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How To Secure My Front Door
Many people are feeling insecure during this time of stay-at-home to prevent the spread of the Covid 19 virus. Not everybody can get all the supplies they need, including personal protective equipment. Everyone would like to feel that what they do have is safe.
How Can I make My Front Door More Secure?
If you don’t want to install another door, there are other ways you can increase your safety:
- Strong physical barriers to prevent the door from being kicked in
- Upgrade your locks – smart keyless locks or entry keypads to prevent lock picking
- Screen security doors to prevent access to your front door
What Is The Safest Lock For A Front Door?
Presented below are keyless locks. There is a variety of these locks. Some work with remote access (to change a code or allow a friend into your home). Some have fingerprint recognition. You can choose a very safe lock to reinforce the security of your front door.
Top-rated locksmiths recommend keyless locks to secure your doors:
- It’s easy to change codes
- You can set temporary ones that expire after a designated time
- Some systems automatically lock a few seconds after you leave
Can Smart Door Locks Be Hacked?
While anything can be hacked, electronic tumblers do not have a history of hack events and security factors can be updated as the technology improves.
Years ago I worked for a dentist whose practice had a door opening onto an alley behind a row of stores. The back door was heavy metal with a dead bolt lock.
One day when I came in to open up, I immediately noticed that the back hall was a mess and stuff was all over the place. The back door was open.
I called 911 and then called my boss. He was pretty upset, as you can imagine.
The thieves didn’t find his gold, which was under the carpet in a floor safe in a tiny office area.
There was really nothing for robbers to take. Perhaps they thought there would be pain killers to steal, but dentists don’t have those on site.What really shocked my boss was that the door had been rammed in. It was buckled and dented.
It was not as strong as he had always believed.
Consequently he installed a massive thick steel bar across the interior of the door.
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Prime-Line 3809BZ3068-I-WF Woodguard Steel Security Door – Traditional Screen Door Style with the Strength of a Steel Security Door – Steel and Wood Construction, Non-Handed, Bronze
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This vendor is proud of the door’s stylish appeal whereby you can get all the security of a steel door without sacrificing looks.
This design of screen door is deceptively traditional with a wood visual while giving the strength and security of a steel door.
This Woodguard Steel Security door is sturdy, durable, and features 24-gauge perforated steel mesh, a 1-in x 1-in welded steel frame and 3 heavy duty tamper proof hinges.
The solid pine overlay is finished in a beautiful light oak stain.
The door frame is manufactured from 1 in. x 1 in. welded steel and comes with a three (3) piece 1-1/4 in. mounting frame for ease of installation.
The aforementioned tamper-proof steel hinges allow for strength and years of trouble-free operation.
The standard double hole lock box allows for installation of entry door hardware (handle and lock set not included) of your choice of finish.
This security screen door is a non-handed design which allows the door to be installed as either a left or right-handed swinging door.
This new style security door is easy to install and it is illustrated in the manufacturer’s How-To Installation Video on the Amazon page.
Prime-Line Products 3853BK3068-WF Flagstaff Steel Security Door, 36″ x 80″, Black
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The flagstaff steel security door features;
- 24 gauge perforated steel mesh
- 1 in. X 1 in. Welded steel frame
- 3 heavy duty tamper proof hinges
- It can be installed either right swinging or left swinging
Included is a one-piece 1-1/4 in. outside mount frame along with one-way mounting screws for ease of installation
Dimensions are 3 ft. X 6 ft. 8 in (36 inches x 80 inches) and the TOTAL dimensions including the outside mount frame are 3 ft. 3 in. X 6 ft. 9-3/4 in. (39 inches x 81-3/4 inches).
Prodigy SmartLock Commercial Grade Interconnect Lock 4000 with Keyless Entry RFID (Right Hand 5-1/2”, Flat Black)
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Experience for yourself, this easy and reliable key-less home entry activated through a responsive programmable touch pad.
Prodigy SmartLock provides quick and uncomplicated programming of multiple user codes for your and your family’s convenience.
