Reddit mentions: The best door knobs

Seriously, not a bad mom; you were supposed to be safe, in your own home, you were sleeping. People don't necessarily sense things are wrong and that doesn't make you a bad mother, fuck her with a goddamned soldering iron.

Also, that cop is gr8, holy fuck.

More importantly, if you have a new location you may want to be sure to have some kind of motion sensor that will trip and set off alarms loud enough to wake at least one of you if she sets foot on the property. Have you considered potentially getting a dog trained to at least start barking if someone gets close, if not?

I mean based I'm the fire incident alone I'd be fucking terrified of her doing something whole you slept, again, and a woman willing to burn her grandchildren and their mother alive for calling the cops her pedophilic piece of shit son is not a woman who's gonna think oh no, they have an RO/TO against me I can't get close!! You know? I'd consider getting a weapon, and check state laws. If you're not comfortable with a gun you can get things like pepper spray or a taser, also a security system.

Another way to hopefully at least make breaking in hard in the event she somehow got ahold of a house key is to get a key cover like this, if you're worried. Just an extra layer of security if you need it, made of diecast. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BOZBDK6/ref=asc_df_B00BOZBDK65193055/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B00BOZBDK6&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198055620944&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17223530890610205033&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014737&hvtargid=pla-319675819603#productDescription_secondary_view_div_1506742212278

That url cover gore tho. Anyway, yes, I just thought I'd throw these out there, but I'm sure you have covered all of your bases three times by now. But it never hurts to put safety suggestions out there I figure, better safe than sorry. I hope things go smoothly for you and your family, and that you all stay safe.

Do it yourself. It is MUCH cheaper.

I recommend this one if you want to replace the entire knob. (kwikset) It has the benefit of being able to re-key your locks in about 10 seconds, without disassembling the knob, if you decide to change your locks again in the future. Super easy. $20 per knob.

Alternatively, you could get something like this (re-keying kit). It's only $10, and you can re-key several locks. It's definitely a bit delicate though. Make sure to follow the instructions very precisely, or you'll end up with pins shooting everywhere from the springs.

Whichever method you choose, you should be done in about an hour. Do you like the idea of having a job that makes/saves $130 per hour?

Door lock - Amazon, $15.99. You can get them at Home Depot, Walmart, Target, etc and they are very easy to install (the knob comes with instructions, and there are lots of Youtube videos). You can also look into getting a chain lock like they have at hotel rooms.

Yes, they can be beaten, especially on an interior door, but it will then be obvious he had to break into your room and there is no good reason for that. If your mother gives you crap about it, tell her the truth - because of him and because you're worried about your safety, and he clearly doesn't respect boundaries. If that fails or isn't practical, definitely find a sturdy door and brace it behind your doorknob.

And yes, definitely report him if he does anything even remotely like this again. As others have said, be LOUD and make it clear he's doing something, and the hell with your mother+aunt if they are uncomfortable about your very justified reaction to HIS behavior. Keeping yourself safe is so much more important than their discomfort and do NOT let them shame you into sitting there and taking it. He needs to be very clearly educated that this is not appropriate. Some people have got to learn the hard way.

EDIT: Was so busy climbing on a soapbox I forgot to say NTA.

That is a tubular lock pretending to be a cylindrical. It is complete garbage in every way and should not be sold but rather given away as it will surely break shortly as it is not a durable lock. I am pretty sure this guy was a huge fucking scammer, ironically he charge a $29 service call, that is how they get you, with low service calls and sky high prices for garbage. You likely googled the shit and got a scammer. This shit happens all the time and you are not the first to get conned. Frankly you schmucked yourself but realistically it is not like you knew any better. You fucked up and it is going to be a huge hassle to try to get your money back. Lastly you should really replace the lock with something else that is at least a similar color to the door.

I would recommend a Baldwin

https://www.amazon.com/Baldwin-Estate-5205-102-ENTR-Classic-Rubbed/dp/B001KZC6WE/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=baldwin+knob+set&qid=1559285278&s=gateway&sr=8-7-spell

First of all, you're completely in the right. You are offering shelter to your friend, with stipulations such as not going into your private bedroom, and your friend agreed to the terms. If the rugrat isn't under control that's not your problem.

Second, you might want to look at a door knob lock like [this one] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BOZBDK6/ref=pd_aw_fbt_60_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7A41VTRX79TZ8NWVEX5F), which goes over the doorknob already there. Or a child proofing lock like the one [here] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BWSJXAG?aaxitk=WZHCF3gwTkd.gev5Zmj-JA).

