How do you lock a sliding door that has no lock...

Question

I am at wits end with this thing. My 2 yr old keeps letting our dog out and chasing after her. Two weeks ago, they were running down the street, and my daughter was naked at the time. Today the same happened. We've tried a bar at the bottom. We currently have a bar at the top and she unlocked it by climbing on a stool....I really need help with this, I don't want to come out of the restroom to find my kid gone again, lord only knows if I would get her back safe the next time, if I get her back at all that is...Please help me!!!

Answer 1

OK!!! install a new door!!! its all worth it! or if you cant afford it....block that area by putting a piece of wood.

Answer 2

get a piece of wood or piping that will fit right into place where the sliding door tracks are.measure the lenght then go to the hardwear store and tell them u need a piece of wood or piping that long. Then u fit it into the tracks so the door won't open.

Answer 3

Visit your local hardware store and inquire about a lock for the door-they will be able to guide you.  If you/your husband are unable to install it, ask them if they know someone who can.

If putting a lock on this door is impossible, you may need to purchase a new door with a lock.  However, I think that there ARE options as far as installing a lock.  Have you checked to see if there is a pin hole like another user suggested?  If you see that, just stick something in it.  Whatever you do, do not let your daughter see you putting it in or taking it out.

At two, I do not think gates will work.  Is there any way you can put her in a safe room, such as her own bedroom, when you need to go to the bathroom or otherwise can not closely supervise her?

And you know, I might get thumbs down for it but sometimes it is just necessary-spank her.  You need to make it absolutely apparent that this is dangerous and unacceptable.  You have tried other measures (time out/corner) and they are not working.  Would you rather spank your child or her possibly get hit by a car because she continues doing this?  I am by no means suggesting that you beat her, just pop her behind a couple of times with your hand.

If this keeps happening, eventually someone is going to call child services on you, and once you deal with the investigation you are STILL going to have to either install a lock or get a new door-so might as well go ahead and do it now without having to go through that step.  

Answer 4

if theres no lock on the door maybe you can install one, or get ur husband/dad or hire a guy to install it. if the bars arent working you need to explain to her what could happen and if she keeps doing it shes going to get a time out or something.  

Answer 5

If you can't afford a new door or lock system, cut the end off of a broom or mop long enough to place in the trough of the door where the stick cannot be moved (make it JUST long enough to wedge in there).

Answer 6

Look toward the top of your door to see if there is a hole there. If there is this is meant to have a pin in it to keep the door from sliding open.  I would check a home improvement or hardware store and purchase a pin.  She won't be able to pull that one out.

Answer 7

install a new door that has a lock on it, it's worth the cost to protect your child.

EDIT: you must have a very tall 2 yr old because even standing on a chair I don't see how a 2 yr old could remove a bar at the top of the door.

You could also just gate off that entire room when you won't be in there. You can buy gates that just stay all the time and you just close it when you go to the restroom.