Ladies!

I think many of us have seen the door jamming mechanisms sold on Amazon and in stores. For a more permanent install like your home or apartment, consider a latch or a latch that can be locked from the exterior. This is handy for situations where other people have keys to your home so the lock isn’t enough. They are easy to install and can be installed without a drill if you’re somewhat strong with a hammer and screws.

For the exterior locking latches, you need to install in a way that leaves the latch chain with enough slack that you can slip your hand through the door to access it. Definitely have a friend help you install or you will seriously lock yourself out if you make a mistake. The way it works is this: let’s say you’re leaving home, walking out the door, you leave the chain hanging and from outside bring the door nearly closed, reach in, grab the chain and snap it in place in the catch/receiver on the other side. Now the door is latched. It would need to be kicked down to open. Coming home- you open the door (heres why leaving slack is important) slip your hand in with the mini-key and unlock the receiver, the chain will spring free and you open the door.

Obviously be cautious using these if you have kids or elderly persons in your home that you’re leaving locked in. You also will no longer be able to open your door quickly but once you’re used to it, its just like an extra lock and a few extra seconds.

You can find them by googling “keyed chain door guard”. PM me for links!