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Main Forums => The Roundtable => Topic started by: zahc on February 02, 2019, 12:42:05 AM

Title: Door wedging/propping security devices
Post by: zahc on February 02, 2019, 12:42:05 AM
For rental houses or hotels where you can't make any modifications, I want something to wedge the door closed from inside. Are there any defensive products out there that actually work well to deny entry, as opposed to just making the user feel better?
Title: Re: Door wedging/propping security devices
Post by: French G. on February 02, 2019, 12:22:47 PM
A standard rubber wedge works great.
Title: Re: Door wedging/propping security devices
Post by: Unisaw on February 02, 2019, 02:32:26 PM
These supposedly work well but will visibly damage the floor if it isn’t carpeted.

http://www.leevalley.com/us/garden/page.aspx?p=40812&cat=2,42194,73349
Title: Re: Door wedging/propping security devices
Post by: MillCreek on February 02, 2019, 02:45:38 PM
I would get one with an alarm: https://www.amazon.com/SABRE-Wedge-Security-Alarm-Siren/dp/B00M30SQGA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549136675&sr=8-4&keywords=door+wedge+with+alarm
Title: Re: Door wedging/propping security devices
Post by: MechAg94 on February 02, 2019, 03:38:48 PM
A standard rubber wedge works great.
The rubber/plastic ones I have seen are okay for door stops, but will not prevent the door from being opened, especially if there is a lot of clearance at the bottom of the door.  There may be better types.

I assume you mean something like this.
https://www.amazon.com/Shepherd-Hardware-9133-Heavy-Rubber/dp/B00004YOHN/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549139876&sr=8-3&keywords=door+wedge

This one looks interesting.
https://www.amazon.com/Wundermax-Decorative-Stopper-Surfaces-Original/dp/B010ZIANAI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549139876&sr=8-4&keywords=door+wedge
Title: Re: Door wedging/propping security devices
Post by: MechAg94 on February 02, 2019, 03:43:56 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Doorstop-Buffers-Stainless-Rubber-Non-Slip/dp/B01DD8OIRQ/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1549139876&sr=8-19&keywords=door+wedge
I have a couple like this.  They work well as long as they fit.  I have come across doors that were set too high.

I like the ones with the alarm mentioned above.  None of these wedges will stop someone coming through.  They just slow them down.  An alarm will give you just a bit more warning. 

I actually have two on my front door (one with alarm and the metal base model).  If you push lightly, they will not bite down and you can push them back.  The alarm still goes off. 
Title: Re: Door wedging/propping security devices
Post by: MechAg94 on February 02, 2019, 03:55:18 PM
These supposedly work well but will visibly damage the floor if it isn’t carpeted.

http://www.leevalley.com/us/garden/page.aspx?p=40812&cat=2,42194,73349
This looks interesting.  Makes me wonder if it would make sense to drill a small hole in the floor in front of the door to drop that spike into.  I guess if you are going to do that, you could do more than just a wedge. 
Title: Re: Door wedging/propping security devices
Post by: zahc on February 02, 2019, 04:08:20 PM
Wedges won't work on most exterior doors which don't have any gap on the bottom.

I bought one of these. A side benefit is kids can't let themselves out as easily either.


https://www.amazon.com/Addalock-Portable-Travel-AirBNB-Lockdown/dp/B00186URTY/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=ya_aw_od_pi
Title: Re: Door wedging/propping security devices
Post by: 230RN on February 02, 2019, 07:45:26 PM
Dumb and simple.

Metal strip that slips into the gap between door and top jamb.  Hang a tin can or two on it.  Door opens, cans make a racket when they hit the floor.

No mods to door or floor, no wires, no batteries, no uplinks to the net.  Will not prevent entry, but will give you a warning.  Will probably scare away an intruder anyhow since he she or it will know you've been alerted.

Dumb and simple.

Oh, and cheapicity approaches zero.

Terry, 230RN

Poor pix:

Can hanging from top of door.  Actually the bottom half of an ash tray which makes a rewardingly sonorous racket when it hits the floor.  First pic is the metal strip stuck in the top of the door on which the can hangs.  

Title: Re: Door wedging/propping security devices
Post by: MechAg94 on February 02, 2019, 09:31:09 PM
Wedges won't work on most exterior doors which don't have any gap on the bottom.

I bought one of these. A side benefit is kids can't let themselves out as easily either.


https://www.amazon.com/Addalock-Portable-Travel-AirBNB-Lockdown/dp/B00186URTY/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=ya_aw_od_pi

Mine have a gap once the door is open.  The wedges just sit next to the door.  The wedges will hold some if you push hard.  If you push lightly, the wedges will slide back.  Still slows you down and the alarm wedge still alarms.  Again, not full proof, just something to buy a little time.

That product looks cool though.  Might have to get one to try it.
Title: Re: Door wedging/propping security devices
Post by: Doggy Daddy on February 02, 2019, 10:36:38 PM
It's not too hard to totally remove a door stop or wedge from the other side of the door with a low tech flat stick.   :facepalm: