"dnoyeB" wrote in message
. ..
On Sun, 29 Jun 2008 05:36:39 -0700, crust wrote:

Hello, I am trying to come up with some ideas for a lock for my entry
door to prevent my children from opening it. It currently has a single
cylinder deadbolt, but my 2yo already has figured out how to unlock it.
He is pretty good about not doing it but I am worried that he might
respond to the doorbell and make it to the door before we do. I
considered converting it to a double cylinder, but I am a bit concerned
about putting a double cylinder on an egress, though I believe it is
allowed in Austin,TX. The other thought is to have a 2nd interior only
deadbolt installed higher up on the door. The last is the little chains
and clasps, but I would prefer if the door will not open at all. I've
looked for everything I can think of, and have yielded nothing so far.
What does everyone else use?

I think what you are looking for is to prevent the child from unlocking
the door, not opening the door. Since your concerned about security,
unlocking the door is bad enough. Otherwise I would suggest one of those
latches that go on the top of the door that prevents it from opening.

Best bet is to take this opportunity to teach the child. My son has Down
Syndrome so I ended up putting a key lock on the inside. Its in violation
of local codes, but I have other priorities than that. If there is a fire
we have 6 first floor windows we can easily climb out of. Lots of my
interior doors have keylocks as well if there is any danger in that room.
Of course this makes the room more interesting. I keep the keys on top of
the door ledges. Now he figured out how to work a key lock because I
leave the key in my bedroom too often. Then he figured out to bang into
the door to get the key to drop. You can't stay in front of the forever.
Just hope that maturity comes with intelligence.


A door chain too high for him might be good. The top of the door metal
flap thingy might actually be good. If he realizes that unlocking the
door wont open it he may stop unlocking it.


I also have the door alarm. at this point though I put the knob back on
the door and a teaching him since he is able to get it now. Doesent have
it yet, but it wont be long.

I used to buy locks like this for pool gates. They can be had at lock shops
and are called "institutional" locks. Yes, they need special attention, and
yes, they are a pain, but yes, they do prevent someone from going outside
that doesn't belong there.

Steve