Posted by Regal/NC on 1/8/10 8:48am
Msg #317258

Home Security followup!

One of the most effective and inexpensive ways to delay forced entry via a kicked in door is to install the following:


http://www.magsecurity.com/products.aspx?id=77&mid=17

I have found this item at Lowes's for $3.97. This upgrade will impede the entry by requireing upto eight (8) blows to the door verse one (1) or two (2) with the standard strike plate.

Reply by PAW on 1/8/10 8:57am
Msg #317263

The most important part of installing a dead bolt, is ensuring the striking box (not just a strike plate) is securely fastened to the studs surrounding the door frame. 2 to 3 inch screws are needed to completely pass through the jamb and into the supporting stud.

Reply by Regal/NC on 1/8/10 9:06am
Msg #317269

Correct PAW. Best model uses 4 screws. n/m

Reply by Regal/NC on 1/8/10 9:05am
Msg #317267

Best model uses four (4) two (2) inch screws

If you plan to upgrade, find the model that utilizes four screws. You want to install two screws through the bottom of the box also. This is to make additional contact with the two by four stud in the wall.

Reply by Laura_V on 1/8/10 9:24am
Msg #317275

And signs of a big dog

Thanks, Regal, for this info. I copied it and pics from your link to my harddrive (I'm so ignorant about hardware stuff). I'll pick up a couple of your plates next time I go to the big box hardware store.


MW talked about dogs on the previous thread. I agree.

A friend of mine used to work in the prison system in California. First few years as a volunteer when she was in college. Later she worked her way up to a high admin level. So she spoke with LOTS of prisoners over the years.

I asked her advice about making my home less attractive to guys with bad intentions in mind.

She said robbers avoid homes that show signs of a teenage boy living there. (Teen boys can be strong, have quick reflexes due to playing sports, be hormonal, and have crazy ideas about valor + heroism.) Signs would include a mounted basketball hoop, big sneakers lying around, big bike helmet with current rock band stickers, etc.

She also said bad guys shy away from homes with big dogs. One of the apartments I rented in California was in an OK neighborhood but too close to a main thoroughfare for my comfort. Since I had only a darling pug, I bought a huge choke collar and a big dog food dish I kept water in. I made both look a bit old then placed outside the front door. I would rearrange them sometimes. The pug used the water bowl.

The robbery stories posted here are making me think I ought to see if I can pick up these things at a January sale and set them up at both the front and back doors of my house. I've been very lucky. It's time to give my good luck a hand.


btw - I have always hid my real jewelry and put costume in my jewelry box. A habit from college dorm days. My real stuff is only Tiffanys and few have stones, but all but a couple of pieces were gifts so I treasure them.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/8/10 9:32am
Msg #317277

You guys are really very good friends...all the info is so

helpful.

Thank you!

Reply by Ruby on 1/8/10 10:16am
Msg #317286

Re: You guys are really very good friends...all the info is so

I hang a sign on the gate (Beware of Dog) and that stops
people. I really dont even have a dog. Wish I could have a
machine that would growl when someone passed it.

Reply by jba/fl on 1/8/10 11:00am
Msg #317293

Re: You guys are really very good friends...all the info is so

I used to have a doberman who just watched silently, but he did mean business. I love stealth, just as surprises. In FL we can't just say beware - we have to have a picture and words: Bad Dog. I like those signs too. I think I need to add some around the old homestead.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/8/10 11:21pm
Msg #317365

Ruby, try this:

http://www.shopfromyourhome.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=REX&Category_Code=Personal_Protection

Or, Google Barking Dog Alarms for more.

Reply by Ruby on 1/9/10 8:49am
Msg #317375

Re: Ruby, try this:

Susan, that is so cool. Thank you so much. I had no idea
where to get one. Really didn't think they were made. again thank you.

Reply by Stamper_WI on 1/8/10 1:05pm
Msg #317300

Re: You guys are really very good friends...all the info is so

Brenda, You could do what the old couple at the little mom and pop country store did. The posted a sign on the door asking robbers to remove their false teeth because their doberman has trouble digesting them.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/9/10 1:26pm
Msg #317398

That's too funny. n/m

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 1/8/10 1:51pm
Msg #317301

Security screen door ...

There are some nice looking security screen doors that work well also. They are not as ugly as they use to be. They open out, so they would take a long time to kick in and cannot be forced out by pulling even by the strongest person unless they hook a rope and pull with a vehicle.

If someone wants to get in, they will get in. The key is to make it a little difficult. A common thief will not go to all this trouble. They will just try the next place down the street, unless there is something in your house that they saw that they really want.

A good source of information on securing your home is available for free from many, if not most, police agencies. Many hold seminars a few times a year. Check with your local PD or Sherrif's office to see what they do.

Reply by Todd/OH on 1/8/10 2:44pm
Msg #317305

This may sound wierd

But how about using a motion sensor to turn on the recording of a big barking dog. Most sensors turn lights on. I suppose you could do both.

Reply by BrendaTx on 1/8/10 4:55pm
Msg #317332

Amen, Glenn...by the time I get finished

I am going to have a big fat PITA of a place to get into.

Security tip I heard this morning from a security specialist:

Landscape a little underneath my bedroom window. Grow waist high holly bushes or other attractive bush ornamentals which will be sticky to deal with.

Reply by jba/fl on 1/8/10 6:41pm
Msg #317347

You need really sticky,prickley plants - bromeliads.

Especially the Aechmeas. They have gorgeous blooms that last a long time, they are pronounced eek-me-ahs and the eek means they HURT bigtime. They clump like mad and are virtually indestructable. Aechmea distichantha Also, could use the ones they use in Argentina for cattle fencing: beautiful but deadly: Bromelia pinguin or Bromelia balansae
Also, Portea petropolitana var. extensa grows about 4' with bloom spike about 2-3' taller, hummingbird attractor. Bloom spikes last about 6 months.
You can view them here: http://fcbs.org/pictures.htm

First click on genera for Aechema, Portea, or Bromelia, then species name. Double click photo to see enlarged view; note the spines. I have zillions of the Aechmeas; my neighbor has Bromelias by the zillions. I will give complete instructions on how to handle to plant. You pay actual shipping cost only if you cannot find locally.

Reply by desktopfull on 1/8/10 9:33pm
Msg #317355

The builder on my house used a solid 1/4" steel frame set with 1/2" rebar in solid poured concrete blocks with a solid wood door. It would take more than 8 hits to break through that, but it really complicates putting in a new door.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 1/8/10 11:43pm
Msg #317367

Found a great bumper sticker sized stick-on that

was almost clear, with old Westerny lettering:

"Insured by Smith & Wesson."

Had it on my front door window for 26 years.

Another sign I saw: "This house protected by shotgun four days a week. You guess which days."