Hey everyone! I'm looking to add a lock to my bedroom door that currently doesn't have one. I want a lock that can be locked from the inside. Here are a few things I'm curious about:
1. Do I need to cut a hole in the door for this to happen?
2. Are there locks available that won't require me to cut into the door?
3. I'm on a really tight budget, so I'd prefer a DIY solution instead of hiring a handyman.
Just to clarify, I'm not in any danger or anything; I just need to keep people from walking in unannounced. Thanks so much for your help!
3 Answers
As long as your door is modern and has a big hole where the knob goes, swapping should be easy. A privacy knob works well for bedrooms, but keep in mind they can be unlocked with a slim object from outside. Higher-security options like outdoor knobs can be overkill for a bedroom if you're worried about kids accidentally locking themselves in.
You could also easily add a door chain or a hotel-style security latch. These don't typically require major changes to the door structure, so they might be perfect for your needs!
Interesting! Would I need to cut into the door to install either of those?
If your door already has a knob, you might just be able to replace it with a new one that has a lock. It’s usually a straightforward swap, especially if your knob fits snugly with a typical round hole.
That's definitely the quickest route! If you can't find a matching knob, you could consider a slide lock, but just remember it might not look as nice.
I see, that could work! My current handle has a screw-on square attachment. Is there a way to add a lock to the existing handle, or is that too tricky?
Yeah, I just need something basic. I’m not worried that much about someone trying to break in; I just want to avoid surprise visits from others.