Lock on a closet door bad idea?

[223 Gunner]

We have a guest bedroom, we rarely have guests stay over. But my overflow, gun cases, some ammo cans etc reside in that closet along with our Christmas and Easter decorations.
When I upgraded our entry door locks, I reused the one that used to be on our front door and put it on the closet door. My intent was to slow down a burglar should he/she be in our home. Sometimes if someone is on a time limit, it may be enough to slow them down where they won't want to mess with it.

We have recently been considering hiring someone to clean our house, an acquaintance of my wife's, I think in cases like this it is a good idea.
I would do it, not just for the sitter, but just in general.

 

[DeadeyeChrista'sdad]

Seems like a lot of complicated suggestions. You're overlooking the simple elegance of some 4 gauge wire and a good Diehard.

I like the way this guy thinks! And frankly, that troubles me.

 

[hoosierdoc]

Hinges are on the outside of the closet door, aren't they

 

[HubertGummer]

Friend, cleared background check.

Being a friend, I'm surprised that person doesn't know you have guns already.

I say if you feel better about having a lock on the closet, do it. Beats hauling all your stuff to the barn.

 

[K_W]

We lock all our bedroom doors no matter who is house sitting. It's simply a privacy thing.

 

[eldirector]

A locked closet door is better with a looped soundtrack of something scratching around and growling.

 

[Route 45]

Friend, cleared background check.

If I have to run a background check on someone, he is no friend.

Anyone who I would trust to house sit for me already knows I have guns, and has their own guns.

Sorry, this is just weird to me. I'd rather leave the house sit empty and have a family member check it a couple of times while I'm gone. If I have to lock closets and hide things in the barn, I'd rather just not have that person in my house at all.

 

[BE Mike]

Years ago, before I had a safe, I kept my guns in a closet that had a dead bolt lock and hardened hinge pins. I figured it'd keep most punks out. Here are the pins similar to what I had: https://www.amazon.com/HINGEMATETM-DOOR-SECURITY-PINS-PACK/dp/B01HRPW5D0

 

[wcd]

We really don't talk about things like that with very many people.

 

[JettaKnight]

Well then, put a simple lock on it. The sitter will most likely think that's where you have the love sling and then head to the fridge for a sammich.

Lot's of deadbolts and stuff scream, "there's valuables in here!" - not your intention. Besides, you've said the guns are in a safe. Best to quietly say, "please stay out of this room" with the use of a basic exterior door lock.

 

[RobbyMaQ]

I run a deadbolt on a closet door. If someone wanted in, they'd just pop the hinge pins. I keep ammo and range gear inside. It keeps people honest is all. My safe keeps thieves out of the more important items.

 

[edporch]

Hinges are on the outside of the closet door, aren't they

True, but it's more about stopping people casually opening the door to see what's in there, not to stop thieves.

 

[K_W]

Hinges are on the outside of the closet door, aren't they

Most closets they would be out-swing, walk in closets could be either. In my parent's house it is an in-swing door.

 

[Slawburger]

.

 

[Leo]

When I had kids in the house, the door to the room where I stored firearms, ammo and reloading supplies had an exterior lockset. It would not keep out a thief, but it did keep the kids and their friends from exploring and experimenting with the equipment.

I would hope a house sitter would not decide to bust things open with a crowbar.

 

[jamil]

On a related note, PARTY AT WCD'S HOOOOOOUSE!!!!!

Or just leave a bunch of adult novelties laying on the floor in the closet. That'll guarantee they won't go in there.

Are you sure? That might encourage a different kind of party.

 

[JettaKnight]

Most closets they would be out-swing, walk in closets could be either. In my parent's house it is an in-swing door.

Or a pocket door.

 

[TeamAllen]

I am currently experiencing the same delima. In general I would consider getting a door with a lock.

 

[JollyMon]

Is the lock to keep people in the closet?

 

[TeamAllen]

Those locks are available for interior doors? Where can I find one?