Hardening your Home? - Page 5

nutz4utwo · April 24th, 2009, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jualdeaux

You guys would love where I live. I have a minimum of 10 inches of steel reinforced concrete and 3 foot of dirt on 5 out of 6 sides my the house. That includes the garage. the house itself is sectioned off into 4 areas, the garage, the family living area, the utility room and extra bedrooms and the master bedroom/bath. Each section has an 8 inch reinforced concrete divider/support wall with a steel fire door leading to each section. The main entrance has a small foyer that has the same steel doors on both the outer and inner doors.

The only weak points are the sliding glass door in the master bedroom, and the large skylight in the living area. If I were to own it, I'd take that sliding glass door out and put some other sort of door that is more secure. That door has to be there to make the second exit from the house.

Wow. You don't live in a prison do you? Civil defense bunker? Hydroelectric dam? Do you own a concrete factory?

Your info says you are in Waponi Woo, the tiny pacific island Waponi Woo? Seen any volcanoes recently?

Psychman · May 1st, 2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tros

I used longer screws (simple, but extremely effective), installed a grade 1 lock, installed a chain lock, installed a peephole, increased lighting at entryways, and finally, installed a simple magnetic sounding alarm when triggered (for less than $15, I love them --- they are LOUD)

Would all of this keep out a determined attacker? Nope, there is a large window in my living room (which can not be opened, but broken, yes)... Buuuut, if a person decides to go through the door, I am more prepared than many.

Two dogs, and whatever weapon I have on me. :)

Also, just to add, I'd gladly do some more permanent improvements, but I rent at the moment, and it simply wouldn't be cost effective in my opinion.

Where did you get the alarm you mentioned?

cdwolf · May 1st, 2009, 12:37 PM

I would bet I could open 95% of the locks on my street.
Just because you have a deadbolt, don't think they don't have a key.
Kwikset just came out with a new lock that has bumpguard and I would recommend that everyone know what type of lock you have.
I have done this with 5 of the most popular brands, so I can say it is soooo simple.
LOCK UP!

YouTube - Bump Key HOWTO

cdwolf · May 1st, 2009, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psychman

Where did you get the alarm you mentioned?

Any big box home improvement store will have them.

sideKahr · June 13th, 2009, 02:23 AM

Here are some things that haven't been mentioned yet:

I've replaced all my lightweight screen doors with heavy steel storm doors with double cylinder deadbolt locks. All the manufacturers screws have been replaced with 3.5 inch screws that reach to the studs, and I've drilled holes and added extra screws that cannot be reached from the outside. The doors open outwards, of course, so cannot be kicked in. The steel bars are decorative but functional, and I can now leave my doors open in the summer.

Inside, I've hardened my solid wood bedroom door with deeper screws, replacing one in each hinge with a double-headed nail so the door cannot be removed by pulling the hinge pins. I've done the same thing to a bedroom closet, which is where all valuables and power tools go when I'm on vacation. Both have deadbolt locks. It's not perfect, but will slow up or even stop a smash and grab type burglary.

And of course all the ground floor basement windows in my older home have been replaced with glass block.

LRFireEMS · August 12th, 2009, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdwolf

I would bet I could open 95% of the locks on my street.
Just because you have a deadbolt, don't think they don't have a key.
Kwikset just came out with a new lock that has bumpguard and I would recommend that everyone know what type of lock you have.
I have done this with 5 of the most popular brands, so I can say it is soooo simple.
LOCK UP!

YouTube - Bump Key HOWTO

Kind of re birthing an older thread, but thats some scary stuff. But I see some potential for this. Thinking about several opportunities I've had to breech doors to make entry to say a stroke pt or seizure pt

Actually heard a story of a EMS crew on scene of a patient who called 911 and tried to make it to her front door to unlock it, she only made it far enough to be right in the path of the door. Several people on scene wanted to make forced entry but didn't. The land lord made it with a key, that choice probably saved her from massive head trauma from a door hitting it.

Off subject but being able to bypass a lock that easy is scary stuff, glad I know now about that

Bark'n · August 12th, 2009, 06:45 AM

I will as soon as I hit the Powerball tonight!

ariz88402 · September 10th, 2009, 09:01 AM

I decided that I needed to sign up to this forum to ask an important question about home security. This is my first post! Yea!

My question to the guy who stated that he keeps a double deadbolt lock (requiring a key from the inside). I have recently dealt with this with an elderly neighbor friend who is concerned about home break-ins. As I can appreciate her zest for this (all her windows have security bars, carport has a gate, all doors have a security screen door with inside/outside locking deadbolts), I have helped her to install "thumb-turn" deadbolts on her security-screened, security doors, and am trying to persuade her into getting quick release "burglar-bar" windows.

Many people don't realize that YOU and your family getting out of your home may be just as important as keeping unwanteds from getting in. Fire departments from all across the USA have many statistics about people who die in fires every year due to not being able to get out of burning/smoke filled rooms due to security devices such as window bars and security doors.

