Imagine yourself in a situation where you’ve lost your keys, and you’re locked out of your apartment. You’re starting to panic because you don’t know how you’re going to get back in. However, there is a simple solution that can help you gain entry to your home without causing any damage – using a chair to lock the door.
This technique is surprisingly effective and can be used on most types of doors. The key is to find a chair that is sturdy enough to hold the door in place. Once you have found a suitable chair, place it under the doorknob and push it up as hard as you can. The chair will act as a wedge, preventing the door from opening.
To make sure that the door is securely locked, you can also place a heavy object on top of the chair. This will add extra weight and make it even more difficult to open the door. Once you have locked the door with the chair, you can go and get your spare key or call a locksmith to let you in. This simple technique can save you a lot of time and hassle, and it’s a great way to keep your home safe and secure.
Position the Chair Vertically
Assess the Door and Chair Size
Ensure that the chair is sufficiently large and sturdy to effectively block the door. It should be taller than the doorknob or handle and wide enough to cover the door’s width. Additionally, check that the door opens inward, as it will not be possible to block an outward-opening door with a chair.
Identify the Optimal Chair Placement
Determine the precise location where the chair will be placed to obstruct the door. Ideally, the chair’s legs should be positioned against the door frame or wall, forming a stable barricade. The backrest should face the doorknob or handle, creating a physical barrier that prevents it from being turned or pushed open.
Position the Chair Securely
Carefully lift the chair and place it vertically against the door, ensuring that its legs are firmly planted and the backrest is positioned against the doorknob. Ensure that the chair is not leaning or unstable, as this could compromise its effectiveness as a doorstop. For additional security, consider placing a heavy object, such as a bookshelf or a weighted bag, on the chair to prevent it from being easily moved or tilted.
Wedge the Bottom Rail
This method works best on doors that open inward, and you’ll need a chair that has a sturdy bottom rail. Here’s how to do it:
- Position the chair in front of the door, with the bottom rail facing the door knob or handle.
- Lift the chair slightly and slide the bottom rail under the door knob or handle, ensuring that it’s wedged securely.
- Lower the chair to the ground and push it against the door, applying pressure to the bottom rail to keep it in place.
This method is effective because the pressure from the chair’s weight keeps the bottom rail firmly wedged under the door knob or handle, preventing the door from opening. It’s a simple and quick way to barricade a door for added security.
Tips for Using the Bottom Rail Method:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Choose a Sturdy Chair | Ensure the chair has a strong and wide bottom rail that can withstand the force of the door. |
| Position the Chair Correctly | Align the bottom rail directly under the door knob or handle to prevent any gaps or movement. |
| Apply Pressure | Push the chair firmly against the door to keep the bottom rail wedged and immobilized. |
Tilt the Chair
To effectively lock a door with a chair, the first crucial step is to tilt the chair onto its back legs, creating an angled position. Ensure the chair is sturdy and stable, as it will bear the force of the door when it is closed. Carefully lift the front legs of the chair and gently tilt it backward until its legs form a triangle shape. The rear legs should rest firmly on the floor while the front legs extend towards the door handle.
Positioning the Chair
With the chair tilted, determine the optimal position to place it against the door. Aim to align the chair’s legs with the doorknob or handle, ensuring that they will obstruct the opening of the door. Once you have found the ideal spot, carefully slide the chair towards the door until the front legs touch the door handle.
Applying Pressure
To securely lock the door, apply downward pressure onto the top of the chair’s back. This force will cause the front legs to push against the door handle, preventing it from being turned or lowered. Ensure you apply sufficient downward weight to firmly wedge the chair in place, making it immovable. By maintaining this pressure, you effectively lock the door, keeping it securely closed.
Secure the Handle
The handle is the most vulnerable part of the door, so it’s important to secure it well. There are a few different ways to do this:
1. Wedge a chair under the handle.
This is a simple and effective way to prevent the door from being opened. Simply wedge the chair under the handle so that it cannot be turned.
2. Tie the handle to the doorknob.
This is another effective way to secure the handle. Simply tie the handle to the doorknob with a rope or cord.
3. Use a door stop.
A door stop is a device that is placed behind the door to prevent it from opening. Door stops can be made of wood, metal, or plastic.
4. Barricade the Door With Furniture
This is a more elaborate but effective way to secure a door. Place heavy furniture, such as a couch or dresser, in front of the door. This will make it difficult or impossible to open the door from the outside.
Here is a table summarizing the different ways to secure a door handle:
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Wedge a chair under the handle | Wedge a chair under the handle so that it cannot be turned. |
| Tie the handle to the doorknob | Tie the handle to the doorknob with a rope or cord. |
| Use a door stop | Place a door stop behind the door to prevent it from opening. |
| Barricade the door with furniture | Place heavy furniture in front of the door to make it difficult or impossible to open. |
Use a Sturdy Chair
The most important factor to consider when choosing a chair is its sturdiness. You want a chair that is heavy and difficult to move, so that it can provide a strong barricade against the door.
