Have you ever tried to lock a door that opens out, only to find it challenging? It’s common for people to run into this problem with residential and commercial doors alike.
It is essential to know how to secure an outward-opening door for safety and security reasons properly. In this guide, we will go over how to lock a door that opens out.
Not having the right technique can quickly turn into a time-consuming task or, worse – an unusable door. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could easily know how to accomplish this seemingly difficult feat? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll teach you the correct way of locking an outward-opening entrance so that when faced with these types of situations again, your patience and security will remain the same.
What Will You Need?
To lock an outward-opening door, you will need a few essential items. Please make sure to have the following before proceeding:
- The door itself
- A functioning locking mechanism (e.g., deadbolt or latch)
- A key (if applicable)
If you have all these items at hand, then let’s move on to the next steps.
10 Easy Steps on How to Lock a Door That Opens Out
Step 1: Inspect the Door
The first step in securing an outward-opening door is to inspect it thoroughly. Check the door frame, the door itself, and the locking mechanism. Ensure that the door can close properly without any hindrances and that the latch or deadbolt is functional. If there are any issues with these components, they need to be repaired or replaced before proceeding.
Step 2: Ensure the Door is Fully Closed
Once you have inspected the door and its locking mechanism, the next step is to make sure the door is fully closed. This might seem obvious, but an improperly closed door will not lock correctly. Push or pull the door until it is in the door frame completely. You should hear the latch click into place. Verify that the door will not open without turning the knob or lever before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Engage the Locking Mechanism
With the door properly closed, it is now time to engage the locking mechanism. If your door uses a knob or lever with a built-in lock, turn the lock on the knob or lever to the locked position. If it’s a deadbolt, slide the deadbolt into the locked position. Typically, this involves turning a thumb turn or using a key, depending on your specific lock. Ensure that the deadbolt or latch is fully extended into the door frame. This is the primary way to secure a door that opens out.
Step 4: Confirm the Door is Locked
The final step in securing an outward-opening door is to confirm the door is indeed locked. To do this, attempt to open the door without disengaging the lock. If the door does not open, congratulations! You have successfully locked an outward-opening door. However, if the door opens, repeat the previous steps, ensuring each is carried out correctly.
Step 5: Additional Security Measures
For added security, especially in a commercial setting or if your outward opening door is exterior, consider installing an additional security device like a security bar or a door jamb reinforcement kit. These devices make it even more difficult for the door to be opened from the outside by force. A security bar is placed between the door handle and the floor, providing an extra layer of defense, whereas a door jamb reinforcement kit strengthens the door frame itself. Please follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions for these additional security devices.
Step 6: Regular Maintenance
To ensure the longevity of your lock and door, perform regular maintenance. This could include lubricating the lock mechanism with graphite or a specific lock lubricant, tightening screws on the door and frame that may have loosened over time, and regularly inspecting the door and frame for signs of wear and tear. Regular maintenance can help prevent lock failures and extend the lifespan of your door hardware, offering you continued security.
Step 7: Professional Assistance
If you have followed all the steps above, and you’re still facing issues with locking your outward-opening door, it may be time to call a professional locksmith. They have specialized tools and experience to diagnose and solve complicated door and lock problems, ensuring your door is secure. Describe your issue in detail to get the most effective assistance.
Step 8: Choose High-Quality Locks
When it comes to security, the quality of the lock is paramount. Not all locks are created equal; some may offer little to no resistance to forced entry attempts. Therefore, for your outward-opening door, investing in high-quality locks from reputable manufacturers is highly recommended. Deadbolts are generally more secure than spring latch locks. Moreover, look for locks with an ANSI Grade 1 or 2 rating for the best security. Consider electronic or smart locks for their convenience and enhanced security features.
Step 9: Mindful of Key Control
Key control is one of the most critical aspects of securing an outward-opening door. It’s essential always to know where your keys are. Losing control of your keys can compromise the security of your door and property. If your keys get lost, changing your locks as soon as possible is advisable. Additionally, do not give your keys to untrustworthy individuals or leave them in easily accessible places. For better control, consider keyless entry systems such as electronic or smart locks, which can be controlled remotely and allow you to change access codes when necessary.
Step 10: Regularly Test the Lock
The final step in securing an outward-opening door is regularly testing the lock. Testing the lock ensures that it works as expected and can help identify any potential issues before they become major problems. To test your lock, simply lock and unlock the door several times, paying attention to any unusual resistance or noises that could indicate a problem. If the lock is not working as smoothly as it should be, or if you suspect there might be an issue, seek the assistance of a professional locksmith.
By following these steps and being mindful of key control and regular maintenance, you can ensure your outward-opening door is always securely locked. Remember always to prioritize the security of your property, and do not hesitate to seek professional assistance when needed.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use Visual Indicators: It can often be hard to remember if you’ve locked your door. Consider using locks with visual indicators clearly showing whether the door is locked.
- Re-keying vs Changing Your Locks: If you lose your keys or move into a new property, you might only need to change your locks partially. Many locksmiths offer re-keying services, which change the internal configuration of the existing lock so the old key no longer works.
- Use Light to Deter Intruders: A well-lit exterior can deter potential intruders from attempting to break into your property. Consider installing motion-activated lighting around your outward-opening doors.
- Consider Lock Grades: Not all locks are created equally. When purchasing a lock, pay attention to its grade. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grades locks on their durability and security, with Grade 1 locks being the most secure.
- Don’t Neglect Your Door: A lock is only as strong as the door and frame it’s installed in. Ensure your door and door frame are in good condition, and consider upgrading to a solid-core or metal door if you have a hollow-core door.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can further enhance the security of your outward-opening door.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Using Cheap or Low-Quality Locks: Quality matters when it comes to the security of your outward-opening door. Avoid using cheap, low-grade locks, as they are easy to tamper with and provide less security.
- Avoid Ignoring Regular Maintenance: Locks, like any other mechanical device, need regular maintenance to function optimally. Avoid ignoring regular maintenance checks, as this can lead to wear and tear and eventual lock failure.
- Avoid Hiding Keys Outside: While it might seem convenient, hiding your keys outside your property is a security risk. Thieves are skilled at finding such hiding spots. Instead, trust a reliable neighbor or family member with an extra set.
- Avoid Overlooking the Importance of Professional Services: Many people try to install or repair locks themselves to save costs. However, incorrect installation can compromise the security of the lock. Avoid overlooking the importance of professional locksmiths.
- Avoid Using Single Lock Systems: Relying solely on one lock can make your door vulnerable to forced entry. Avoid this risk by installing an additional deadbolt or a secondary security device.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can enhance the security of your outward-opening door and protect your property effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to lock a door that opens out is an important first line of defense against potential intruders. Investing in a good-quality door jamb reinforcement and deadbolt lockset should be your top priority.
And don’t forget to double-check your locks before you settle in for the night: it can give you added peace of mind when you know your home is secure. Even if locking outward swinging doors isn’t high on your priority list right now, you never know when this skill may come in handy. Whether it’s applied knowledge or just peace of mind, being educated about the steps to take can greatly increase your security.
So take action today and transform your home into a safe space by learning to lock a door that opens out!
