Feeling safe and secure within your own home shouldn’t be a luxury.
Yet, the price of dedicated alarm systems and Ring doorbells with constant video feeds only appears to be increasing.
When investing in easy-to-install, fuss-free and value-for-money measures for keeping your lodgings locked tight, there’s no better place to start than a simple door bolt. While you’ll often catch lone travellers in the USA making use of steel doorstoppers and dedicated travel locks which jam the door’s opening mechanism, these tend to be extreme solutions designed to put anxious tenants at ease.
We certainly wouldn’t dissuade you from investing in extra security measures for a reassured night’s sleep, but there are far simpler methods of employing additional safety hacks than utilising bars which require the full force of your body to set up.
Door bolts come in many shapes and forms, but the two most common types are lockable door bolts and sliding door bolts. Sometimes, you’ll come across variations of the two featuring additional chains, which makes opening the door to an unfamiliar face significantly safer.
Sliding door bolts have a plethora of subcategories relating to the size and shape of the locking mechanism. For instance, heavy-duty door bolts are manufactured to be the sturdiest of all and are often fashioned from extra-strong alloys. Barrell bolts and straight bolts work by sliding the lock into a cylindrical catch-plate on the other side of the door.
DIY lovers might find themselves willing to embark on projects involving concealed door bolts. These include locks which are only accessible from one side. On the flipside, safety-hunters on a mission for the easiest deadbolt install of all time would likely be preferential toward a travel-friendly butterfly lock.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best easy-install door bolts so that you can shut the front door with peace of mind.
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Patlock Instant French Door Patio and Conservatory Security Lock
Offering supremely easy installation (by which we mean, requiring zero installation at all), the Patlock mechanism is a quick and easy security solution for those with double patio doors fitted with two horizontal handles. No keys, padlocks or pesky number passcodes are required, for this device functions with the help of instant locking ratchet bars.
Buy now £49.95, Amazon
Wickes Black Tower Bolt - 100mm
A brilliant quality bolt at a reasonable price, Wickes’ 100mm tower bolt makes use of an uber-simple locking system. Though technically designed with exterior doors or gates in mind, it can certainly be installed on internal doors for added security.
Buy now £2.25, Wickes
ABUS 39690 Lockable Door Chain Type SK79 White
Lockable door chains are a paragon of security. This is because they keep the chain latched with the additional strength of lock and key mechanism. The chain length on this option from ABUS is an impressive 15cm. Though you’ll need an extra key when entering and exiting your apartment, it makes for an excellent security investment for when you’re off on holiday since you’ll be able to latch the chain from the outside.
Buy now £59.62, Amazon
Yale P-124-WE Multi-purpose Door Bolt - White
A versatile piece of kit which can be used for internal and external doors, the Yale multi-purpose door bolt has been designed to accommodate aluminium sliding doors and flush wooden doors. The surface fixed bolt comes with two keys and offers a padlock-free experience.
Buy now £16.50, Wickes
TIMCO Contract Flat Section Bolt Polished Brass - 110 x 25mm
Simple and attractive, this flat section bolt is offered in a stylish polished brass finish. It operates using a simple barrel lock mechanism but instead appears flat for a seamless silhouette.
Buy now £8.96, B&Q
Blooma Black Steel Barrel Door bolt (L)204mm (W)46mm
Simple, effective, versatile and durable. Four rather enticing adjectives for describing a budget-friendly barrel bolt. This extra-long bolt has a black finish for a sleek and contemporary look and can be used on both internal and external doors for additional peace of mind.
Buy now £4.75, B&Q
Easy to Install Stainless Steel Door Chain Lock Bolt for Multiple Uses
This multi-purpose bolt combines a classic barrel-lock mechanism with the added safety of an attached chain. It’s made from high-quality stainless steel and is suitable for all internal doors. It’s also offered in a reddish-bronze finish, as well as a contemporary black finish.
Buy now £18.25, eBay
Pair 8 inch Brenton Bolt - Black Heavy Duty Garden Gate Shed Door
These heavy-duty external locks come in a handy pair. Ideal for gates and front doors alike, the mechanism is easy to install and comes with a six-month guarantee. We’ve fans of how the larger, angled locking mechanism is easy to grasp while providing additional security by resting on the butterfly bar.
Buy now £8.99, B&Q