Nearly every reputable company who offers these products has a secure quick release system. Some cities actually require them as part of fire code. Keep secure from the outside in, but also have a secure way to get out (this could also be important in a tactical way for YOU without a fire happening as well. There could be circumstances that you may need to get out of your home for other reasons).
Remember this: just because you may have a hidden key to get out of that security screen door does not mean that you will find it during a fire panic, break it off in the lock, be able to get to it, or even find or use it in heavy smoke. I'm just providing this as food for thought.

On a another note, I just read where my Home Depot locks might not be cutting it. As I'm not a locksmith, I have never heard of "bumping". It turns out that nearly any deadbolt can be "bumped" in a matter of minutes by a good thief. Here is a link about this (turns out this is not something new) . The Lockdown: Locked, but not secure (Part I)

ccw9mm · September 10th, 2009, 09:27 AM

Ach. I started another thread (Hardening your home) just a few days ago, having completely missed this one here. Apologies to all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariz88402

Many people don't realize that YOU and your family getting out of your home may be just as important as keeping unwanteds from getting in.

A very important point. Can't be saving what you can't eject, if needed. And that includes ourselves, in case of fire or the BG's getting the upper hand and folks needing to skedaddle.

Am in the process, myself, of researching screened steel doors/frames, as well as easy-out barred windows.

cdwolf · September 10th, 2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariz88402

On a another note, I just read where my Home Depot locks might not be cutting it. As I'm not a locksmith, I have never heard of "bumping". It turns out that nearly any deadbolt can be "bumped" in a matter of minutes by a good thief. Here is a link about this (turns out this is not something new) . The Lockdown: Locked, but not secure (Part I)

There is a new lock from Kwikset that Home Depot sells which can't be bumped. They are the new Smart Key with Bump Guard.

May 1st, 2009, 12:37 PM	#43
cdwolf VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: MS Posts: 2,166	I would bet I could open 95% of the locks on my street. Just because you have a deadbolt, don't think they don't have a key. Kwikset just came out with a new lock that has bumpguard and I would recommend that everyone know what type of lock you have. I have done this with 5 of the most popular brands, so I can say it is soooo simple. LOCK UP! YouTube - Bump Key HOWTO __________________ GUN CONTROL= I WANT TO BE THE ONE IN CONTROL OF THE GUN A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

June 13th, 2009, 02:23 AM	#45
sideKahr Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: PA Posts: 28	Here are some things that haven't been mentioned yet: I've replaced all my lightweight screen doors with heavy steel storm doors with double cylinder deadbolt locks. All the manufacturers screws have been replaced with 3.5 inch screws that reach to the studs, and I've drilled holes and added extra screws that cannot be reached from the outside. The doors open outwards, of course, so cannot be kicked in. The steel bars are decorative but functional, and I can now leave my doors open in the summer. Inside, I've hardened my solid wood bedroom door with deeper screws, replacing one in each hinge with a double-headed nail so the door cannot be removed by pulling the hinge pins. I've done the same thing to a bedroom closet, which is where all valuables and power tools go when I'm on vacation. Both have deadbolt locks. It's not perfect, but will slow up or even stop a smash and grab type burglary. And of course all the ground floor basement windows in my older home have been replaced with glass block. __________________ He is a good man. But until all men are like him, we must keep our swords bright.

August 12th, 2009, 06:45 AM	#47
Bark'n VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: West Central Missouri Posts: 4,298	I will as soon as I hit the Powerball tonight! __________________ -Bark'n Semper Fi "The gun is the great equalizer... For it is the gun, that allows the meek to repel the monsters; Whom are bigger, stronger and without conscience, will prey on those of us who without one, would surely perish."

September 10th, 2009, 09:01 AM	#48
ariz88402 New Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1	Questions about fire safety I decided that I needed to sign up to this forum to ask an important question about home security. This is my first post! Yea! My question to the guy who stated that he keeps a double deadbolt lock (requiring a key from the inside). I have recently dealt with this with an elderly neighbor friend who is concerned about home break-ins. As I can appreciate her zest for this (all her windows have security bars, carport has a gate, all doors have a security screen door with inside/outside locking deadbolts), I have helped her to install "thumb-turn" deadbolts on her security-screened, security doors, and am trying to persuade her into getting quick release "burglar-bar" windows. Many people don't realize that YOU and your family getting out of your home may be just as important as keeping unwanteds from getting in. Fire departments from all across the USA have many statistics about people who die in fires every year due to not being able to get out of burning/smoke filled rooms due to security devices such as window bars and security doors. Nearly every reputable company who offers these products has a secure quick release system. Some cities actually require them as part of fire code. Keep secure from the outside in, but also have a secure way to get out (this could also be important in a tactical way for YOU without a fire happening as well. There could be circumstances that you may need to get out of your home for other reasons). Remember this: just because you may have a hidden key to get out of that security screen door does not mean that you will find it during a fire panic, break it off in the lock, be able to get to it, or even find or use it in heavy smoke. I'm just providing this as food for thought. On a another note, I just read where my Home Depot locks might not be cutting it. As I'm not a locksmith, I have never heard of "bumping". It turns out that nearly any deadbolt can be "bumped" in a matter of minutes by a good thief. Here is a link about this (turns out this is not something new) . The Lockdown: Locked, but not secure (Part I)

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