When it comes to security and peace of mind, you can never be too safe. Sometimes when travelling, it’s worth having additional security to ensure you can sleep easy. Or perhaps an elderly relative would benefit from having another layer of security when they’re home alone. Increasingly, portable security devices are being used at home and away. Let’s compare two and see exactly what benefits they offer, the limitations and if it’s worth paying extra.
In this product comparison review, we’re going to look at Lock Locker vs Howsarlock and see how they stack up against one another.
Overview of The Lock Locker
Lock Locker was invented from the desire to protect families. ‘Lock bumping’ – a technique for pin tumbler locks using a specially crafted ‘bump’ key – was becoming more and more common, so the need came for a device that could prevent anyone from using an unauthorized key from entering the house. It took two years of development, with the finished design going above and beyond the original idea; the Lock Locker stops all keys, even authorised ones, opening the door with force.
The device works on any door with a deadbolt, facilitated by the 21 locking positions. It comes in two parts: to use it, you place the flat piece of the Lock Locker over the door knob and raise it up to the deadbolt, then insert the round piece into the flat piece, so that it fits around the deadbolt. This encases the deadbolt in a tough resin, meaning that if a key is inserted and force is used the key will break in the door, thus keeping the door locked. Lock Locker was designed in North America but they claim it will work on 90% of doors internationally.
The Lock Locker is a great option for doors that have a deadbolt fitted. We’ve heard about the background of Lock Locker and the main features it offers, let’s take a look at its advantages and disadvantages below…
Advantages of The Lock Locker
- Travel aspects: The Lock Locker is light, flat, portable and can be adapted to fit on different deadbolts, making it a great travel companion. It’s held together with four magnets, meaning it can be easily disassembled and then reassembled in a slightly different configuration to fit exactly round the deadbolt on the hotel room, holiday rental or Airbnb where you’re staying. You don’t need any tools or labour-intensive set up.
- Ease of use: The Lock Locker is a great option for the elderly as it’s easy to operate. Simply attach over the deadbolt, place the matching piece over the top and it’s good to go. As the product is made from clear resin it’s also easy to see if it’s been fitted correctly.
- No set up is required: It works straight out of the box, no need to purchase any additional products. The Lock Locker even comes with an accessory piece to adapt the Lock Locker to fit doors that have a smaller/bigger gap between the door handle and deadbolt.
Disadvantages of The Lock Locker
- Doesn’t work on inwarding opening doors.
- Availability: Due to the product mainly focusing on the North American audience, it could be difficult to order it outside of America and may incur shipping costs and customs fees.
- Only works on doors that have a deadbolt: This isn’t ideal for traveling as hotels and Airbnb’s have thousands of door types, meaning The Lock Locker may not be compatible.
- Doesn’t work on doors without a lock
- Added security, not total security: The main focus of this product may be adding security, but you need to have a deadbolt in the door for the Lock Locker to work. It’s additional security, rather than full security.
- Doesn’t work on all deadbolted doors: Another problem with the Lock Locker is that it does have limitations with deadlock doors. It needs to have a space of 1.5 inches between the door knob and deadbolt to actually work. Additionally, if the deadbolt knob is only ¾ of an inch long or smaller, it will be able to spin freely within the Lock Locker.
- Potential additional costs from a thwarted break-in: The Lock Locker works by making it impossible to turn the bump key in the lock. The chances are that your would-be intruder will try and force the key, causing it to break in the lock. This means you may well have to call a locksmith to replace your lock, or potentially face having to replace your door – either of which could prove quite expensive.
- Untested: It hasn’t been tested or approved by any further research.
Overview of Howsarlock
The Howsarlock was designed in 2006. The idea was simply to create a locking device for domestic use, as the inventor saw the need for a portable locking system for use on internal doors.
Howsarlock can be fitted to nearly all internal doors. It’s small and lightweight, but – most importantly – durable. This is perhaps one of the reasons it won a Silver Medal at the British Invention Show in London and went on to win a Gold Medal at the Worldwide Inventors Show.
The design is simple. The device features a plate and a hook, both attached to a nylon rope; it works by placing the plate into the door jamb, closing the door then sliding the curved hook through the exposed hole in the plate.
