Do Door Jammers Work? An Expert Explains Their Efficacy!
One effective way to increase your home security is by using door jammers. Door jammers are devices designed to prevent forced entry into a home by jamming the door from the inside. They are available in different types and are relatively affordable, making them a popular choice for many people.
In this blog post, we will explore the question, “Do door jammers work?” by examining the different types of door jammers available, how they work, their effectiveness, and factors to consider when buying.
By the end of this post, you will have a better understanding of door jammers and whether you should use them or not.
1. Types of Door Jammers
There are several types of door jammers available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Understanding the different types of door jammers can help you choose the best one for your home. The following are some of the most common types of door jammers:
Wedge Door Jammers: These are small and portable devices that wedge under the door, creating a barrier that prevents it from opening.
Floor-Mounted Door Jammers: These are typically larger and more permanent devices that are mounted to the floor and jam the door from the bottom.
Door Barricades: These are metal bars or brackets that attach to the door and frame to prevent the door from being forced open.
Portable Door Jammers: These are adjustable devices that can be moved from one door to another and are typically designed to work with different types of doors.
2. How Door Jammers Work
Understanding how door jammers work can help you make an informed decision about which type to use for your home. Here are some key points about how door jammers work:
Physics behind Door Jammers: Door jammers work by applying force in the opposite direction of the force being used to open the door. This force creates a wedging effect that makes it difficult or impossible to open the door from the outside.
Types of doors they can work on: Door jammers can work on different types of doors, including wooden, metal, and sliding doors. Most of them are designed to work on inward opening doors, but there are some that work for outward opening doors as well. I’m mainly talking about a vertically placed bar that goes under or above the door knob or through the door handle so that the door can’t be pulled open.
Installation process: Depending on the type of door jammer, the installation process can vary. Some types require drilling holes and attaching brackets, while others simply need to be wedged or placed under the door.
How they can prevent forced entry: Door jammers prevent forced entry by creating a physical barrier that makes it difficult to open the door. They can also make noise or vibrations that alert homeowners of attempted break-ins.
3. Effectiveness of Door Jammers
A door jammer’s effectiveness can vary depending on the situation. Here are some key points to consider:
Real-life examples
There are many examples of door jammers being effective at preventing forced entry and protecting homes from burglaries. In one case, a homeowner in California used a door jammer to prevent an intruder from entering their home during a break-in attempt. The intruder was unable to force the door open and eventually fled the scene.
In another case, a homeowner in Florida used a door barricade to prevent an armed intruder from entering their home. The barricade held strong and the intruder eventually fled the scene.
While these examples demonstrate the effectiveness of door jammers, it’s important to note that no security measure is foolproof. Burglars may still be able to enter your home through other means, such as breaking a window or entering through an unlocked door. Which brings us to the next point.
Using it With Other Security Measures
Door jammers can be used in conjunction with other home security measures, such as deadbolts and security cameras, to provide additional layers of protection.
For example, if a burglar is unable to force the door open due to a door jammer, they may try to enter through a window or find another way into the home. Having additional security measures in place can help prevent this.
Security cameras can also provide valuable evidence in the event of a break-in, and can help authorities identify and apprehend the intruder. Deadbolts can provide additional protection by making it more difficult for a burglar to pick the lock or force the door open.
Limitations of Door Jammers
While door jammers can be an effective way to prevent forced entry into your home, they do have limitations. For example, door jammers may be ineffective if the door is already damaged or the door frame is weak. Additionally, some types of door jammers may not work on certain types of doors, such as sliding glass doors.
It’s important to choose a door jammer that is compatible with your specific door type and that is designed to work with the level of force that may be used in a break-in attempt. In some cases, it may be necessary to reinforce the door frame or install additional security measures to ensure maximum protection.
Overall, while door jammers can be an effective way to prevent forced entry into your home, it’s best to use them in conjunction with other security measures.
4. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Door Jammer
When choosing a door jammer, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure that you select the best option for your home. Here’s a closer look at each factor:
Price
Door jammers are available at a range of price points, starting from around $10 for wedge door jammers and portable door jammers, up to $200 for floor-mounted door jammers and barricades.
The price of a door jammer depends on several factors, including the type of jammer, the material used, and the level of security it provides.
When considering price, it’s important to keep in mind that while some products may be more expensive, they may offer better quality and durability, which can be important factors in protecting your home.
Ease of installation
The ease of installation varies depending on the type of door jammer. Wedge door jammers and portable door jammers are generally the easiest to install, as they require no drilling or permanent installation.
Floor-mounted door jammers and barricades, on the other hand, can be more difficult to install and may require drilling into the floor or door frame.
Door jammers that require drilling should only be installed by someone with experience to ensure they are installed correctly.
Compatibility with different door types
Some door jammers work better on certain types of doors than others. For example, wedge door jammers work well on wooden doors but may not be effective on metal or sliding doors.
Floor-mounted door jammers and barricades, on the other hand, can work on different types of doors but may require additional brackets or attachments depending on the door type.
It’s important to choose a door jammer that is compatible with the type of door you have and that provides the level of protection you need.
Durability
The durability of a door jammer is an important factor to consider, as it affects the level of protection it provides. Look for door jammers made from high-quality materials such as steel or aluminum, as these materials are durable and can withstand significant force.
Additionally, choose a door jammer that has been tested and certified for strength and durability to ensure it will provide the level of protection you need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, door jammers can be an effective way to prevent forced entry into your home and increase home security. There are several types of door jammers available, each with its own unique features and benefits. Make sure to choose the right one based on the type of door you want to secure.
Also consider the installation process and whether it’s feasible or not. For example, perhaps drilling holes in the floor to set up a strong door barricade wouldn’t not go down well with your landlord. In that case a door wedge or a portable door bar would be a better option.
It’s also important to remember that no security measure is foolproof. Burglars may still be able to enter your home through other means, such as breaking a window. Door jammers work best when used in conjunction with other security measures, such as deadbolts and security cameras, to protect other vulnerable entry points.
Overall, by choosing a reliable door jammer, you can improve home security and help protect your family from potential break-ins. They are simple and affordable products and they will definitely add a security boost to any door.