PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.
Run a Free PC Scan →Free scan · Windows 10 & 11
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
You can add a temporary barrier, warning device, or emergency barricade to a door that has no working lock—but none is a full substitute for correctly fitted hardware. The right choice depends on whether you are in temporary accommodation, securing a home, or responding to immediate danger. Keep every escape route quickly usable from inside, and use heavy furniture against a door only in the specific emergency where leaving is unsafe.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Choose the right kind of solution first
A missing lock in a hostel, hotel, rental or spare room calls for a removable device that fits the door. A permanent home-security problem calls for a stronger door, frame and lock assembly rather than improvised objects. An active threat is different again: leave if you can do so safely; if you cannot, secure and barricade the room while following emergency instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Additional security door lock】 Our travel door lock is upgraded with better performance and durability. Made of heavy-duty stainless steel with the anti-rust features, sturdy and thicker than other similar door locks. Ensure more security to your room and prevent unauthorized entry with lock door from inside. Make sure the gab between door and frame bigger than 3mm.
- 【Portable door locks】Portable hotel door jammer is compact and portable, small enough to carry in pocket or handbag, very suitable safety door lock for travel. It's small but will perfectly hold your door shut firmly. gives you a lot of peace of mind when you are home alone or traveling. Prevent the sudden Come of strangers. Door security lock for self-defense, add a sense of security, peace of mind sleeping. A must-have for security on vacation.
- 【Easy to install】 Portable lock installs in seconds without any tools required. No need to nail or screw into anything, just put the metal part of the door security device goes into the hole on the door jam then close the door, and press the button into the lock in place.
- 【Fits Open Inwards Door】 When you are traveling or living alone, door security locks will help you keep hotel safety. You need only lock the door from inside with this portable door lock in the hotel. Portable lock for door works in hotels, motels, apartments, homes, short term rental, bathrooms, bedrooms and can lock most types of doors sturdily.
- 【Free 6 months】Pocket door lock is the second protection for home security, bring you better safety and privacy. You will also enjoy our professional return and exchange warranty from the day you receive the door security lock. We are confident that you will find it is essential for your home.
These 12 options include physical barriers, alerts and practical actions. Several improve security without actually locking the door. Check the door’s swing, frame, clearance and fire-safety role before using any device.
12 ways to secure a door without a working lock
1. Use a purpose-built portable travel door lock
A portable door lock is the most direct fit for temporary accommodation. The Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner describes these devices for hostels, bed-and-breakfasts, emergency temporary accommodation, sofa-surfing and unsafe housing. They are removable and can add a barrier where you cannot alter the property.
Read the exact device instructions before relying on it. Confirm that the door edge, strike plate, frame and locking arrangement match the device, and test that you can release it immediately from inside. A portable lock is supplementary protection, not proof that the door can resist a determined attack. The available guidance does not provide independent testing or a resistance rating for every model.
2. Check the door swing and clearance before fitting anything
Fit is a security decision, not a minor detail. Determine whether the door opens toward you or away from you, whether the hinges are visible, how the latch engages, and how much space exists below and beside the door. A device designed for an inward-opening door may be ineffective on an outward-opening one.
Open and close the door slowly after installation. Confirm that the barrier bears against a solid part of the frame rather than trim, glass or a loose panel. Keep the release method beside the bed or occupant, not hidden in luggage. This check does not create a lock by itself; it prevents you from trusting a device that cannot engage correctly.
3. Add a door wedge when the gap is small and the exit remains clear
A wedge is inexpensive and quick to remove, but it is not a guaranteed substitute for a lock. The Leicestershire PCC resource cautions that wedge-type devices can be less reliable when the gap beneath the door is large. Measure the gap rather than assuming a wedge will grip it.