We’ve heard about the background of Howsarlock, how it works and the awards it’s picked up along the way. What about the advantages? The limitations? How does this device compare to Lock Locker? Keep reading to find out…
Advantages of Howsarlock
- Hassle-free: The device is easy to install and release and can be done in seconds with no need for any additional tools.
- Stops access even with a key: The device will still work even if someone has a key or device to try and get in. It provides “tamper proof security” and is invisible from outside the door.
- Not much to go wrong: The simple design makes it uncomplicated and less prone to any faults as it has only two parts that connect with a tie. These faults may appear in more expensive door security systems.
- Good travel option: Lightweight, thanks to reinforced nylon, it makes the perfect addition to any travel. The portable device fits in your hand and can easily be stored in a pocket or suitcase.
- Unlikely to damage woodwork: As a result of the reinforced nylon, the device is unlikely to damage the woodwork of the door and frame.
Disadvantages of Howsarlock
- Works on internal doors only: The device is made for internal doors only, i.e. bedrooms, bathroom stalls and hotel doors, so will not stop intruders from entering the building.
- Occasionally fiddly: Could be a challenge to insert and use depending on the door as sometimes it’s not easy to slide the door over the plate.
- A deterrent, rather than a complete barrier: It’s designed for time, not for total security. The Howsarlock acts as a deterrent and offers resistance. It gives valuable time to call for help or create a plan but wouldn’t necessarily hold all night.
- Potential tangling: The device doesn’t come with a pouch or storage bag, which as a result means sometimes the device can get twisted and tangled due to it being in two parts, with some online reviewers commenting that the elastic came off easily. As a result it could have an impact on the device’s capabilities.
- Doesn’t work on all internal doors: Again, some online reviewers have commented that the Howsarlock doesn’t work on the doors in their home, even those who consider they have ‘normal doors’.
| The Lock Locker | Howsarlock | |
| Features | Locks the common deadbolt, keeping you safe when in the home. It makes using any type of key or ‘door bump’ virtually impossible, subject to the size specifications above. | Keeps an internal door locked by fitting into a door jamb and creating a “resistance” with the attached hook. As a result, it creates a barricade that no key can open. |
| Weight | 136 grams | 20 grams |
| Specs | Length: 228.6mm Width: 76mm at its widest point Depth: 127/203mm (depends on accessory used) deep | Length: 190mm Width: 125mm at its widest point Depth: 5mm |
| Cost | £19.74* (Amazon) *Doesn’t include customs or sales tax | £5.99 (Amazon) |
| User Rating | 4.3 (Amazon) | 4.2 (Amazon) |
The Decider
Still undecided on which portable security lock to go for? The Lock Locker works fantastically as the main point of security (entry doors), while Howsarlock works best for internal doors. The Lock Locker is made from the same materials as bulletproof glass, while the Howsarlock is made from nylon. They both offer resistance that could make an intruder think twice, but ultimately in an emergency wouldn’t stop a door being kicked in, for example.
If your needs are for additional security for your front poor or porch door then The Lock Locker may be an option for you. It’s specifically been designed to lock the common deadbolt. It offers peace of mind and works at the main point that someone could get into your house unattended. It offers security to tenants who rent or hotel guests who may be unsure how many copies of the key are available.
If you need added security for, say student accommodation or a hotel room, then the Howsarlock is something you might consider. It’s so lightweight and can even be used in bathroom stalls. Perfect for putting in your pocket round campus or a different travel destination. For the cost of £5.99 it’s worth investing in and popping in your bag as a “just in case” option.
The only concern that keeps cropping up with Howsarlock is the durability. Due to the construction, the materials may not withstand a higher amount of pressure. Some online reviewers have commented ‘Didn’t last a day’ and ‘Not strong at all’. Another option that you could consider is DoorJammer. The compact, portable yet strong security device is made from steel, has a patented design and is police accredited. You can read more about how to use it here.
Or, for even more security, consider a Lockdown. Made for lockdown situations, this security device designed for commercial spaces acts as a full barricade. Read more about its features here.