Door guards are usually stronger than chains due to their sturdy metal construction. They can withstand greater force and are not easily damaged or tampered with. Apartments, houses and condominiums use these devices to enhance the security of front doors.
Door limiters or Door bars
These devices are somewhat stronger than door chains, but not necessarily the fittings.
A door chain could also be a good visual deterrent, if someone is looking to break into your home, as door chains will help to physically prevent this. A door chain must be properly installed and be of high-quality to be effective, so we'd suggest calling your local Locksmith to install your new door chain.
Due to the nature of the mechanism, a deadbolt will always be more secure than a doorknob. If you're reading this from home I encourage you to do a simple test: If you have a door with both a deadbolt and a doorknob, open it and then lock both locks while the door is open.
Deadbolt lock – deadbolt locks must be opened using a key or a thumb turn and offers great security for your home as it's impossible to be forced open using a knife blade or credit card. These locks are most suited to a wooden door, steel door or fibreglass door.
1. Alarm Systems. Burglars hate alarm systems - and for very good reason! Any indication that your home has a security system, such as yard signs, window stickers and a big alarm box, can act as a burglar deterrent and help prevent your home from being burgled.
Deadbolt locks provide good protection. When you turn the key, the lock mechanism slides a strong metal bolt from the door into the frame. Don't rely on chain locks, even ones with a key. An average-sized person pushing against a door can easily break most chain locks.
Since Schlage locks are made of stronger materials, and provide far greater security than Kwikset locks, they also come with a higher price tag.
3 star lock cylinders resist direct attack & offer a significant security upgrade to any door regardless of the material of door and handle. The Police will recommend both SS312 Diamond locks or TS 007 3 star locks to the general public as security upgrades for domestic homes.
The UAP TS003 Door chains have been awarded 'Secured by Design' approval by the association of police officers.
Steel doors are among the best front doors for security. It's nearly impossible to break through; even if beaten or abused, these doors are more likely to dent than come down. Having covered the advantages of steel doors, the best steel door is the Jeld-Wen's Camber Top Mission Primed Steel Door.
Not all chains are made from the same type of metal. For reliable security, the links of the chain should be made from a high quality, core hardened steel alloy, that's not too brittle. The easiest way to guarantee this is to buy from a reputable brand such as Kryptonite, OnGuard, Abus or Pragmasis.
Wire ropes are generally stronger than chains, and are better able to withstand heavy loads and high stresses.
Using a door chain is a simple way to improve the security of your property and give you peace of mind when you answer the door to unexpected callers late at night. This inexpensive and easy home improvement is a worthwhile one for anyone, male or female, who wants to feel safer in their home.
Chains are tougher to cut with an angle grinder and more flexible in how they lock, or to what, but tend to be more difficult to carry. The Hiplock Gold chain lock is a great option because it's a very secure lock and they make it easy to carry.
Replace batteries with new ones to ensure that lock is properly powered. Typical battery life based on 10 entries per day is 10-12 months if the door is properly aligned and the lock does not encounter interference in lock/unlocking the door.
Schlage locks tend to be more expensive than Kwikset due to its superior security features, durable materials, tight tolerances, great security pins, and robust deadbolt screws. The Kwikset deadbolt is good quality, but the quality of Schlage housing and door locks justifies the higher cost.
Home Security Cameras
Our best deterrent for burglars is the presence of an outdoor security camera. Having cameras mounted around your exterior home is a great way to prevent burglars from entering your home! This immediately makes it look as though burgling your home will be more of a risk.
Burglars Don't Use Lock Picking
Indeed, some burglars developed this skill perfectly, but they usually prefer other intrusion methods. To Pick a lock can take too long and requires lots of previous training. Your door lock type could spoil the whole operation if a thief isn't properly prepared.
Front door: 34% of burglars twist the doorknob and walk right in. First-floor windows: 23% use a first-floor open window to break into your home. Back door: 22% come in through the back door. Garage doors: 9% gain entrance through the garage.
Perform a lock check. See who it is (through peephole or camera) Speak with the person through the door. Call the police (if needed)
Aluminum Doors and most Screen Mesh Doors.