I recently found myself locked out of my rental house because I accidentally engaged the push-to-lock feature on my front door's knob. Usually, I use a keypad deadbolt for security, but I noticed that the door knob also locks when pushed in from the inside. I left through the garage but returned without my car or the garage door opener, leaving me stuck outside. What's the point of having a knob like this at the front entrance? I thought these types of knobs were better suited for bathrooms. It feels like a safety hazard, considering it can lock unintentionally with a gentle push when closing the door.
3 Answers
Check if there's a keyhole on the outside of your knob. Some push-to-lock knobs have that feature for emergencies. You can even get a plastic emergency key that fits in your wallet. If you find the lock too flimsy, consider hiding a spare key in a clever spot like a fake rock outside.
It sounds like you need a long, narrow tool to unlock that knob if it gets stuck. It seems like what you have is specifically a privacy knob, which is more suited for bathrooms. I can see how having that at the entry might not make much sense.
It sounds like what you have is a standard locking knob, but its design might not be the best for an entry door. Some folks use these knobs in conjunction with a deadbolt for added security, but the push-to-lock feature can definitely cause issues like the one you experienced. It's usually common for interior doors, rather than main entrances where you want something more secure.