The Best Door Security Bars

In this article, we will examine and compare some of the best security bars on the market. But first, let's learn the basics, like what to consider before purchasing a door security bar, and how they work to keep you and your belongings safe.

It seems like home security gets fancier and more complex every single day. But no matter how complex the system, all forms of home security ultimately strive to offer the same thing: safety for you and your belongings by keeping unwanted people and things out. Installing a door security bar in your home could be just what you need to take your home or apartment security system to the next level.

Also known as a door jammer or door stopper, a door security bar is a safety accessory that jams your door closed whenever someone tries to slide or push it open from the outside. With a door security bar in place, intruders are kept out of your property even if they manage to successfully pick your door lock. They are a smart and easy way to add some extra security to your home or apartment with minimal cost and effort.

The key to keeping burglars out of any space is safeguarding all entryways. For this reason, every ideal security system truly begins with smart door security. A trustworthy lock goes a long way, but there are more options for protecting your doors than locks alone. Though they shouldn't be used to replace a sturdy master lock, why stop with a lock when you can protect your door even more by installing an additional security device?

What Exactly is a Door Security Bar?

Door security bars are long pieces of metal of plastic or steel construction, that act as a door jamb whenever the door they are attached to is opened from the outside. The foot of the door security bar clings to the ground and prevents the door from sliding open should someone attempt to force their way in. Using a door bar is an easy safety measure to take because all that is required is one piece of equipment. They are low in cost and require virtually no maintenance, making them an ideal security device.

The simplest models on the market behave like a classic door jammer or door stopper by blocking any door from sliding open. Traditional door security bars require no alterations to your door or the surrounding entryway. These models work by using the weight from the door against the floor to resist pressure. More modern models can be installed to fit at different heights on your door, eliminating the need to bend over. These models generally go across the door, forming a physical barrier that the door hits and cannot surpass.

A common variant of the classic door security bar is the door brace. The door brace, unlike the traditional door security bar, does require some home modifications for proper installment. Where most door bars are fixed beneath the door handle and can be placed or removed at any time, a piece of a door brace is drilled into the floor of the entryway. An erect removable plate of steel construction can be slid to the drilled-in portion, blocking the door from opening. The plate can be removed or replaced easily, but a portion does have to be drilled into your floor for a door brace to be effective.

How Do I Use a Door Security Bar?

There are a lot of brands and styles of door bars (which we will talk about later), but setup is extremely easy across the board. Essentially, all you have to do is place one end of the bar on the ground and the other end under your door handle. And then, voila! That's really all there is to it.The ground side of the bar is made with your expensive flooring in mind, so door security bars are designed to keep your floors in pristine condition. The handle side of the bar will generally be cradle-shaped so it can sit snugly under your door knob.

How, you might wonder, could this device work for sliding doors since they open differently than standard doors? The answer is quite simple: Instead of placing the bar so that it runs from the door handle to the floor, place the bar on the ground in the bottom of the door frame while the door is closed. This creates an insurmountable blockage that prevents the door from sliding to open until the door bar is removed.

Where Can I Use a Door Security Bar?

The door security bar can be used on all door types. It really is an ideal security accessory. So if you live in a small apartment that only has standard hinged doors, a door security bar has got you covered. If you live in a house that has sliding doors, patio doors, hinged doors, and glass doors, a door security bar has also got you covered. You will of course need a separate one for each door you want to secure, but the same device can protect each and every type of door.

Another variant of the classic door security bar is security bars for sheds and garages. For these doors, a door bar is positioned similarly to a sliding door situation in that it is fixed horizontally. For both a shed and a garage door, placeholders will be installed at about the height of your stomach for the security bar to slide through. This type of security bar is also usually secured with a lock, making it slightly more complex than the traditional door bar.

Why Should I Consider Buying a Door Security Bar?

Some people use door bars because they are practical and easy to use. Some people use them because they don't want to or are unable to spend money on an expensive security system. Some people use them because they just want a little something more than their door lock keeping burglars out.

One of the best reasons to consider purchasing a door security bar is the physical barrier they provide from the outside. Think about it⁠—even if you have a fancy security system in your home or apartment, there is always a chance that burglars know how to pick your door lock. With a door bar, those burglars still wouldn't be able to get inside of your apartment after picking a lock. While you should always lock your doors, it doesn't matter to burglars if a door is locked or unlocked if it won't open and they can’t get in.

Another great reason to consider buying a door bar is the fact that they provide you with security and privacy without posing a fire hazard. In the case of an emergency, all you have to do is lift your door bar away from your door, unlock your door, and then zip out. It is much safer than installing a series of complicated or time-consuming locks.

At the end of the day, the bottom line is this: Door bars are an inexpensive and super easy way to notch up your security system.

Things to Consider

Before buying a door security bar, there are a couple of small things to consider. First, make sure you know the measurements of the door you want to secure. Just like doors come in different shapes and sizes, door bars come in different lengths and widths. Knowing the size and thickness of your door will make finding the right door bar easier on the first try. It is best, however, to look for one that is adjustable so you can get it to fit just right on any door you need.

The second thing to consider is how much weight you want your door bar to be able to withstand. These bars are designed to resist hundreds of pounds of force, so even the weaker bars offer an incredible amount of protection. It's up to you how much weight you want your bar to support.