Some good options for sturdy chairs include:
- Wooden chairs
- Metal chairs
- Armchairs
- Recliners
Avoid using lightweight or flimsy chairs, as they will be easy to move and will not provide much protection against a determined intruder.
Here is a table summarizing the key characteristics of different types of chairs:
| Chair Type | Weight | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden Chair | Heavy | Durable |
| Metal Chair | Heavy | Very Durable |
| Armchair | Medium | Durable |
| Recliner | Medium | Less Durable |
Angle the Chair Correctly
The key to securing a door with a chair is to angle it at the optimal position. Follow these detailed steps:
- Determine the Height: Measure the distance between the doorknob and the floor. Choose a chair with a seat height slightly higher than this measurement.
- Position the Chair: Place the chair near the door, facing inward. Align the legs of the chair with the base of the door frame, ensuring they are parallel to the door.
- Angle the Backrest: Grab the backrest of the chair and tilt it backwards. The backrest should form an angle of approximately 45 degrees between the seat and the floor. This angle ensures maximum leverage and stability.
- Adjust the Position: Slide the chair forward or backward slightly until the backrest reaches the doorknob or handle. The chair should fit snugly against the door frame.
- Lock the Chair: Once the chair is in position, firmly push down on the seat to engage the legs with the floor. Rock the chair slightly to ensure it is stable and cannot be easily dislodged.
- Secure the Handle: If necessary, wrap a towel or other soft material around the doorknob or handle to prevent the chair from slipping off. This additional step enhances the barrier and makes it more challenging to open the door.
| Chair Height | Doorknob Height | Angle of Backrest |
|---|---|---|
| Slightly higher than doorknob height | Measured from floor to doorknob | Approximately 45 degrees |
Barricade the Door with a Chair
In situations where you lack a physical lock or key, barricading a door with a chair can offer temporary protection. Follow these steps to effectively prevent the door from opening:
Prevent the Door from Opening
1. Position the Chair
Place the chair facing the door handle, with its backrest against the door jamb and its seat near the floor.
2. Wedge the Chair
Push the chair inward to create tension against the door jamb. The wider the chair’s back, the more effective the barricade.
3. Tilt the Chair
Tilt the back of the chair backward slightly, increasing the force against the door frame.
4. Lock the Door (Optional)
If the door has a lock, secure it to further strengthen the barricade. If not, lock the door knob and try to jam a small object, such as a coin, into the keyhole.
5. Create Additional Barriers
Place other heavy objects, such as furniture or boxes, in front of the chair to create multiple layers of obstruction.
6. Reinforce the Barricade (Optional)
If possible, secure the legs of the chair to the floor or wall with ropes or straps to prevent it from being pushed aside.
7. Barricade Multiple Doors Simultaneously
To enhance protection, barricade multiple doors facing each other using chairs or other sturdy objects. This creates a cross-bracing effect that significantly increases the difficulty of forcibly opening the doors.
| Door Barricade with Chair: | Additional Barricade Options: |
|---|---|
| – Place chair facing door handle | – Heavy furniture/boxes |
| – Wedge firmly against door jamb | – Ropes/straps to secure chair |
| – Tilt back slightly for increased force | – Barricade multiple doors simultaneously |
Adjust the Chair for Optimal Fit
To ensure the chair effectively blocks the door, it’s crucial to adjust it for the best possible fit. Here are the steps:
1. Measure the Door Gap
Determine the distance between the door and the floor (or the threshold) by placing a ruler or measuring tape at the base of the door.
2. Select a Suitable Chair
Choose a chair that is wide enough to span the door gap plus a few extra inches for stability. Additionally, the chair’s legs should be sturdy enough to withstand the force applied to block the door.
3. Adjust the Chair Height
Adjust the chair’s height so that the seat is about 6 inches higher than the measured door gap. This will allow the chair to wedge tightly against the door.
4. Position the Chair
Place the chair under the doorknob, centered on the door. Ensure that the chair is parallel to the door and perpendicular to the floor.
5. Align the Backrest
Adjust the backrest of the chair so that it rests snugly against the inside of the door. This will help prevent the chair from slipping or moving.
6. Secure the Chair
If possible, tie or secure the chair legs to the doorknob or a nearby object to ensure it cannot be easily pushed or dislodged.
7. Test the Fit
Once the chair is positioned and secured, test its stability by gently pushing against it. The chair should remain firmly in place, preventing the door from being opened.
8. Fine-Tune the Position
If the chair is not blocking the door effectively, make minor adjustments to its position, height, or angle to achieve the desired fit. Consider the following tips:
- If the chair is too low, raise the seat height by placing a thin cushion or piece of cardboard underneath it.
- If the chair is too high, lower the backrest to create a tighter fit against the door.
- If the chair is not stable, adjust its position to create a more balanced and secure fit.
Utilize Additional Safety Measures
To further enhance the security of your door barricade, consider implementing these additional measures:
- Place a Door Wedge: Insert a sturdy door wedge under the door to prevent it from being lifted or pryed open.
- Barricade the Window: If there is a window adjacent to the door, block it with furniture, heavy curtains, or a piece of plywood to prevent an intruder from entering through that opening.
- Secure the Doorknob: Wrap a belt, rope, or chain around the doorknob and attach it to a sturdy object in the room to prevent the door from being opened from the outside.
- Use a Door Alarm: Install a door alarm that will sound if the door is opened or tampered with, alerting you to a potential intrusion.
- Keep Keys Out of Reach: Hide your keys in a safe location away from the door to prevent them from being stolen or used to unlock the barricade.
- Maintain a Well-Lit Area: Ensure the hallway or area outside the door is well-lit to make it harder for intruders to approach unnoticed.
- Call for Help: If you sense any suspicious activity or hear unusual noises, dial 911 immediately.
Additional Tips for Barricade Reinforcement:
| Reinforcement Material | Additional Tips |
|---|---|
| Heavy Furniture | Place furniture in front of the door at an angle to create a more stable barricade. Use heavy items like bookcases, dressers, or sofas. |
| Plywood | Cut a piece of plywood to fit the doorframe and place it in front of the door for added strength. Secure it with screws or nails. |
| Metal Bars | Install metal bars across the doorframe, either permanently or temporarily, to provide a secure barrier. |
Alternative Locking Methods
1. Bar the Door with a Chair
* Materials: Sturdy chair with a crossbar
* Steps:
– Place the chair under the doorknob, facing the door.
– Tilt the chair forward so that the crossbar wedges against the door frame, blocking the knob from turning.
2. Use a Wedge
* Materials: Doorstop or sturdy object that can fit under the door
* Steps:
– Insert the wedge under the door, near the bottom edge.
– Push the wedge in tightly to create a barrier that prevents the door from opening.
3. Chain and Lock
* Materials: Chain and padlock
* Steps:
– Install a chain on the door frame.
– Loop the chain around a sturdy object on the opposite wall.
– Secure the chain with a padlock.
4. Barricade the Door
* Materials: Furniture, heavy objects, or anything that can block the door
* Steps:
– Gather heavy objects and furniture.
– Place them behind the door, creating a barricade that prevents it from being opened.
5. Use a Portable Door Lock
* Materials: Portable door lock
* Steps:
– Purchase a portable door lock that fits securely over the doorknob.
– Install the lock and ensure it is tight and secure.
6. Secure the Hinges
* Materials: Screws or bolts
* Steps:
– Remove the screws or bolts that hold the hinges in place.
– Replace them with longer screws or bolts that penetrate the door frame more deeply.
7. Reinforce the Strike Plate
* Materials: Longer screws or a strike plate reinforcement kit
* Steps:
– Remove the existing screws from the strike plate.
– Install longer screws or use a reinforcement kit to make the strike plate more secure.
8. Install a Door Alarm
* Materials: Door alarm
* Steps:
– Mount the alarm on the door frame.
– Pair it with a remote or wireless keypad for easy activation.
9. Use a Door Window Bar
* Materials: Door window bar
* Steps:
– Measure the length of the door.
– Purchase a door window bar that fits the width.
– Install the bar across the bottom of the door to block it from opening.
10. Install a Deadbolt
* Materials: Deadbolt lock, drill, drill bits
* Steps:
– Determine the correct placement for the deadbolt.
– Drill holes for the strike plate and the latch.
– Install the deadbolt and strike plate.
– Tighten all screws and bolts securely.
How to Lock a Door with a Chair
There are a few different ways to lock a door with a chair. One way is to place the chair under the doorknob. This will prevent the door from being opened from the outside. Another way to lock a door with a chair is to place the chair in front of the door. This will make it difficult for someone to open the door, even if they have a key.
If you are in a situation where you need to lock a door quickly, using a chair is a simple and effective way to do so. However, it is important to note that this is not a foolproof method. If someone is determined to get through the door, they will likely be able to do so, even if it takes them some time.
People Also Ask About How to Lock Door With Chair
Can you lock a door from the outside with a chair?
No, you cannot lock a door from the outside with a chair. A chair can only be used to lock a door from the inside. Because the chair need to be position on the inside of the door in order to block it from being opened.
Is it safe to lock a door with a chair?
Locking a door with a chair is not as safe as using a lock, but it can be an effective deterrent. If someone is trying to break into your home, they are less likely to try to open a door that is blocked by a chair.
What are some other ways to lock a door without a key?
There are a number of ways to lock a door without a key, including:
- Using a door wedge
- Using a bobby pin
- Using a credit card
- Using a piece of string
