the lawyer in detail how you can be covered both legally and financially if/when the kids find their way back in the pool anyway. A camera might not be a terrible idea as well.

As far as locks go, there's a few options:

First I'm seeing of this, but it doesn't seem too bad: https://www.amazon.com/Combi-Bolt-CB2000-BLK-4-Dial-Combination-Sliding/dp/B000I66TTW

I've seen this used around, it's a good compromise between keyless entry and higher security, plus since there's no batteries there's no worries about water entry short-circuiting something:
https://www.amazon.com/All-Weather-Mechanical-Keyless-Deadbolt-Door/dp/B005KG6A0I

u/leadacid44 · 2 pointsr/DIY

If you're worried about it being open when it shouldn't, and if there is nothing on the outside to allow it to open, and it isn't a door that has to be able to be opened from the inside, you could always add an extra internal deadbolt or lock hasp. Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/National-Hardware-Zinc-Plated-Safety/dp/B000BQKW4M

If the door is considered a fire exit though, I wouldn't recommend that then, for obvious reasons. I also agree, its unlikely that it is your cat opening it, those things usually need a healthy amount of pressure to open. Also based on your other comments, it sounds like it is unlikely that the door is moving and being unlatched on its own. One thing you could check is that not the door itself is firmly attached, but that the strike in the door frame is also firmly attached. If that is moving around, it is possible to move enough that it would pop open. Are you sure nobody else in your home isn't legitimately using it and you just don't know?

u/masked · 2 pointsr/autism

I too had this issue. My son is now 12, and his bolting has stopped. Hope your daughter's does too. The cheapest and easiest is a keyed chain

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000CRFWEU/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

Place them high. The advantage is with the key someone who is outside can open the door if they have the key.

u/Phosphosideritelover · 2 pointsr/JUSTNOFAMILY

Something like this but smaller and more discrete.

Belwith Products 1840 Lock Swing Privacy, Polished Brass https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PINS0Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_NcFYCbNZ44TRY


Home Security Door Lock with 8 Screws, Childproof Door Reinforcement Lock with 3" Stop Withstand 800 lbs for Inward Swinging Door,Upgrade Night Lock to Defend Your Home
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DR9CMGZ/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_u7EYCbH0PHAGC

u/wmass · 2 pointsr/HomeImprovement

Keep the old mortise locks. If you want to add security and the ability to lock and unlock from the outside, add a Yale lock. This is a type, not necessarily a brand. Se this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yale-Traditional-Nightlatch-Enamelled-Cylinder/dp/B0009WA040?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

u/VenerableGeek · 2 pointsr/woodworking

Something like this?

u/collinwho · 2 pointsr/HomeImprovement
  1. Drill small pilot holes in your board.
  2. Tape board to the wall where you intend to mount it. Be very careful to make sure you are getting it where you want it.
  3. Use pilot holes in board to mark holes in drywall for anchors.
  4. Remove board from wall.
  5. Use proper sized bit to drill holes for your anchors centered on the pilot holes you've already drilled.
  6. Install anchors in wall.
  7. Screw through small pilot holes on board into anchors on the wall.
  8. ???
  9. Profit.

    Regarding the type of anchor to use, I believe molly bolts are supposed to be among the strongest options.
u/neverneverland1032 · 2 pointsr/offmychest

Get a sliding bolt lock for the inside of your door. Tell her that disrupting your sleep is causing you to do poorly in school or work or both.

u/kinser655 · 2 pointsr/Locksmith

1PCS Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Swing Bar Lock as Secondary Door Lock Security Latch Guard Clasp for Home Hotel Office Solid Stainless Steel Catch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DN8TBVF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EViCDbCQVQHAN


No cheap chain to stretch/break with this one. Combine with some sex bolts on the door side and the longest screws you can use into the framework on wall side

u/Kromulent · 2 pointsr/knives

Yes, the loose screw is likely the problem.

I'm assuming your wall is made of 'drywall', which is in turn attached to wooden studs. Ideally, both screws would go into the studs and be very secure.

Hopefully, the distance between the screws is equal to the distance between the studs in your wall. If that's the case, it's possible you were maybe half an inch to the right or left of center, just enough so that one of the screws got into the edge of a stud, but the other one just missed. If that's the case, remounting it a little to one side will likely fix it nicely. It should still cover the old holes.