Rank #2
- CHECK YOUR DOOR BEFORE ORDERING: Blocklock is designed for compatible inward-opening hinged doors with sufficient space around the strike plate. It does not fit every hotel, apartment, or residential door and is not intended for outward-opening, sliding, or double doors. Review the compatibility image and measurements before purchasing
- ENHANCED SECURITY ANYWHERE: Protect yourself with this portable door safety locks from inside, designed for travelers, renters, and anyone seeking enhanced privacy. These compact locks provide reliable safety for homes, apartments, and shared spaces
- QUICK AND TOOL-FREE SETUP: Installation and removal are quick and easy, requiring no tools. Just insert the metal piece into the slot of the door lock, close the door and secure the handle groove to the stud on the metal sheet. Even in emergency situations or the dark, the lock can be installed within seconds
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: This extra door lock from inside is made from high-quality stainless steel. Guard Dog Security door stopper device is built to withstand force, ensuring reliable protection against intruders. The steel surface is electroplated and polished for a smooth touch, minimizing the risk of injury
- VERSATILE USE: Our apartment door security lock is perfect for renters, students, travelers, and more. It works great in dormitories, apartments, short-term rentals, Airbnbs, and private rooms. Please note that it may not be compatible with all hotel doors. It can even help prevent pets from going out or children from opening doors to strangers
Use a wedge only on a door where it will not obstruct a required escape route. Test it with gentle pressure while you are inside, and stop using it if the door, floor or frame flexes. Never wedge a fire or escape door shut in a way that prevents rapid opening.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →4. Use a doorstop alarm for early warning
A doorstop alarm combines a wedge-like form with an audible alert when the door moves. It can tell an occupant that someone is pushing the door, but an alarm is an alerting device—not a tested lock or a guaranteed physical barrier. Treat the sound as time to move, call for help or leave, not as evidence that entry is impossible.
Place it where the door can still be opened from inside without a key. Check the battery and test the alarm before sleeping. A loud alarm may disturb neighbors or be unsuitable in shared accommodation, so consider the setting.
5. Ask the accommodation provider to repair the lock
For a hotel, hostel, rental or temporary room, report the missing or unreliable lock immediately. Ask for a repair that restores normal operation and request confirmation that the replacement hardware is suitable for that door. This is a practical safety request; the sources do not establish a universal legal entitlement to a particular lock or room.
Until the repair is complete, use only a removable measure that leaves the occupant able to exit quickly. Photographing the defect and keeping the provider’s response can help document the problem, but documentation does not replace a functioning lock.
6. Request a different room when repair cannot happen promptly
A room change can be safer than improvising with furniture or a device that does not fit. Ask for a room with a working latch and lock, and check it yourself before moving belongings. In emergency temporary accommodation, tell the provider if the door gap, frame damage or door swing makes a portable device unsuitable.
Rank #3
- [Bar for Security] If you are concerned that your windows and doors aren't sturdy enough or you feel it is unsafe when travelling alone, AceMining's door jammer security bar will offer you a complete peace of mind with only one easy-to-use but distinctive lever which is also easy to install.
- [2-in-1 Door & Sliding Door Security Bar] Use our adjustable door security bar to deter burglars from breaking into your house, apartment, or even hotel room. The length of the door barricade security bar can be adjusted from 21 to 46inch, and the full product weighs only 2.2 pounds, making it easy to carry during travel or store at home.
- [Easy to Use] The AceMining door brace security bar is very simple to use, has a three-stage structure, and can be quickly deployed. This allows you to quickly strengthen your defense. However, while using it, you must be careful to ensure that there are no gaps between the rubber foot and the ground.
- [Versatile and Enhanced Design] The lock bar is equipped with enhanced high-strength alloy connections to extend the service life. It also features thickened 1.57inch pipe diameter design, high-quality material upgrades and plastic components made of high-strength fiberglass material making it stable and sturdy. Since the security bar on an AceMining door stopper can endure 400 pounds of force, an invader would have to be as strong as a heavyweight boxer to open the door.
- [Customer Service] AceMining provides 20 months customer services. If you run across any issues or face any problem with the sliding door lock, please get in touch with us. Bring extra security for your loved one’s home without delay.
Do not assume that a different room automatically meets every fire or security requirement. Verify that the door closes fully, the latch engages and the inside release works without a key.
7. Install a door security bar or barricade bar for a suitable apartment door
Police.uk says door bars can greatly reinforce a doorframe against forced entry. Indiana Department of Homeland Security guidance suggests considering a barricade bar in an apartment where permanent improvements are not possible. These products transfer force into the floor or frame and are intended for a more substantial barrier than a small wedge.
