How to Lock a Deadbolt from the Outside without a Key

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There may come a time when you need to lock a door behind you but don’t have the key. And there is a way.

Step 1: Lock the door
Lock the deadbolt while you're still inside.

Step 2: Secure pencil
Secure the pencil or pen to the top of the deadbolt's lever using string or tape. Make sure it is securely fastened to the lever, and then unlock the deadbolt.

Step 3: Cut string
Cut a piece of string long enough to reach from the deadbolt lever inside of the closed door and over the top of the door while leaving enough slack on the outside of the door to pull the string.

Tip
You can use packing tape instead of string by securing one end of a long piece to the deadbolt lever, and then wrapping it around the side of the door so you can pull it from the outside.

Step 4: Fasten the string
Fasten the string to the end of the pencil that needs to get pulled in order to lock the deadbolt.

Tip
Make sure you have all of your belongings before you leave. Once the door is locked, you won’t be able to get back inside.

Step 5: Exit
Exit, bringing the string outside with you before you close the door. Once the door is closed, pull the string to engage the deadbolt. Listen for the click and then check the door to make sure it locked. Cut the hanging string if you like.

Did You Know?
Did you know? The earliest known tumbler locks were made of wood and used in Egypt about 4,000 years ago.

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Closed Caption:

How to Lock a Deadbolt from the Outside without
a Key. There may come a time when you need
to lock a door behind you but don’t have
the key. And there is a way. You will need
String Tape and a pen or pencil. Step 1. Lock
the deadbolt while you're still inside. Step
2. Secure the pencil or pen to the top of
the deadbolt's lever using string or tape.
Make sure it is securely fastened to the lever,
and then unlock the deadbolt. Step 3. Cut
a piece of string long enough to reach from
the deadbolt lever inside of the closed door
and over the top of the door while leaving
enough slack on the outside of the door to
pull the string. You can use packing tape
instead of string by securing one end of a
long piece to the deadbolt lever, and then
wrapping it around the side of the door so
you can pull it from the outside. Step 4.
Fasten the string to the end of the pencil
that needs to get pulled in order to lock
the deadbolt. Make sure you have all of your
belongings before you leave. Once the door
is locked, you won’t be able to get back
inside. Step 5. Exit, bringing the string
outside with you before you close the door.
Once the door is closed, pull the string to
engage the deadbolt. Listen for the click
and then check the door to make sure it locked.
Cut the hanging string if you like. Did you
know Did you know? The earliest known tumbler
locks were made of wood and used in Egypt
about 4,000 years ago.