If that's not the case, then the best fix would be to replace the loose screw with a heavy drywall anchor, like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-10533-4-Inch-50-Pack/dp/B00QR2L7UC/ref=pd_sim_60_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4SSJ0K5SVP77XW3ZAGJV

These go into the hole in the drywall, and when the are tightened, the section inside the wall expands and pulls tight against the inner surface.

Do not be discouraged - this is the hallowed path of the DIY person. Every single time we do something new, it goes wrong, and we learn something new. This is absolutely normal and typical, indeed nearly unavoidable. Usually by the third time we do it, we get it right.

Those that are cool with this become masters. Every new project is like a little classroom.

u/usernamenotknown · 1 pointr/CCW

Lime this?


What if additional locks are not allowed?

u/skye_cloud · 1 pointr/HomeImprovement

Something like https://www.amazon.com/Patlock-Security-French-Doors-Conservatories/dp/B00K1YCAV2 should work. A cheap solution would be to ziptie the handles together.

u/fattsmann · 1 pointr/Portland

My house had 1 successful break in/burglary and 1 attempted break in. Some thoughts from my experiences:

  1. Both happened when I wasn't home. Talking to the cops and doing research online, this is the typical MO for burglars -- they want to strike when you are not home.
  2. For the attempted break-in, the person attempted to pick my front door locks. Both my deadbolt and door handle lock are Schlage, which is generally regarded as the minimum brand you can buy to have bump/pick resistant locks.
  3. For the full break-in, the burglars went to my backyard and kicked in my old wooden back door. They completely shattered the frame as I had deadbolts on the backdoor, but the door frame was extremely old (probably brittle 100 year old wood). They were definitely casing my house because they targeted the day that my alarm system was delivered. They also stole the alarm system in the delivered box!

    What I did afterwards:

  4. Set up my alarm system immediately. Put a copy of the PPB Alarm Certificate in the front window.
  5. Replaced back door frame with a steel door frame. Replaced back door with a steel door. Installed dead bolts, etc. in the new door.
  6. Installed 3" Door Defender locks on my front door and back door ( https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L4PMJ6Y/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_1n.yDb3KDJWFZ )
  7. Installed Ring Doorbell 2 on my front porch with a separate motion-sensing light.
  8. Put generic alarm system signs and stickers (because I don't want to let anyone know which system I have exactly) around the highly visible areas and back door
u/MadcapTangent · 1 pointr/TheGirlSurvivalGuide

Defender Security U 11093 Keyed Diecast Chain Door Guard, 3-1/4", Satin Nickel Finish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AY0JPT2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_80vQBb6REBTWK

u/rstoy999 · 1 pointr/vandwellers

Homend 2 Pack Metal Lock Barrel Bolt Spring Loaded Locking Latch 6.5" Long w/Grip Heavy Duty for Gate Shed Door Tailgate Trailer Garage (2 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V42G34R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ciEHDbNH7F761

You can use these and hide behind/under the front of the table/drawer. Would work at multiple stops, just drill a hole. (I grabbed a 6.5” picture but they make shatter/smaller ones).

u/Snowstorm-3 · 1 pointr/Advice

Do a basic latch like this one. You said yourself you live in the ghetto. What's the big deal if you put a few screws in the door.

u/emmys2013 · 1 pointr/HomeImprovement

Have you talked to your landlord? Could you just ask him to replace the doorknob to a keyed one? How about adding a keyed hasp lock?
If you want to lock the door from inside the room, you can get a simple latch lock on the inside of the door.
Also there’s a combination bolt lock if you or you landlord is worried about lost keys. In any case ask your landlord for permission though.

u/iainonline · 1 pointr/homesecurity

We got burgled through our patio doors. They will most likely force them rather than break the window as that creates a lot of noise. If they are pvc construction as ours are, the entire door can be pulled apart with a crow bar. We fitted this since and whilst it won't stop anyone determined, it should make their life a bit harder. Plus very easy to remove from the inside incase of fire etc.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Patlock-Instant-French-Conservatory-Security/dp/B00K1YCAV2/ref=asc_df_B00K1YCAV2/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=207961523712&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11561725077458951192&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046493&hvtargid=pla-348814773339&psc=1

u/404funnotfound · 1 pointr/badroommates

I would buy some of these and call it a day

National Hardware N151-555 V834 Barrel Bolt in Zinc plated https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000CBIEA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_oK8XBbBGDJPCV

u/Target359 · 1 pointr/whatisthisthing

Contact the police.

