A portable lid lock includes a base plate having a rotatable drum mounted thereon from which a cable will extend for extension or retraction upon rotation of the drum. A cover plate has a peripheral depending wall and is connected to the base plate to enclose the drum within a hollow cavity between the cover and base plates. The cable extends through an aperture in the base plate and has a hook connected to the free end thereof. A rotatable handle is mounted on the drum. A cover plate has a peripheral depending wall and is connected to the base plate to enclose the drum within a hollow cavity between the cover and base plates. The cable extends through an aperture in the base plate and has a hook connected to the free end thereof. A rotatable handle is mounted on the cover plate and has a portion extending through an aperture therein to connect to the drum in order to permit selective rotation of the drum. A ratchet gear is mounted on the drum, and a pawl is mounted adjacent thereto to permit rotation in one direction and prevent rotation in the opposite direction. A lock mechanism is mounted to the cover plate and has a throw arm which will selectively disenage the pawl from the ratchet gear to permit free rotation of the drum.
