Locks

when building an Escape room,
Locks Are the key to your success

External links on this website are marked with the symbol.
Privacy Policy.

Jump to

Key Locks
Combination Locks
Magnetic Locks
Electronic Locks
Multi Locks

Back to Puzzles

Key locks

Back to Top

Quite common

Keyed Padlock

These locks require a physical key to open. The idea is easy to grasp: When the participants encounter a padlock in your escape room, they know that they need to search for a key. This key may be hidden in various places within the room or even within other lockable containers. The sight of a padlock not only enhances the escape room’s overall appearance but also adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue.

Padlocks are usually affordable and can be purchased in bulk, making them a cost-effective choice for your escape room. They come in all different shapes and sizes. Also, when you use keyed padlocks, resetting the game for the next group of participants is relatively straightforward.

🤓 For the real nerds: Learn more about how keyed padlocks work

🔍 Search terms: keyed padlock, padlock with keys, key lock

Keyed Bike Lock

can come in various forms, such as a U-lock, chain lock, or cable lock. The locking mechanism is typically made of durable and tamper-resistant materials like hardened steel or alloy. The biggest advantage of cable locks (like the one in the picture) are their flexibility.

🔍 Search terms: keyed bike lock, keyed bicycle lock, keyed U-lock, keyed chain lock, keyed cable lock

Handcuffs

You can not only buy handcuffs in many stores at a very cheap price, they also fit very well into prison, detective or western themed Escape Room. One popular use is to place the handcuffs around two door handles, thus locking a cabinet.

🔍 Search terms: handcuffs

More rare

Keyed Zipper Lock

With this lock, you can make a lockable container out of any bag that has two zippers: just insert the cable pin through the zippers and into the lock. The bag can now only be opened with a key. These locks can surprise and intrigue players because they don’t immediately appear as locks.

🔍 Search terms: zipper lock

Treasures

Chinese padlock

You can not only buy handcuffs in many stores at a very cheap price, they also fit very well into prison, detective or western themed Escape Room. One popular use is to place the handcuffs around two door handles, thus locking a cabinet.

🔍 Search terms: chinese padlock, chinese retro padlock, chinese vintage padlock

Combination locks

Back to Top

Quite common

Number combination padlock

Number combination padlocks – like keyed padlocks – are readily available in hardware or online stores and are relatively inexpensive. They come in various styles, sizes, and digit combinations (although I find 4-digit locks rather hard to obtain, so I suggest to grab one every time you have the chance!).

Combination locks can be reset and reconfigured easily. This means you can simply change the combinations for different groups of players or between game sessions, ensuring the challenge remains fresh. Combination locks eliminate the need for physical keys, which can be lost or damaged. This simplifies the logistics of running an escape room and reduces the risk of needing replacements. Also, you can personalize combination locks by choosing unique combinations that are significant to your escape room’s story or theme, adding an extra layer of immersion.

💡Tip: Always ensure that your participants are clear about the correct order for entering the code into the combination lock, for example, by labeling your lock:

🤓 For the real nerds: Learn more about how combination locks work

🔍 Search terms: combination lock, digit lock, combination padlock

Color combination lock

These locks typically feature number combinations, and as an added benefit, the individual digits are distinguished by different colors.

Using colored combination locks offers the advantage of quickly indicating the position where each digit of your code should be placed.

Example scenario for using a color combination lock

🔍 Search terms: color combination lock, color lock

More rare

Cabinet combination lock

This lock works like a turning door knob: It consists of a latch and a bolt. When closed, the bolt extends into the latch and keeps the door in place. When opened, the bolt lets go of the latch. A locked combination lock prevents the handle from being turned. You can install this mechanical combination lock on a cabinet door or a sturdy box.

🔍 Search terms: cabinet combination lock, cabinet cobination latch, office file cabinet door lock, password bolt lock, keyless door lock

Rotary combination lock

This type of locking mechanism consists of a dial which must be rotated left and right in a certain combination in order to open the lock and thus provide participants in your escape room with the thrilling sensation of cracking a safe.
The ones on the cheaper side usually come with a 3-digit preset combination.