I believe those are sign of attempted or successful forced entry with a pry bar. There is a small paint nick on what I assume is part of the door handle plate, where someone may have attempted to insert a pry bar, but the space between the door frame and lock plate was too narrow to insert the pry bar directly next to the door handle. The paint scratches bellow look like a person tried to knock a pry bar between the door and door frame, with the intent on sliding the pry bar up to the latch/lock point, but the space between the door and door frame was too narrow to slide the pry bar up to the door latch/lock. Multiple pry bars may have been attempted to be used at once. pry the door open a little, and put the next pry bar closer to the lock, and repeat the process until the pry bar is next to the door latch.

Then, with some less secure doors, the door's small 2 inch by 3 inch strike plate is secured with two 1" wood screws secured by 1 inch of 2x4, which is very easy to split and break with little effort. You seem to have an exterior metal security door that is pre-mounted to a full metal door frame that deters attempted burglary.

This is the mandatory part for other people reading this, whom have a wood framed entry door.

Reinforce your door frame with a larger strike plate!

Even if your door is solid wood, and there are no windows within 5 ft of the door, also replace the standard door hinges with security stud hinges which will prevent the door from being pushed off after removing the hing pin while the door is closed.

Use a raised lip threshold plate with a metal lip, not rubber or wood or plastic. This is to prevent a burglar from inserting a long wire hangar under the door gap, and catching the door latch.

Use this lock in a specific way. If you have a door handle on the inside like a handle lever attach the part with the ball on the end above the door handle touching near the end of the handle. This way the door handle cant be activated by catching a looped string dropped from above the door, and pulling the handle up. If the interior door handle is a round knob, attach the ball ended part of this touching the bottom of the door knob, and the swinging part of this above the knob so it drops onto the knob. This will make using a rubber tube to turn the knob from the outside much more difficult and time consuming.

Nothing is 100% secure. But time, effort, luck, and noise required to bypass a security lock system can deter a criminal. Also motion lighting. Lots of motion lighting.

u/Chizep · 1 pointr/fixit

I had this issue with a few interior doors in my house due to the house settling and shifting seasonally. I found these and they worked great!
GATOR Door Latch Restorer -... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07857ZB4B?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

u/throwawayfreddie99 · 1 pointr/AmItheAsshole

NTA - time to invest in a portable lock. I have this one - works well.


AmazonBasics, White, 27.5-Inch Adjustable Security Bar, 1-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PJTWJCH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GZOUDbABSQ48Q

u/FaytheReyn · 1 pointr/Parenting

I've had something like this happen, when my son was the same age. :) My mom had come out to visit, so we were shooting the breeze. I went to the bathroom and she went to fold laundry, and my son disappeared.

Enter Mom and Grandma in panic mode. We looked outside, we checked the cabinets, and all the rooms, and he wasn't anywhere.

Just as I was about to call the cops, my mom suggests the garage. "But he can't even reach the door knob!" I said. Well, I was wrong. He was happily playing in the garage, giggling the whole time. I cried and laughed, and started locking that door (with one of these since they were 5 feet up). :)

I think this happens to everyone at least once. :)

u/[deleted] · 1 pointr/pics
u/SierraHotel058 · 1 pointr/DIY

I would keep it simple and install a lockable hasp.

u/Kwazimoto169 · 0 pointsr/gifs

I used to "pick" the lock to the laundry door of my old house with a screwdriver and a pair of needle-nose pliers. The screwdriver was to remove the faceplate, and the needle-nose pliers was to grip the key and turn it. (This was a very old lock.)

My sister's friend locked herself out of her house, and knowing I could do this, she called me to help out. I went around, did my screwdriver & pliers trick, but found her door wouldn't open. Turns out she also had a sliding bolt lock on the other side.

I got her to turn the door handle and hold it in the "open" position, then I kicked the door, and the tiny screws that were holding the sliding bolt's bracket to the doorjamb just popped right out.

u/grinr · 0 pointsr/pics

$2 and your problem is solved. No need for weird note-writing.

u/also_SFW · 0 pointsr/pics

Dude, I feel your pain - privacy is important. I had a similar problem once and I found an interesting solution. There's this piece of technology you can buy on the internet that keeps your door closed. Check it out! The interesting part is it's so cheap! One lock is just $1.72 but a Two-pack costs $9.86! What a deal!
http://www.amazon.com/National-Hardware-Plated-Barrel-Bolts/dp/B0000CBIEA/ref=sr_1_2?s=hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1426794509&sr=1-2&keywords=door+lock