Can Doorstop Prevent Entry? Here Is an Answer With Tips

Have you ever wondered if a simple doorstop can keep you safe? In this post, I’ll explore how a doorstop can prevent unwanted entry and why it’s a must-have in your safety toolkit.

I’ll look at some surprising facts about doorstops and how they work, and share some tips on choosing the right one for your needs.

I’ll also discuss why doorstops are a handy alternative to traditional locks and how to use them effectively. So, let’s dive in.

While it may not be a foolproof method, a doorstop can deter intruders by withstanding force and slowing down their entry. So you can consider using it in combination with other security measures to enhance your safety.

Why Use a Doorstop for Door Security?

We use a doorstop mostly to slow down someone to enter through our door. However, below are the top reasons, why you should use a doorstop.

• Prevent Unwanted Entry: One of the main reasons to use a doorstop is to prevent unwanted entry. When placed correctly, a doorstop can resist the force of someone trying to break open your door.
• Childproofing: Doorstops can be excellent for childproofing your home. It can prevent children from accidentally closing doors and getting trapped in a room.
• Prevent Furniture Damage: It can protect your walls and furniture from damage caused by slamming doors. They absorb the impact, protecting the surfaces of your walls, door frames, and surrounding objects.
• Provides Privacy: Doorstops can help maintain privacy in shared living spaces by keeping doors open or closed as needed.
• Add Aesthetic Value: A well-chosen doorstop can be both functional and decorative, adding a touch of style to any room.
• Enhanced Security: As I mentioned earlier, doorstops can prevent sudden intruder entry. While you may not stop the entry, you’ll have time to do something about it.
• Cost-effective Safety Measure: Investing in safety equipment for doors could be costly. Comparatively, a doorstop will cost you much less and provide some level of security.

How to Use a Doorstop to Keep a Door Closed

To ensure that your doorstop increases security, you must learn how to use it properly. Follow these advices to make the most of your doorstop.

Advice #1:

Choose a doorstop that matches your needs. Rubber wedge doorstops are popular because they’re affordable, easy to use, and provide excellent grip on most surfaces.

Check out the table below for more information about what type of doorstop you need.

Type of Doorstop	Features	Best For
Rubber wedge	Non-slip base, easy to use	Carpeted floors
Spring stop	Adjustable height, stronghold	Hardwood floors
Magnetic doorstop	Magnetic hold, sleek design	Modern decor
Draft stopper	Energy-efficient, blocks drafts	Cold climates

Advice #2:

Place the doorstop about 1 to 3 inches from the door edge, with its wide end under it. The friction between the door and the doorstop should keep it in place, even if force is applied.

Advice #3:

Use a wedge-shaped door stopper. Make sure it has an angle of 15 to 30 degrees (this should be according to the space under the door).

Advice #4:

Use a doorstop that has a non-slip bottom. This will increase friction. This is why, to open the door, you must apply more force.

If you face challenges with your doorstop sliding on certain surfaces, you can also consider using a non-slip pad beneath the doorstop for added stability.

How to Place A Doorstop?

Follow this step-by-step process to place your doorstop correctly.

• Step #1: Place your doorstop on the floor and side where the door opens. The narrow end should be pointing towards the door.
• Step #2: Close the door firmly and push the doorstop under the door until it’s tight. The friction created between the doorstop, the door, and the floor should keep the door in place.

Note: To avoid tripping hazards, remove the doorstop when it is no longer needed.

3 Best Doorstop Products for Home Security

1. EMDMAK Door Stop Alarm

EMDMAK Door Stop Alarm serves not only as a door stopper but also as a powerful 120dB alarm that can prevent intruders and alert you to their presence.

Its high-damping rubber bearing minimizes door sliding, ensuring a safe and secure environment. It offers three sensitivity levels, allowing you to adjust them according to your needs.

Also, it’s powered by a 9V battery, easy to use even doesn’t require any installation. Simply place the alarm behind any inner pull door, and you’ll have added security.

This portable and convenient device is truly a must-have for home and travel security.

• What we like: Built-in alarm system helps you alert about unwanted entries.
• What we don’t like: It doesn’t offer the same level of resistance as other heavy-duty stoppers.

2. MasterLock Door Security Bar

MasterLock Door Security Bar is durable and offers a reliable security solution. You can fit it on most of the standard doors.

It’ll provide additional security to your home or apartment. The MasterLock door bar is made of heavy-duty 20-gauge steel.

You can easily install it on both hinged and sliding doors without the need for any tools. Its pivoting ball joint ensures full contact with the floor, while the padded foot offers a strong grip without scratching.

• What we like: It could be an excellent and affordable temporary solution.
• What we don’t like: The experience breaks easily because of the failing metal spring-loaded pin used for changing the bar lengths.

3. DoorJammer Portable Door Brace

DoorJammer is a Portable door brace device that effortlessly works with all types of flooring, making it an excellent choice for home, hotel, or office use. Its fully adjustable extension foot provides a perfect fit for door gap sizes ranging from 0.19 to 1.18 inches.

You can easily install it by positioning the bottom flange under the door, adjusting the foot, and securing it in place. The tool is made from the hardest materials and is able to withstand outside pressure. When you want to remove it, do so with an upward motion.

• What we like: It’s one of the best doorstops for traveling.
• What we don’t like: The device only works when you’re inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

A doorstop provides an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized entry into a room. However, its effectiveness largely depends on the proper use and the quality of its material.

As a standalone security measure, a doorstop may not be sufficient in preventing forced entry, especially from determined intruders.

Nonetheless, when combined with other security measures, such as locks and security bars, a doorstop can be an effective deterrent and may slow down an intruder’s progress.

You can read our guide on Effective ways to lock your door without any locks.