🤓 For the real nerds: Learn more about how rotary combination locks work

🔍 Search terms: rotary combination lock, dial combination lock, rotary dial combination padlock

Word Lock

A word lock is a type of combination lock where, instead of numbers or symbols, the combination is made up of letters or words. The advantage of word locks is, that you can personalize word lock combinations to fit the escape room’s narrative. This adds a layer of immersion, as players feel like they are solving a unique challenge related to the story. Escpecially in escape rooms for the language classroom, word locks can encourage players to expand their vocabulary, spelling, and language skills in an engaging way.

🔍 Search terms: word lock, wordlock, password lock, letter combination lock, combination padlock with interchangeable dials

five letter word lock with interchangeable dials

Push button combination padlock

This kind of lock has a set of push buttons.

The advantage of this type of combination lock is that the order in which you enter your code doesn’t matter because these locks are designed to recognize the correct combination regardless of the order in which the buttons are pressed.

🔍 Search terms: push button combination padlock, position button combination padlock, tactile button lock

push button lock with a 4-digit preset combination

enter the correct numbers in any order to open the lock

Directional combination lock

A directional combination lock is a type of lock that requires participants to enter a sequence of movements based on directions such as “Up,” “Down,” “Right,” and “Left.” Directional locks can be nicely integrated into the theme and narrative of the escape room. For example, in a nautical-themed room, participants may need to input a sequence of directions to simulate navigating a ship, enhancing the immersion.

🔍 Search terms: directional lock, directional combination padlock

photo:
amazon.co.uk

Combination luggage strap

This lock typically consists of a durable strap made of materials like nylon or polyester, an adjustable buckle to secure it around the luggage, and a built-in combination lock. Ideal to lock big objects like chests, suitcases or even cabinets.

🔍 Search terms: combination luggage strap, luggage strap with combination lock, suitcase strap with lock

Retractable cable lock

A retractabel cable lock consists of a flexible steel cable and a locking mechanism. Once the mechanism is locked, the pin cannot be taken out of the slot (similar to a padlock) and the cable stays in place.

Cable locks are very long and flexible, making them suitable for locking or connecting large objects that have to be seperated before they can be of further use. You could, for example, use a cable lock to tie a chair to a radiator. The chair, however, is needed to reach a higher located object.

🔍 Search terms: retractable cable lock, steel cable lock, flexible cable lock

Cable padlock

This padlock comes with an elastic cable that is quite long, despite its small size. This allows you to connect large or multiple items, for examples two door handles of a cabinet.

🔍 Search terms: cable padlock

Refrigerator lock

Simply stick it to the fridge or the cabinet you want to lock. Not the prettiest solution but it stands out immediately.

🔍 Search terms: refrigerator lock, combination fridge lock

photo:
amazon.com

USB-port lock

Primarily employed for safeguarding laptops, this device can also serve as an effective means to secure a USB port. This is especially useful when information vital to your players’ progress is stored on a USB stick. Goes well with USB-drive combination lock.

🔍 Search terms: refrigerator lock, combination fridge lock

photo:
amazon.com

Treasures

Symbol lock

Instead of numerical digits, this type of lock has symbols, icons, or images representing the combination.

Symbols can be incorporated seamlessly into the escape room’s theme or storyline. For example, in a treasure hunt or ancient civilization-themed room, symbols like hieroglyphs or mystical runes could be used to fit the narrative, enhancing immersion. Moreover, symbols can be seamlessly integrated into various props and objects within the escape room setting.

💡 Tip: Symbol combination locks are rare, so keep an eye out for them!

🔍 Search terms: combination lock with symbols

Rotary combination lock with symbols

Instead of numerical digits, this type of lock has symbols, icons, or images representing the combination.

Symbols can be incorporated seamlessly into the escape room’s theme or storyline. For example, in a treasure hunt or ancient civilization-themed room, symbols like hieroglyphs or mystical runes could be used to fit the narrative, enhancing immersion. Moreover, symbols can be seamlessly integrated into various props and objects within the escape room setting.

🔍 Search terms: rotary combination lock with symbols

Chinese combination lock

🔍 Search terms: chinese combination lock

Antique combination lock

🔍 Search terms: antique combination lock, vintage combination lock, antique password lock, vintage password lock

Cryptex

A cryptex is a cylindrical, lock device that typically consists of a series of rotating discs with letters, numbers, or symbols inscribed on them.