A final consideration to make before purchasing a door security bar is the material that the foot is made out of. The last thing you want is your door bar damaging your flooring, so it is best to make sure that the door jammer you consider buying has a protective sleeve or a rubber foot. Rubber is able to withstand large amounts of pressure and it won't scratch your floor.

What Are My Options?

Finally, let's get into the actual brands and types of door security bars that are out there. Each type of door bar has something different to offer, so knowing what your options are will help you make the best decision for your space. Here are five of the top-rated door security bars.

The Buddybar Door Jammer

Positives: The Buddybar Door Jammer is widely known for being one of the toughest door bars out there. It is made of sturdy steel construction and is designed to hold over 2,000 pounds of force. Since the bar contains no plastic, the pieces are more durable and secure. This does also mean that it is a little pricier than some of the plastic door bars out there.

The Buddybar Door Jammer is a pressure mounted door security bar, meaning that a lever lock releases tension allows you to fit the bar perfectly between your floor and door knob.

The foot of this door bar is suitable to be used on virtually all floor types. It is advertised as working great on carpet, concrete, wood, and tile floors.

Negatives: Since the Buddybar Door Jammer is made entirely of metal, it weighs in at around 8 pounds. This makes it a difficult bar to travel with. Its powerful nature also gives it the potential to damage your door knob and hinges if it is not placed properly.

Overall: While this is one of the most expensive door bars out there, it has received dazzling reviews for being a heavy duty door security bar that is well worth the price.

The Ideal Security Patio Door Security Bar

Positives: The Ideal Security Patio Door Security Bar is designed specifically for sliding doors. One of its most captivating features is that since it is designed for sliding doors, it comes with the option to be mounted in the middle of your sliding door rather than on the floor. This means that you don't have to bend over to move your door bar whenever you want to go outside.

Since it can be mounted in the middle of your door, the Ideal Security Patio Door Security Bar also provides a visual deterrent. Burglars are less likely to target a door that they can see is protected.

This door bar is also adjustable, comes equipped with a childproof lock, and is inexpensive.

Negatives:The Ideal Security Patio Door Security Bar does require installation. It uses screws to stay mounted on your sliding door.

It has also been noted that this door bar has the potential to accidentally fall when it is in an upright position. This isn't a big deal if you are inside your house, but you could be locked out should you be outside on your patio when this happens.

Overall: This product is highly rated as being inexpensive, easy to use, and perfect for sliding patio doors.

Master Lock Security Bar

Positives: The Master Lock Security Bar is designed to accommodate both hinged doors and sliding doors. The top piece of the bar is easily removed, transforming the Master Lock Security Bar from a hinged door bar to a sliding door security bar.

This door bar is inexpensive, weighs less than 3 pounds, and is made of durable 20-gauge steel construction. It comes equipped with a pivoting ball joint, which ensures that the foot of the door bar comes in contact with the floor no matter how it is lined up.

Negatives: While the bar itself is made of steel, the foot and head of the Master Lock Security Bar are made of plastic. If dropped or put under pressure greater than the bar is designed to withstand, these plastic pieces can crack or break.

Overall: Overall, this door bar works for sliding doors and hinged doors, is easy to use, and, should any of the plastic pieces break, is inexpensive to replace.

The Door Bar Pro Steel Security Bar

Positives: The Door Bar Pro is a professional grade security bar that comes with a lifetime warranty. It is designed specifically for hinged doors and can accommodate those that are 24 to 48 inches wide.

This door bar is perfect for people with bad backs or knees because it eliminates the need to bend over when placing or removing the bar. The Door Bar Pro sits above the door knob. It is made of 16-gauge steel and weighs under 4 pounds.

Negatives: Since this door bar does not rest on the ground, it does require installation. It is also slightly more expensive than some of the other models listed.

Overall: Though the Door Bar Pro requires installation, it is reliable and doesn’t require you to bend over to achieve a secure fit. It is marked as easy to install and effective in keeping intruders where they belong⁠: out of your home.

Brinks Commercial Door Security Bar

Positives: The Brinks Commercial Door Security Bar is made of 20-gauge steel construction and is adjustable to fit doors sized 25 to 43 inches high. It is designed to accommodate both hinged doors and sliding doors and weighs less than 3 pounds, making it easy to transport.

This door bar also comes with a lifetime warranty, so even though it is unlikely to break due to its steel construction, you’ll get a replacement even if it does.

Negatives: Some reviewers noted that the foot of their Brinks Commercial Door Security Bar did not stick well on their tile or hardwood flooring. This may not be the best option for you if the foot of your door bar will be resting on a smooth floor.

Overall: Overall, the Brinks Commercial Door Security Bar is an affordable option with a lifetime warranty. It just might not be the best choice if you have hardwood or tile floors.

Security bars are a good way to barricade your doors and windows but what if someone gets through them? If you don’t have a monitored home security system, and you’re not at home, the burglar could grab whatever they want and be gone before anyone is the wiser. If you’re concerned about the cost of a monitored security system we recommend trying Cove. We offer 24/7 monitoring for an affordable price. Together we can help ensure the safety of your home and family.