I would tell your friend to pay for one of those if she has a problem.

> ALWAYS RE-KEY EVERY EXTERIOR DOOR! First thing you should do. Reputable retailers can key them all replacements to the same lockset/key for you. You never know who had keys to what.

Amen to this, however locks are one of the simpler things to self-install. There are even some that allow DIY rekeying: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001172NJM

Keypad locks are also great. If you have someone like a contractor who needs access to your house, you don't need to give them a key, just a code. You can even create a code just for them and disable it when they're done, and never worry about copies of keys being made.

This is the keypad I have. The battery of this one supposedly lasts longer because most models have a motor that drives the deadbolt. With this one the battery just controls the keypad and circuitry, and you still turn the bolt by hand.

you did the right thing going to your mother. It is really easy as a previous abuse victim to just sit silently and play the roll of the victim. You also have to recognize that your mom at one point was probably victimized in the same way you are being now, which is why she keeps bringing around a-holes. So she may have a hard time getting rid of this guy even though it is in your best interest.

Not sure how old you are but if you are in high school go talk to a counselor or in college student health services should be able to give you some direction.

The other best advice i can give you is get a lock for your door, you can replace your doorknob with something that takes a key to open from the outside when locked. something like this PM me if you cant afford it and I'll send one to you

I guess that depends on the type of lock she is asking for.

A simple privacy lock that opens with a flattened hex key or does she want a deadbolt or padlock?

At 16 with a younger brother who is more hormones than brains, yes a privacy lock is apropriate. It keeps him from barging in and gives her a sense of privacy.

At the same time it does not grant security, meaning she can't keep anyone out in any real sense.

The other options are excessive and not needed.

A lock though has to come with some rules. Just as an example, because your house and family function differently than mine did, growing up during the day our bedroom doors had to be open. In part this was just a matter of ventilation. Teenagers stink. Closed up teenager rooms without proper ventilation smell god awful. When we were home we could keep the doors closed so we had privacy of our occupied space but my parents didn't end up with biohazard rooms... and yes it also meant they had the ability to visually inspect our rooms easily. Which led each of us figuring out how to and being mindful of hiding our vices.

So find the balance that gives her warranted privacy while ensuring you still have the access you need as a parent.

Buy a doorknob like this. You can lock it from the inside or outside depending on how you like. Put things you want to keep safe in your room. Keep it locked you have people over.

upvote for this comment! We just purchased a smart key lock set and will be installing these in our units moving forward. At $40-50 per lock set and having the ability to rekey them on the fly, without changing out any hardware, they're definitely worth it!

Oh, the joys of owning a home! I need a doorknob. A bit boring, but totally necessary!

Where's the aspirin

Thanks for the contest!

I installed this one at my GF's place a few weeks ago and we LOVE it.

It's basically trying to replace something that looks like this, with something that looks like this(images in links)... Putting a small, round peg into a big square hole.

You can replace them with replicas but local store wont stock them. I'm also in a rental so I don't want to replace door knobs that are original to the house.

Yes there are various keypads and smart locks that work with just a latch. E.g. with no particular endorsement Schlage has a keypad locks in a number of styles and there are various Ultraloq models.

Something like this Deltana storm door lock should do the trick for you. The door is only lockable from the inside though. https://deltana.net/catalog/door-accessories/viewing/storm-door-latch-solid-brass/831_storm-door-latch-square-mortise-lock

Otherewise, yeah you need to put in a new mortise lockset and strike plate. Something like this with a round handle would not likely be noticed by the landlord. https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-2497-Mortise-Classic/dp/B00CTHSVV2

Edit: I've replaced non matching bathroom doors with old closet doors and had to do exactly this, drop in a locking mortise set where there used to just be a latch.

Less than $2 on Amazon. Same tool the home depo guy linked. Hard to explain how to use it but look up videos of it in action, it's pretty simple.
https://www.amazon.com/Kwikset-81467-003-81467-Cylinder-Remover/dp/B00002N9WE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=kwikset+cylinder+removal+tool&qid=1567460712&s=gateway&sr=8-1

This is "expanded metal":

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002FYE8FW

Rats can chew through it but then they can also chew through hardware cloth (aka wire mesh screen).

But combining the two to form two or more layers together might actually slow them down enough so that you could catch them at it before they succeed. Just a though.

