Home security is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for those who have experienced a burglary. Just when you think your home is safe, another one can happen. That’s why it’s important to take some simple precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
There are 2.5 million burglaries in the US alone. In fact, a burglary occurs in that country every 13 seconds. Some 66% of these involve home break-ins. This is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. There are many ways to prevent burglaries, such as investing in a home security system, being vigilant about locking doors and windows, and keeping valuables out of sight. Burglaries are costly not only in terms of the property that is stolen but also in terms of the emotional toll they take on victims. It is important to do everything possible to prevent them.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you can install an additional door lock for added security, do it. Installing a home security system can be costly, but not installing one could cost you even more. Home security systems provide peace of mind and can deter criminals from targeting your home.
But then extra security does not always require a hefty investment. Sometimes, all you need is a little creativity and effort.
Consider a fork door lock. It’s inexpensive, easy to install, and works! However, you’ll have to choose your fork wisely to ensure its durability. The prongs should be between 1 ¾”-2” in length for them to work properly.
This DIY fork door lock project is a cheap and easy way to add an extra level of security to your home. For just a few dollars, you can purchase a fork and some other basic supplies to make this door lock. This project is quick and easy to do, and it will help to keep your home safe.
Materials to create a fork door lock:
- Fork (that has prongs that are between an inch and 3/4 and 2 inches in length and choose a design with a tapered handle)
- Marker
Tools:
- Vise
- Hammer
- Hacksaw
Steps:
To install a fork door lock, begin by taking the fork and placing it in the latch hole. Then, use a permanent marker to draw a line down the center of the prongs that are on the edge of the latch hole. This will show you the depth of the latch hole.
Put the fork in the vise, making sure that the prongs are pointing downwards and that you can see the line you marked earlier about a1/8 if an inch out. You may need to adjust the jaws of the vise in order to get a good grip on the fork. Next, take a hammer and bend the tines of your fork at a 90-degree angle. This will be the basis for your fork door lock project.
After making a 90-degree angle in the prongs of your fork, you will need to cut the handle of the fork using a hacksaw. You will still need to put the fork in a vise, but this time you will need to hold the handle in the vise in order to easily cut it from the neck of the fork. If necessary, you can use a saw blade guide to help you make a straight cut.
After you have cut the handle to the appropriate size, you can test the fit by sliding it into the slot on the prongs. If it is a tight fit, you can use a grinder or file to smooth out the edges. This will ensure a smooth, seamless fit.
How does this fork door lock work?
Simply take the prongs of the fork and insert them into the latch hole, and then you can shut the door. You can insert the handle of the fork into the slots of the prongs, this will lock the door!
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.
Thanks to Phil Crockett for this great project. You can get step-by-step instructions here…
