Improve Security with a Jamming Door Bar

  • 2-3 hours
  • Beginner
  • 50-75
What You'll Need
Screwdriver
Door Jam Bar
Brackets
Chisel
Hammer
What You'll Need
Screwdriver
Door Jam Bar
Brackets
Chisel
Hammer

A jamming door bar is an ideal way of improving the security of your door. Fitting these jamming door bars is also very easy. While securing a door is normally as simple as turning a lock or sliding a dead bolt, there are some applications where a jamming door bar is required.

Once your door bar has been installed, you will be able to rest safe in the knowledge that your property is better protected from intruders.

Step 1 - Preparing the Door

Measure the width of the door and decide exactly how the door jam bar will be fitted. There are a number of different types and sizes available, which you need to consider carefully. Remember that these security bars can only be used to prevent a door opening inwards. Putting one on a door that opens outwards will not be any benefit.

Step 2 - Working on the Frame

Depending on the door jam bar that you've decided to use, you may need to chisel out a section of the frame. By chiseling out the frame, the door jam bar should fit closer up against the door.

Step 3 - Attaching the Brackets

The brackets which hold the door jam bar will now need to be fitted. These need to be positioned so that they are on either side of the door. Ensure that these don't block the door from opening, because otherwise you'll find that you're stuck.

The brackets should be screwed into the door frame or wall using the supplied screws. Long screws must be used for the door jam bar to be effective.

Step 4 - Locking the Door

When you're ready to lock up, simply lock the doors as normal. The door jam bar can be supported on the two brackets either side of the door. This is a physical barrier which prevents the door from opening. It's also much stronger than any lock.

It's possible to kick most locks in because they only go a small way into the frame. However, a door jam bar will offer much more security.

Step 5 - Storing the Door Jam Bar

When you want to open the door, simply lift the door jam bar out of place and store it safely out of the way. This can sometimes be difficult, because it's a large bar which needs to be kept somewhere.

Check that the security bar can always be removed, and that it never becomes rusted shut. Rusted door jam bars could be a danger, as they will prevent the door from opening in the case of a fire or other emergency.

Step 6 - Further Enhancements

There are also plenty of other things that you can do to your home to secure it. Fit window locks and a home security system. Whatever you do to improve the security of your home, it only works if you actually remember to lock and bolt the doors in the first place.