To ask how to lock a door?

[lockdoor]

That doesn't have a keyhole... From the outside!
DH family are stopping by at ours after a gathering and very nosy. I wouldn't put it past them to 'accidentally' wander into a different room despite knowing where the toilet is!

Please share your wisdom MN!
I've had a Google but it all seems to be things like bars across the door. I was really hoping for a lock thing of some sort

This s genius 😂

This'll work perfectly and is free.

To be fair OP, we'll all now be wondering what's in there.

Im going dungeon.

What will keep the handle in place?
Aren't the handles both attached to the square bar to stop them falling/coming away?

You can get a device that goes under the door.

Also portable door lock https://www.lifeventure.com/products/travel-door-lock

Most are meant for you to lock yourself in though.

Is there a door handle you could take off?

Would an alarm work? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Door-Handle-Alarm-Intruder/dp/B01BNLDBCI/ref=sr_1_10?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WvghGItuzqNuFK-lWFhNvEWvV9TO09jAa8ZJvbPidEPE-ajl1YHAawwR1DH7PvOxtcLVsxWkbE-9g4JFuMFwucHR2JkZQ8lLIVCUF20h1_2xMfQvapYR9_85e-3UvPea56PUKlkB3b6j9_hAkgoqwQRihuXb4kozEbyR7U2lOnm6yhf-4Y48-5dQtksx4cR8dTE7OXOBta_4XyIPlyyIQr6y3TEvgvZg-6t0hHJ1UyBGMXP2dx6N5jWtI0gDawKPN4PL2hYn3Tf0gdNhKig-CeXR923G1byZHqvgrNfryLU.AIx2LXCdtZvA_bI8YYyKkj2yyXGSDTFPV7SnqeiRLUA&dib_tag=se&keywords=door+alarm&qid=1719982935&sr=8-10

Put a sign on the door that says : DANGER KEEP OUT! Or police tape.
Or put something noisy on the door handles eg a string of bells at least then you'll know they're snooping around and they'll know you know.

Our upstairs was a bit messy and we had kids over for Halloween so I actually blocked off the stairs with police tape as part of the decor 😂

Is there no time to tidy up instead? Ours was v last minute so I get it though. Just seems a bit easier than a lot of these suggestions 😂

Superglue. They’ll never get in then. Mind you, you probably won’t either.

• What will keep the handle in place? Aren't the handles both attached to the square bar to stop them falling/coming away?*

Ah ha, depending on the handles, you can get around this. We had a dodgy one here and I still wanted the handle visible from the outside.

I used thin dowl and attached the handles to that, as both could be screwed to it. Wouldn't open the door, but handle still looked normal.

Bedrooms in my house have similar to these as it was previously an Airbnb
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Probrico-Stainless-Entrance-Security-DL12061SNET/dp/B018HVLEZS/ref=asc_df_B018HVLEZS/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697210362190&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8759330512262588915&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045800&hvtargid=pla-680493249514&mcid=85be9cd0b74a3d32bcfaa3b9b732d11e&gad_source=1&th=1

RTFT...

Haha loads of people have said this will work so will try this!
Also going to order one of the handle locks people suggested

This looks interesting and would work assumujf it arrives on time

There's nowhere to put it all. I found it quite hilarious reading people's guesses of dungeons 🤣
The more boring truth is friends have had to move into temporary accomodation - so we're helping out by storing some of their stuff. Not everything's neatly packed away in boxes there's an assortment of carrier bags, things like some framed prints just on top. Not a lot but noticeable in our small space.

Other visitors haven't really minded but DH family will give him grief. They consider it disrespectful to present a messy house to guests (although they invited themselves over.. go figure) and are also very selfish people who wouldn't put themselves out for anyone.

So we decide it's easier to just put it all away upstairs. In our/DC bedroom. And move it back down once it's done... We're only in a two up two down.

Anyway thanks all for the suggestions

I'd put some hidden alarm thing so when they try the door it starts BLARING and then they will (hopefully) be mortified

Came here to say this. DIY or get a locksmith.

Depends on the handle type. Our old ones just screwed onto the door but more modern ones are like you say. Then you’d have to use HelpMeGetThrough’s dowel trick or just leave the handle off.

Not done it myself for years though. It’s an old trick from parties in shared houses in my misspent youth.

You've done this before, haven't you?

If you've got heavy door stops handy, then tie some string round it, position it behind the door, shut the door, and pull the door stop by the string until it's tight up against the door. You will still be able to get in later if you push it slowly, but it won't open easily and your visitors will assume they can't get in when they try.

Yes, including the bit where you forget where you hid the bar. I feel that might be the most important part of the advice 😄

@lockdoor this has given me a possibly terrible idea. Put a load of sex toys and stuff out in the room near the loo etc. Leave the door ajar. Stand back and wait 🍿😬 (obviously joking, the removal of door handle idea is best)

If you put two [, then the link, then a short phrase, then two ], then what appears in the post is your short phrase acting as a link, like this

Or a movement activated sprinkler?

Or the old trick of leaving the door partly open with a bucket of water balanced on top.

They can’t both be connected, surely? Else how would the latch be fitted in the first place?

The actual handles are secured to the spindle with a small screw (normally on the underside) on both sides of the door. Otherwise they would come away when you pulled them.

Take a ball of string, tie up each door handle, except the bathroom and tie the handles together. (Hard to explain, but imagine a practical joke tieing everyone into their rooms). You may have to do this on each side, so as not to create a crossed string obstacle course for the family.
It won't keep the most determined out, but it would be a faff to get in. They would also think you are nuts. It is noticeable, but no more so than a padlock.