I live with a person with lock anxiety, and I'm looking for a DIY solution. I already have an alarm system that beeps if a certain door is closed, but how can I also make sure it's completely locked?
The key word is "completely". The door already has a deadlatch and a dummy knob on the outside, so it already locks people out. However, there's a little knob that locks the inner handle in place and prevents jimmying. Since it doesn't automatically engage, it elicits frequent checking and rechecking.
I've considered some possible solutions:
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Just remove the little knob to take away the uncertainty. That comes close, but I would prefer to be able to state that the door has been made more secure in case they ask for details.
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Use an electronic deadbolt with timer functionality. This seems needlessly complex and expensive, and requires batteries.
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Screw on a gate latch or similar. These are too flimsy and only meant for holding a gate closed, not to lock a door.
To clarify: making sure the door is closed is a non-problem due to the alarm. Door closers and spring hinges don't matter. The door also does not need to allow slamming it shut: it's fine if you have to push/press/hold/twist something to close it.
Is there such a thing as regular deadbolt but that engages automatically via a spring for example? So that you have to twist it back to close the door, but when the door is closed, it's 100% engaged?
Best Answer
Talk to a competent lock dealer and ask about a storeroom lock-set.
This is intended for secure office store-rooms, where there would never be a reason to leave the door unlocked. From the inside, the handle always allows egress. From the outside, the door cannot be opened without a key, period. There is not push or twist button to make the door stay unlocked.