Saturday, 21 August 2010
Home Security - charlie bar, home security
I read all the reviews before I tried this product. I am very concerned and picky shopper. I thought I would give this a try. I believe the key to this product is the flooring you are using this on. The foot on the lock works excellent on title or wood. I would not recommend this product on carpet.
One key point to remember...the farther away you have the base from the door the less strength it has. Try to get it between 70 degrees and 80 degrees. I was able to knock it out of place at 50 and 60. I normally do not worry about safety; however, I am a heavy sleeper. I can fend for myself but I have to hear it first. Let me know if you found this helpful! Master Lock 265DCCSEN Dual-Function Security Bar
With all the hype about bump keys (which basically renders most locks useless), I tried to think of something that can counter it. So far, this is the only thing that I can find short of buying a top of the line lock for a $80 - $200.
[Pro]
It's moderately effective with a low price.
It's lightweight and portable. You can bring it on trips.
It's versatile (it's adjustable and can be used on any door that swings inward and sliding doors)
This will slow down potential intruders, potentially either buying you precious extra time or alerting you.
You can use it as a makeshift bat if needed.
It has better quality than similar competitors.
[Cons]
It only slows down a potential intruder. It won't stop them. This device is common enough for them to think of ways of countering it.
The top piece that hooks into the door knob is made of cheap plastic. It will eventually break. Check it often.
The device does what is suppose to. If someone wanted to break in the front door of our apartment they would have to kick it down... and we would actually hear it.
We were more afraid of someone "sneaking" in the place, rather than breaking in.
When it is stretched out to the fullest it seems a little flimsy.
An Added bonus is that it also works as a door stopper to hold the front door open.
The silver button that locks the bar length in place slips out of the hole VERY easily, allowing the bar to collapse. I tested this bar by simply leaning with my full weight (220 lbs) on the outside of the door, and the button gave way, allowing the door to open freely. This little button BARELY makes it through the hole on the bar. Rather than return this thing, I am going to use my drill to make some modifications, and use another metal pin to lock the bar in place. Also, the foot of this thing slips pretty easily, even when moistened and pressed against a high-friction floor.
Master Lock should be very ashamed of this piece of garbage. It will negatively influence my future security purchases.
This security bar is very easy to use and a good alternative for providing additional protection. There are questions about how it's installed and its width - this is from the package:
* This security bar adjusts to fit most sliding and hinged doors
* Simple push button adjustment. No tools required.
* High strength steel tube (20-gauge)
* Portable, collapsible to fit most suitcases (**I wouldn't try to bring it inside a carry on**)
* Ideal for home or apartment (entry doors, interior doors for privacy, garage access doors), student dorms and travel
* Limited lifetime guarantee (see your store for details) (**Not sure what it means but keep the receipt**)
For use with hinged doors:
* Non-marring yoke designed to work with most types of door hardware. Can be removed for use with sliding glass doors.
* Pivoting ball joint (assures full contact with the floor)
* Padded foot provides sure grip on most floor surfaces and protects against finish damage.
* For hinged door, adjusts from 30" to 44.5"
* Should not be placed on loose rugs or floor mats
* To install, adjust bar length so padded base is 15-18 inches from bottom of door when yoke end is placed firmly under door knob
* Adjust length by rotating tube until silver button pops up
* Place yoke end tightly against the underside of the knob
* Slide padded base of security bar toward door until snug
For use with sliding glass doors
* Remove non-marrying yoke from end of security bar
* Adjust bar length to fit in the sliding door track
* Allow enough slack to remove the security bar quickly
* For sliding door, adjusts from 27.5" to 42"
For childproofing purposes, a Charley bar is better. If you don't have one, this bar may be better than the typical broomstick but you could consider placing an additional sliding glass door lock on top in case your child figures out how to lift it off the track (not too hard as it's not pressure fitted). In this regard, the Master Lock 251D which had a pressure lever was superior, as it could be wedged firmly high up, out of reach of children.
This is just what I was looking for. A little extra security for my front door. We have tile in the entry way, and when in place it is very secure. To test it out I have tried to open the door with a lot of force, with it in place. It kept the door closed and secure. It is very easy to assemble, adjust and use. Several of my family members have purchased it and love it also. Would buy again.
I am so glad I puchased this security bar. I learned the hard way how well it worked. The first weekend I used it I locked myself out (went out of the garage door and did not have my garage opener with me) and had to climb in through the balcony. The security would not budge and the small opening that was available when we unlocked the door with the key was not large enough to poke anything through to try and dislodge it. This is a great buy in order to get some security. An intruder would literally have to break down the door or break the glass (if you have it on your door) to get in. - Door Lock - Door Stopper - Charlie Bar - Home Security'
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