I got a lock like this one when I had roommate-barging-in problems:

https://www.amazon.com/Major-A100-KEE-BLOK-for-Knobs/dp/B0056RQRXQ

The one I got was $20 but it looks like they dont stock them on Amazon anymore.

I have one of these on my hollow core bathroom door and it works great.

Cheaper even than a locking cabinet (if you can replace the door knobs) would be to just get a locking door knob and put it on your bedroom door. They're pretty easy to install too, usually just 3-4 screws and some assembling.

There are locks that fit over the knob too, something like this Prime-Line S 4180 Door Knob Lock-Out Device https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BOZBDK6

Looks like the general consensus is to find a way to lock that door &berate the 'temporary' room mate if not toss him out all together.

Door knob lock with key ($14.30) because who knows what's going on when you're NOT at home. http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-TUO0105-Tulip-Antique/dp/B000WS5J2O/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_z

Door Security Guard for $7 for when you are home and trying to sleep. http://www.amazon.com/National-Hardware-V804-Security-Antique/dp/B001TJYM64/ref=pd_sim_hi_9

Try buying one of these! I have one on my door and it is literally the best thing for someone as forgetful as me (besides the code of course) LINK: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H1B5E3E/ref=pd_aw_sims_4?pi=SY115&simLd=1

Cool lock hack! Also, Amazon Prime has the tool for that for $2. I have a couple of them.

Cylinder Remover Tool

This will help you. http://www.amazon.com/MiLocks-DKK-02SN-Electronic-Touchpad-Keyless/dp/B00H1B5E3E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1422388745&sr=8-2&keywords=keyless+entry

Just buy these and pop them in. You can reuse the original plates if you want an antique look.

Honestly it's just not worth your time to sue them and it will probably make them more violent. What is a good investment is a mini fridge for <$200. Use it for now and even if your next roommates are nicer, you'll be used to the privacy so it doesn't hurt. Also get a lock to your room door. My roommate has a doorknob but there's this little cup thingy that goes on over the outside and you lock that cup/sleeve so you can't touch the doorknob. Link

They make metal versions of those kiddie doorknob covers. Basically a metal "clamshell" design on a hinge. They usually have a lock and come with included keys. We bought a couple - they're about $25.00 on Amazon.

Edit - They're about $30-$35.00 now.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0056RQRXQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

get one of these

its a door closer that mounts to the hinge, so your hollow door doesnt matter.


EDIT: I accidentally a word.

https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-4180-Door-Lock-Out-Device/dp/B00BOZBDK6/

Maybe try this sort of lock

This may work, but it's not foolproof.


The exact product you're describing is hard to come by because it's an extreme safety hazard -- you could permanently lock someone into a room.

Most people with this issue screw extra hardware to the door and then use a padlock like this. Note how when the lock is on, the screws to remove the hardware are covered.

https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-2497-Mortise-Classic/dp/B00CTHSVV2/186-0247665-1343069?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

but that door looks like its been kicked in a few times. might have trouble fitting a new lock body. you can replace the whole door and keep the look.

Here is something to help - not sure of the legality. You might still need a wedge when you are home, though.

https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-4180-Door-Lock-Out-Device/dp/B00BOZBDK6

Actually, I read what you posted in r/legal advice. You got a lot of good advice there. Don't play games with this disturbed person. Get yourselves out of the condo and go NC.

MIL is irrational, and won't react like a normal person. Keep a log of all of her bizarre behavior - you may need it someday for a restraining order.

I assume you mean to protect your stuff while you're gone. There are several things to use while you're in the room (wedges, etc)

personally, I'd remove the no-lock door knob, replace with a lock knob that looks similar. No bigger hole, no real change to the wood. Then at the end of the year, swap it back.

or I guess you could try something like:

https://www.amazon.com/Major-A100-KEE-BLOK-for-Knobs/dp/B0056RQRXQ

but I'm not sure how good that really is.

There are doorknob locks you might try. They're like little plastic cages that hang around a knob. So no one can turn the knob, and it can only be unlocked with the key. They come in all shapes, I believe.

ETA: Not that you should have to get a lock. This is ridiculous. I'm just saying there are locks you don't have to screw into walls.

Depends on the lock, but many locks, especially front doors, have an anti-tamper pin in the lock that prevents carding. Here is an example, when closed the pin on the bolt is depressed but the bolt itself is not, in that state they can't be opened with a card. Of course it only works if properly installed, but for a home I think it would be installed properly. I've seen them installed in cubicle walls where they had too much clearance and that preventing them from working right.