Check whether the bar is approved for your door construction and floor surface. A bar that prevents rapid exit is inappropriate on an occupied escape route. In a rented property, obtain permission before drilling or making permanent changes, and do not install a device that compromises a fire door.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
8. Fit a lock guard to protect the existing lock area
A lock guard is a metal protective fitting around the keyhole and lock. Police.uk describes it as protection against tampering. It does not create a locking mechanism where none exists, but it can reduce attacks aimed at an otherwise serviceable lock and surrounding door material.
Use a correctly sized product and have it installed so the door still closes, latches and releases normally. A qualified locksmith can check the frame, strike plate and cylinder together rather than treating the guard as a stand-alone fix.
9. Choose security-accredited replacement hardware
If the lock is broken, missing or repeatedly failing, replace the hardware instead of building a permanent workaround. Police.uk recommends security-accredited products when fitting a new door. Ask a qualified locksmith which accreditation and grade apply in your jurisdiction and door type.
Rank #4
- Addalock The Original Travel Door Lock: A home and travel must-have, this interior door lock instantly adds security to any space and works on most inward-swinging hinged doors regardless if the door bolt/latch fits in the designated opening
- Easy To Install: This door lock security device installs in seconds - no tools required - and instantly adds safety, security, and privacy to any space; Use it as a front door lock, hotel door lock, dorm or bedroom door lock, or child safety lock
- On-The-Go Safety: A travel essential for women and men, this portable door security device easily fits into your bag; Install this door reinforcement lock to enjoy extra security and privacy while away at an AirBnB, hotel, or other short-term rental
- Authentic Addalock: The original travel safety door lock, Addalock features a metal body engraved with the Addalock logo and comes in a red Addalock pouch; Don't settle for imitation door hardware & locks, choose the original door reinforcement lock
- 20 Years of Experience: The creators of the original Addalock and Burglabar, Rishon Enterprises Inc. is dedicated to promoting safety, security, and privacy; Protect your spaces, whether at home or away, with our safety locks for doors
Replacement work should account for the frame, hinges, strike plate, cylinder, door material and any glazing. A stronger cylinder fitted to a weak frame may leave the overall assembly vulnerable. Keep the inside release quick and key-free where fire rules require it.
10. Reinforce and maintain the installed door and frame
Security depends on the whole assembly. Keep hinges, screws, strike plates and the frame in sound condition; repair splitting timber, looseness and misalignment. A door that does not close fully cannot be made dependable by adding a secondary gadget.
In larger flats, Police.uk advises building managers to understand fire-safety requirements before changing front doors. Do not cut, wedge, drill or replace a fire door casually. Have a competent professional assess any alteration so smoke, fire resistance and self-closing functions are not reduced.
11. Add a bell, chime or other noisemaker as an alert
Indiana Department of Homeland Security guidance suggests a bell, chime or other noisemaking item to provide early warning that someone has arrived. This is useful when you need notice of movement, but it does not stop entry.
Place the device where normal door movement triggers it and test it at different times of day. A simple bell on the handle, a chime on the frame or another noisemaker may suit different doors, but none should be described as a lock or forced-entry protection.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match12. In an immediate active-shooter emergency, barricade with heavy furniture
NYC Emergency Management gives scenario-specific advice: leave if you can do so safely; if you cannot, move out of the shooter’s view, secure the room if possible and block the door with heavy objects such as desks, tables or file cabinets. Follow emergency responders’ instructions.
Best Value
- Security and Privacy - This pink portable door lock provides you with extra security and privacy, safety locks for doors greatly improving your security and preventing unauthorized entry, so the door can't be opened from the outside, door lock security, not even with a key; door security bar is a great helper for you when you are on business and travel, or live alone. It is also a personal safety device for women.
- Easy to Use - Easy to install or remove, this hotel lock can be installed in seconds without any tools, locks for doors bring apartment security, even in emergency situations and in the dark. Just insert the metal piece into the slot of the door lock, close the door, and then put the pink handle groove to the stud on the metal sheet, then no one can open the door from outside.
