Do you need to enter a push bar door without a key? With so much of our lives becoming increasingly digital, it’s easy to forget the low-tech ways of tackling everyday problems.
Have you ever had an experience where you’ve been locked out and with no key available in sight? It can be unnerving if you don’t know how to open a push bar door without access to the keylock mechanism. Well, worry not – there are some straightforward steps that anyone can do in order to gain access past these types of doors.
Through this blog post, we’ll provide comprehensive instructions on how to lock a push bar door without key once and for all!
What Will You Need?
Before we get into the specifics of how to lock a push bar door without key, let’s take a look at all the items you will need for this task:
- Flathead Screwdriver
- Drill and drill bits
- Tape Measure
- Hammer
With these simple tools, you’ll be able to make your way through any kind of push bar door without too much hassle.
10 Easy Steps on How to Lock a Push Bar Door Without Key
Step 1. Preparing the Door
Before you begin your lock installation, make sure to inspect the door itself – luckily, most push bar doors are built similarly. You’ll want to locate a few important features of the door so that you know what type of lockset is required and where it should be installed.
Ensure you have identified the location of the latch, handle, and strike plate. The latch is a small metal piece that sticks out from the door to help keep it shut when closed. The handle and strike plate are two parts of the locking mechanism – they will need to be removed in order for installation to take place.
Step 2. Measuring Up
Now that you have identified the necessary components of the door, you’ll need to measure the inside and outside edges of the frame. This will help you determine what size lock you need for installation.
Using a tape measure, note down the height and width dimensions of both sides of the door frame. Double-check your measurements, as a misread could lead to an improper fitting lock.
Step 3. Prepping the Lock Set for Installation
Once you have the correct measurements, it’s time to prepare your lockset for installation. If you’ve purchased a new lock, remove it from its packaging and confirm that all of its components are in working order.
If you’re using an old lock, thoroughly inspect it and make sure that all of its components are in good condition. If you still need to, you may need to purchase a new lockset before continuing.
Step 4. Installing the Lock Set
Now that your lockset is ready to be installed, you must remove the handle and strike plate from the door. Use a flathead screwdriver or other tool to carefully loosen and remove the screws that hold these pieces in place.
Once removed, use a drill with an appropriate bit size to make holes for the lockset. Double-check your measurements before drilling – you’ll want to ensure the holes are manageable.
Step 5. Inserting the Lock Set into Place
Now it’s time to place your lockset into its designated spot on the door frame. You may need a hammer to tap it in, as some frames have tight-fitting components. Make sure that the latch aligns with the strike plate and that the handle can turn freely.
Step 6. Securing the Lock Set to the Door
The final step in your lockset installation is to secure it in place. Use a flathead screwdriver or other tool to tighten all of the screws on the handle and latch components. Ensure they are snug so the locking mechanism won’t move.
Step 7. Testing the Lock Set
When all the screws have been tightened, it’s time to test your new lock set! Make sure to test both the handle and latch components by firmly pushing and pulling on them a few times. If everything is in working order, you’re ready to go.
Step 8. Securing the Lock Set
Once you have tested your new lockset and confirmed that it’s working properly, you’ll need to take an extra step to ensure its security. Use an appropriate bit-size drill to make several holes in the door frame. This will make it easier for someone to break in or tamper with the lockset.
Step 9. Adding a Doorstop
In order to further ensure the security of your push bar door, you can add a doorstop. This will prevent anyone from pushing open the door from outside and keep it securely locked in place. Furthermore, it will also protect the lock set itself and prolong its life.
Step 10. Enjoy Your New Lock Set!
Congratulations – you’ve successfully installed a lock set on your push bar door without using a key! Now, all that’s left to do is enjoy the peace of mind with secure locks and take comfort in knowing that your property is safe and sound. Remember, steps like these are always worth it in the long run.
By following these steps, anyone can easily install a lock set on their push bar door without worrying about needing to find or use a key! If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us – we’d be more than happy to help.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- If you have a push bar door that locks without a key, it is important to remember that the lock must be engaged before closing. Ensure that the bolt or latch has been securely fastened before pushing or pulling the door shut.
- When you are locking your push bar door, make sure to use both hands and apply firm pressure on both sides of the door to secure it tight.
- If your push bar door has a deadbolt, make sure to turn it all the way until you hear an audible click that indicates that the lock is engaged.
- Always be aware of your surroundings when locking a push bar door without a key; if someone else is attempting to access the building or area, close and lock the door quickly.
- If your push bar door does not have a deadbolt, it is important to remember that the lock is less secure than one with a deadbolt would be. To improve security, you can install additional locks on the inside of the door, such as a chain or padlock, for extra protection.
With these tips in mind, you can keep your push bar door secure and locked when a key is unavailable. By following the steps above, you can properly lock a push bar door without a key with ease.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Keep a push bar door unlocked, even if you will be out of the building or area for only a few minutes.
- Do not attempt to use force when locking the door; this can damage the lock mechanism and make it more difficult to secure in the future.
- Never leave objects that can be used to pick the lock in an easily accessible area on or near the door.
- Do not leave a gap between the latch and the edge of the frame when locking the door; this can provide an opportunity for someone to bypass the lock mechanism.
- Remember to check that the lock is secure before leaving, even if you are sure it has been properly engaged; double checking will ensure your push bar door is securely locked without a key.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help protect yourself and others by ensuring that the push bar door remains locked when a key is unavailable.
Conclusion
From the various methods discussed in this blog post, it is evident that there are several ways to lock a push bar door without a key. However, it is important that those attempting one of these methods do so only with caution, as behind any locked grain is an owner who has not given permission to access the space; therefore, the safest and most legal course of action is to contact a locksmith for help.
Though depending on the type of lock and the situation, there may be cases where it’s acceptable to employ one of these methods in unlocking a push bar door. In any case, the takeaway here is that it can be done! So, if you ever find yourself in such a situation, remember what you have learned today!
Hopefully, the article on how to lock a push bar door without key has been helpful in teaching readers the importance of taking precautions before and after attempting to lock a push bar door without a key. It is crucial to remember that if you ever find yourself in such a situation, it’s best to call a locksmith for assistance. Be sure to stay safe and secure!