It functions “much like a bicycle’s combination lock” (Brown, Dan 2003. The Da Vinci Code, p. 200), and if the disks are arragnged to spell out the correct password, “the tumblers inside align, and the entire cylinder slides apart” (ibid).

🔍 Search terms: cryptex, kryptex

Puzzle pod

This puzzle pod features the same meachnics as a cryptex. The bonus is, that players can see the item that is locked up, thus intensifying the experience.

🔍 Search terms: puzzle pod

Bottle lock

A bottle lock consists of a locking mechanism that fits snugly around the neck of a bottle. It prevents the cap or cork from being removed without first unlocking the device. It fits most wine and beer bottles and is the perfect device for a “message in a bottle” with a little twist.

🔍 Search terms: bottle lock, bottle combination lock, wine lock

photo:
amazon.co.uk

Ice cream lock

Tailored to fit Ben and Jerry’s ice cream pints, these locks ensure the safety of your pint of ice cream from potential ice cream thieves. Or they make a special addition to your escape room.

🔍 Search terms: ben and jerry’s ice cream lock

photo:
amazon.nl

USB-drive combination lock

Secure your data with a USB-drive combination lock. Or the next clue or puzzle for your escape room.

🔍 Search terms: usb drive combination lock, usb lock, flash drive lock, cryptex flash drive, usb cryptex

Magnetic Locks

Back to Top

Magnetic cabinet lock

You can find these simple, low-tech locks in nearly any store that offers baby products. Their primary purpose is to prevent kids from accessing drawers. To use them, just attach the lock to a cabinet, a drawer, or a box and hide the magnetic knob.

Learn more in this guide on how to install a magnetic lock in a box

🔍 Search terms: magnetic cabinet lock, magnetic lock, baby cabinet lock

magnetic locks usually come with a catcher, a locking mechanism and a magnetic key and are easy to intall

Electronic Locks

Back to Top

Electronic keypad lock

An electronic keypad lock is a modern, digitally controlled locking system that consists of a keypad which allows players to enter a numerical code unlock a door or a compartment. Keypad locks add a modern and tech-savvy element to the escape room for interactive and high-tech challenges.

Of course, this solution is a little on more on the costly side but it makes up for it with its wow-factor and various unlock modes such as password, ID-card or RFID-wristband or a combination of both.

🔍 Search terms: electronic cabinet lock kit, digital touch keypad lock, electronic keyless door lock

photo:
amazon.co.uk

Travel keycard lock

An electronic lock that can be unlocked with a keycard. Keycard locks can contribute to the realism of certain scenarios, such as spy missions, futuristic themes, or settings where keycards are integral to the story. Additionally, there are numerous possible hiding places for keycards, such as books, wallets, or jacket pockets.

Unlike the electronic keycard lock, this lock does not require installation and is situated within the middle price range.

🔍 Search terms: travel keycard lock, keycard padlock, RFID-card lock

photo:
bol.com

Timer lock

This lock automatically unlocks after a predetermined duration, making it an ideal choice when you prefer to delay participants’ access to an object or clue.

🔍 Search terms: timer lock, timing lock, time padlock, time out lock

photo:
amazon.co.uk

Fingerprint padlock

A fingerprint padlock is a high-tech security device that uses biometric technology to unlock with the touch of a registered fingerprint.

In an escape room with live actors (most likely, that’s you), participants need to convince a certain character to collaborate in order to gain access.

🔍 Search terms: fingerprint padlock, biometric padlock

photo:
amazon.co.uk

Multi Locks

Back to Top

Multi Locks

A multi-lock hasp features a hinged flap and room for multiple padlocks. The flap can be attached to a door, a cabinet, or compartment you want to secure. When all the locks on the hasp are unlocked, the flap can be swung open, allowing access to the secured area.
This kind of lock is especially useful for non-linear escape rooms: Design a set of puzzles, riddles, or challenges that can be tackled in any order. Each of these puzzles should lead to the discovery of a key to one of the locks on the hasp.

🔍 Search terms: multi lock, hasp