The touch pad is compatible RFID cards, key fobs and stickers for even more convenient smart access.
An anti-cryptic safety feature ensures that onlookers cannot identify your security combination.
A mechanical key override option is available for alternate access without a code.
HavenLock HL1-CNT-001 Connect Bluetooth Enabled Floor Mounted Smart Lock, Heavy-Duty Door Lock, Steel; Delrin; Nylon, 30″ Length x 4″ Width – Black
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HAVEN Connect is a Bluetooth enabled smart lock that engages with the bottom of your door for heavy duty, dependable security.
With the HAVEN mobile app you can secure your home from any location.
Send digital keys to visitors when you are away, and monitor their access, log entry and exit. You will have this digital documentation and more — all at hand for whenever you need it.
That’s awesome peace of mind, don’t you think?
ULTRALOQ U-Bolt Pro Bluetooth Enabled Fingerprint and Keypad Smart Deadbolt Door Lock + Bridge WiFi Adaptor. Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT
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- Unlock your Ultraloq anytime, from any remote location.
- Let your friends, guests or service people into your home at your convenience
- 6-in-1 Keyless Entry Smart Lock:
- (1) Fingerprint + (2) Anti-peep Keypad + (3) Smartphone + (4) Auto Unlock + (5) Shake to Open + (6) Mechanical Key
- Voice control with Alexa, Google Assistant. Works with IFTTT
- Auto lock and unlock: the locks will activate automatically when you exit and unlocks when you arrive
- Share Ekey & Code with any trusted person
- Grant access to your family, guests or service people via a code or an eKey for permanent access, specific dates or specified periods of time
Master Lock 265D Door Security Bar, Adjustable from 27-1/2 in. to 42 in, White (Pack of 4)
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This is affordable security to ensure that your doors cannot be forced open. No bolts or screws – perfect for renters who cannot modify their residence.
The Master Lock 265D Security Door Bar is manufactured from heavy duty 20 gauge steel construction which resists forced attempts to gain access to your home through doors and sliding patio doors.
The bar adjusts from 27-1/2in (70cm) – 42in (1.1m) for application flexibility.
The pivoting ball joint assures full contact with floor, and padded foot provides sure grip without scratching.
Use for the front door, your back door, pedestrian garage door, and your sliders.
Lockly Bluetooth Keyless Entry Smart Door Lock (PGD 728F) Patented Keypad/Alarm System | Advanced 3D Fingerprint Reader | iOS and Android Compatible (VenetianBronze)
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Over the top Secure Keypad!
You can unlock your door with a 6 – 8 digit programmed access code. The keypad is a scrambler that randomly changes your numbers every time you enter a code, making it almost impossible for others to guess your combination.
Unlock Via Your Phone!
Configured to work with both Android and iOS devices, you will quickly access this lock to engage and disengage with a tap of your finger (provided you are within Bluetooth connectivity range), remote unlocking requires Secure Link Wi-Fi hub (Sold Separately)
Fingerprint / code will always work without internet.
Friday Home Smart Lock Complete – Keyless Entry for Everyday Convenience – Grant or Revoke Access with Your Android or iPhone Smartphone App – Free WiFi, Stylish, Ergonomic Design – Brass Finish
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This minimalist design stylish lock is convenient, and easy to install.
Convenient in so many ways, if you’re arriving home regularly with kids in tow, grocery bags in your arms, or other home supplies.
Small and sleek, it takes up little room on your front door.
This is the latest of this smart lock line.
It comes in a variety of finishes.
LineBacker High Strength Door Security- None Better
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This vendor states that this is the strongest, most intelligent door restraint for your money.
There is no better value for security hardware.
Solid steel and aluminum mounting brackets mount to the interior structural frame of your door.
The articulating bar assembly is made of hardened steel where it needs to be – aluminum tube and rod where they serve best – and ABS plastic for the strongly gusseted halves of the cam/handle which are sonically welded together.
The result is that the unit is able to withstand forces of impact well beyond those that can be generated by humans at your door!
The design, aside from being staunch enough to secure your entrance way, preserves the structure of your door and the trim.