- High Quality Material - The door security device is made of strong stainless steel.The sliding glass door lock, rugged ABS plastic cover to prevent damage to doors under pressure. Door stopper steel surfaces with electroplating and polishing technology ensure a smooth touch and minimize any injury to your skin. These strong door stoppers security bar with high quality may guarantee prolonged service life. This lock pick set that provides self defense for women.
- Widely Used - The security door stopper contains two holes of different sizes to ensure that all types of door locks are matched. This sliding door lock perfect for hotels, dormitories, apartments, short-term rentals, Airbnbs, bathrooms, bedrooms, or private rooms. The door buddy may also be applied to avoid pets going out, and also to prevent from opening their doors to strangers.
- Compact Design and Tailored Customer Service - This door chain lock's size 4.3 x 1.26 x 0.4 inches with 0.78inch (2 cm) and 1.2inch (3 cm) holes, lightweight and small, you can put the door lock latch in a pocket or handbag. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by email immediately.
This is an emergency barricade, not a routine home-security technique. Use it only when remaining hidden and delaying entry is safer than attempting to leave. Keep away from the door and windows, silence devices, and do not allow ordinary furniture placement to create a daily fire-escape hazard.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How the options compare
| Option | Temporary or permanent | Physical barrier or alert | Main fit or safety issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable travel lock | Temporary, removable | Physical barrier | Must match the door and release quickly from inside |
| Wedge | Temporary | Physical barrier | Large floor gaps can reduce reliability; never obstruct required escape |
| Doorstop alarm | Temporary | Alert, with limited blocking action | Battery and sound must be tested; not a proven lock |
| Repair or room change | Practical accommodation action | Restores normal security | Ask the provider; no universal entitlement is established here |
| Security or barricade bar | Usually semi-permanent | Physical barrier | Check door, floor and escape-route compatibility |
| Lock guard | Permanent fitting | Protects existing lock area | Does not replace a missing lock |
| Accredited replacement hardware | Permanent | Physical security | Use a qualified installer and applicable local standards |
| Door and frame maintenance | Permanent upkeep | Improves the existing assembly | Fire-door alterations require specialist care |
| Bell, chime or noisemaker | Temporary or permanent | Alert only | Provides warning, not resistance to entry |
| Emergency furniture barricade | Immediate emergency only | Physical obstruction | Use only when escape is unsafe; follow responders |
Fit and release checklist
- Identify whether the door opens inward or outward and where its hinges and latch engage.
- Measure the bottom gap and inspect the frame, floor and door material before choosing a wedge or bar.
- Confirm that any portable device is installed exactly as its instructions specify.
- Open the door from inside after fitting; the release must be immediate and must not require a key where escape rules prohibit one.
- Do not rely on a device that bears against loose trim, glass or a damaged frame.
- Remove temporary equipment before it becomes an unattended obstruction on an escape route.
Fire and escape safety comes first
UK government fire-safety guidance for sleeping accommodation states that “Exit doors on escape routes and final exit doors should normally open in the direction of travel, and be quickly and easily openable without the need for a key.” The same guidance warns: “Any device that impedes people making good their escape, either by being unnecessarily complicated to manipulate or not being readily openable, will not be acceptable.”
Local law and the exact requirements vary by country, building type and occupancy. The practical rule is universal: never install or position a barrier that traps occupants, delays a child or visitor, or defeats a required fire door. Ask the landlord, building manager, fire-safety professional or locksmith when the door is part of a shared escape route.
What these methods cannot guarantee
No source considered here tests or ranks all 12 approaches, and improvised objects do not have a standardized resistance rating. A portable lock, wedge or bar may fail if the door, frame, floor or clearance is unsuitable. An alarm or chime may warn you without slowing an intruder. Furniture can delay entry in a particular emergency but can also create a dangerous obstruction at other times.
For continuing home security, restore a proper lock and sound door assembly. For temporary accommodation, combine a compatible removable device with a prompt repair or room change. For immediate violence, prioritize escape when safe and use emergency barricading only when leaving is not safe.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
