Anti-toddler Lock for Security Door?

Just want to say, please NEVER underestimate the power of toddlers to figure out a way to get to a high chain like the one on your front door!

I worked in a preschool that had a chain on a door leading to the front yard, in the 2 year old class. The doorknob lock was kept unlocked during the day, and the chain latched. Having left at 4 and realizing I'd left something I needed that evening I went back, just in time to see several 2 year olds tumbling out the door as I pulled up! Their teacher and aide were tending to a hurt child and while their backs were turned the toddlers had stacked chairs, a small bookcase, and totes used to store toys, things that normally weren't near the door which they'd brought from all over the room, with the most daring child making a precarious climb to the top and unchaining the door, causing everything and everyone to tumble out when one of them opened it! One of the girls got up from the mound and began running to the gate (it was pick-up time as parents were getting off work) as she thought she saw her mother. I picked her up and carried her inside, saw the chaos with the bleeding child as they were calling 9-1-1, went into the room, retrieved more children, moved everything away from the door, locked the door and sat down to shake with all the adrenaline going through me.

We called the director that night and 2 new locks were put on the door first thing in the morning, the room rearranged so stackable items were kept out of the toddlers reach, bolted to the floor, or out of the room, a bell was hung on the door to alert teachers if a child opened it, but we were never able to get a clear picture of who thought up the idea to stack and unlock or who did what, they were all too young to reasonably question or to tell us on their own!

Thank God none of the children sustained any injuries, had they gotten to the gate and opened it they could have entered a busy intersection. But I learned that night to never underestimate the brilliance and creativity of toddlers...if they have an idea, they'll find a way to get it done!

http://www.amazon.com/Child-Proof-Deluxe-Door-Lock/dp/B00...

http://www.amazon.com/Door-Flip-Child-Safety-Colors/dp/B0...

I was confused how these even worked til I read the reviews. So smart. You may have to use metal screws for one of them.

The 1st one doesn't need screws or anything.

Also found these (I was looking for me too lol)

http://www.amazon.com/KidCo-Door-Lever-Lock-Colors/dp/B00...

http://www.amazon.com/Safety-1st-Prograde-Drill-Door/dp/B...

I've seen locking devices for lever handles displayed along with the ones for knobs.

You can install a chain lock on a metal door using metal screws. You may have to use a drill bit made for metal. If you don't have a drill, you could rent one.

You NEED to, install a hook & eye lock, WAY up high on the door. Where the child cannot reach.

My friend, has THREE boys... monkeys. And this is what they did to ALL their doors.

You have to put a chain or hook & eye lock WAY up HIGHER on the door.

And when sleeping or showering, just close and lock that metal security gate, that you leave open.

OR, put on all your doors, a "door knob alarm."
Look it up on Amazon.
They have all kinds.
We had those when we were kids.
It will sound an alarm when the door handle is touched.

I don't have an answer to your question, but a suggestion. On every door you have in your home, tie a bundle of dangling bells to them. This has helped out one of my friends immensely. Good Luck

There are a few things you could try. There is a lever door cover that is quite difficult for a toddler to open. However, it has to be screwed into the door at one place with two screws. This might prove challenging with a metal door.
Another option is safety straps. We use them on our drawers. Part of the strap is attached to the counter and the other half is attached to the drawer. You pinch two pieces together to open it and the strap releases. We have also used it on a bench in our kitchen that we keep our vitamins in as well as our dutch door in the kitchen that our son loves to try and slam shut. Now when we want the door open we just strap the top half of the door to the wall, and it works great.