For instance, with a kick-in attempt when this device is installed, the resulting damage to the door would be no more than foot prints.
The barrier is installed with clearance from the trim on either side of the door.
This prevents damage and consequent expensive repairs.
It’s a very easy installation: 2 screws into each bracket, penetrating the interior frame, insert the bar, swing it into place,…… and breathe easy!
Security Door Brace | Door Barricade | Prevents Home Invasions & Burglaries | OnGARD Withstands up to 3000 Lbs of Violent Force.
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The OnGARD vendor also states that this barricade is the strongest door brace available worldwide. It has gained the Security Products Magazine, the Top Twenty Reader Choice Award.
The floor set residential door brace prevents violent home invasion and stops burglars in their tracks.
It wards off door kick-ins and even an implosion from a battering ram.
Jeffrey Dingle, a federal law enforcement trainer and former Director of Protective Operations for the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center has stated:
“the OnGARD is a revolutionary security device. I personally inspected to guarantee its resilience amidst some of the harshest testing imaginable. I violently beat against a OnGARD protected door with a 40-pound police battering ram to no avail.”
The unique OnGUARD door brace is composed of a space-age polymer non rusting material (not metal) , the same compound found in U.S. fighter planes.
Hardware included with shipping – a wood drill bit, 5 screws and philips head bit driver.
Concrete screws are NOT included.
Want peace of mind? Install the OnGuard at all exit doors in your residence.
The following article is written by a handyman and he makes very good points about doors, door frames and the inherent weakness in typical building construction. But, we’re not all handymen, right? That’s why I presented the security items above.
So You Think Your Front Door Locks Are Secure?
“Have you locked the front entrance door?”
Of course you have, it’s almost a ritual… closing the door gives a sense of security. Shutting out the cold and cruel world — you are safe behind your closed door.
Thieves and break-ins are as old as your house and home, and even the concept of a home, and have been designed to support that belief.
Humour me. Go to your front door and take a good, steady look. Mine was solid oak, a good first-class lock, the best door bolt I could find at the hardware store, and yet somebody walked right through it. Yours the same?
When I saw what happened, I almost wept. How could I be so stupid? You are at your front door now… good. It’s a good door with great front door locks. Even when I think of home I find myself dreaming up three words: security doors homes. Okay, now turn your head slightly and look at the other side. Yes, the door frame.
I never thought of it, and the experts never mention it. The door frame is made of pine, and pine is a very soft wood. Now, look at the lock plate. A nice piece of brass, neatly set in, and held by two screws. Take one out — it’s quite easy, perhaps three-quarters of an inch long. They are there to hold the plate in position and nothing else.
Put your finger in the cutout and measure to the front edge — about an inch. That is what you are placing your faith in. Not the door, not the front door locks, but one inch of soft, brittle, wood.
Mine did. Not a mark on the door; the frame shattered with one swift kick. “But of course,” said the police blithely. “That is nearly half of the break ins. Right through the front door.”
Door frames are the same world over. Soft wood. There are houses being built today with the same frames as those built hundreds of years ago. Only the bad guys know about this. Builders do not. So come on, you builders, wake up and do something about it. Never mind the fancy front door that helps sell the house. Look at the frame.
Oh, sorry! You are still at your front door. What can you do about it?
Take out the screws holding the lock plate in place and put in as long a screw as you can. I have a three inch one in mine. It goes through the frame into the two-by-four that holds it into place.Okay, it won’t stop them but it will slow them down.
I, being a handyman, did more. I took off the inside moulding. Do it carefully with two screwdrivers: start at the top or bottom and work it off slowly, as you want to put it back. It’s held by finishing nails. Having got it off, you can see the works: the frame about an inch thick, behind the two-by-four.
Go to a builders’ yard and get some metal cornering. Fit it against the jamb and edge of the frame. Cut out a niche to accommodate your front door locks. Put back the moulding.
It won’t stop them, but the frame won’t give so easily. If they want in, they will get in… yeah, I know, but even the cops who say that also tell you to take every precaution.
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