Security is a primary concern for every homeowner. Doors play a vital role in protecting our homes, but what if the door opens outward? If your home door opens outward, you should find a lock that can provide adequate security.
Here, I’ll share some ways/locks names with you for an outward or inward door, so you can sleep peacefully at night knowing your home is safe and secure. So let’s dive in and explore how you can enhance the security of your outward-opening door.
You can secure your outward doors by installing a latch guard, door hinges, security bar, double door locks, barricade, door tie with a heavy object, and door chain lock.
7 Ways/Locks For Doors That Open Outward
Install a Latch Guard
The gap between the door and the frame is one of the weakest points, making it easy for burglars to access the latch and pick it open. Installing a latch guard on your outward opening doors can significantly improve your home’s security.
By installing a latch guard, you can fully cover the gap, making it more difficult for intruders or burglars to pry open the door. To install it properly, measure the door’s width and get a latch guard that fits snugly. You can also secure it with screws that are long enough to reach your outer door frame.
You can use a latch guard with an inward or outward door with matching different colors and styles.
Tip: Keep the key for your lock in a secure location, and never leave it in the lock itself.
Reinforce the Door Hinges
When it comes to reinforcing the security of your home’s outward opening door, you can consider your door hinges. Using safety studs, corrugated pins, or setscrews in your hinges, you can prevent intruders from simply lifting your door off its hinges and removing the deadbolt. It’s a minor adjustment, but it can make a huge difference in securing your home.
To ensure maximum benefits, I recommend using longer hinge screws at least 2.5 inches long (depending on the door size). This will provide more holding power and support for your door.
You can also modify your existing door hinges by drilling a small hole through the pin and the hinge on the inside part and placing a set screw. This will add an extra layer of security, making it harder for intruders to access your home.
However, keep in mind some safety tips when reinforcing your door hinges. If your door is used mostly by older or less abled people, you can use a door stop to limit the door from opening 90 degrees instead of 180 degrees. This can prevent over-extension of the closer arm and avoids accidents. Moreover, consider heavy-duty door hinges or large and heavy doors.
Add an Outswing Door Security Bar
A good security bar will be the solution if you’re looking to secure your outswing door. These security bars are designed to provide a robust and reliable door security measure.
They come in different sizes to fit your doors perfectly and are typically made from steel or aluminum, two of the most solid materials. These bars prevent forced entries, making it impossible for intruders to tamper with your door locks or hinges.
Installing an outswing door security bar is straightforward; attach it to your door with screws and adjust it to the size of your door frame. To use it properly, ensure that it’s firmly fixed to your door before leaving your home or business.
Additionally, keep the bar away from the reach of children and ensure that it does not obstruct the emergency exit. Lastly, you should not depend only on a door security bar as your sole security measure, but rather a complement to other security devices.
So, if you want to enhance your security, you can consider installing an outswing door security bar today.
Purchase a Specialized Double Door Lock
Specialized double door lock is specifically designed to provide extra security for your doors, making it much more difficult for intruders to break in. The lock works by securing both the door handle and the deadbolt simultaneously, providing an added layer of protection to your home.
To use a specialized double door lock properly, you simply need to turn the lock and insert the key to secure both the handle and the deadbolt. You should ensure the lock is installed correctly and fits securely in the door frame, as any gaps or loose fittings could compromise the lock’s effectiveness.
When it comes to safety tips for using specialized double door locks, there are a few things to keep in mind. Try to keep a spare key in a safe and secure location in case of emergencies. Additionally, consider investing in motion lights or home security systems to increase your home’s security further.
As a double door lock, you can use a ‘Patlock,’ an excellent option for anyone looking to add extra security to their French doors or conservatory. This type of lock is incredibly easy for us. Simply slide it over your door handles, providing an additional barrier to prevent intruders from gaining access.
However, investing in a double door lock is a smart choice for anyone who values their home’s door safety.
Use a Barricade for a Secure Outward Opening Door
A barricade for doors is a physical barrier that prevents intruders from entering your home through the outward or inward swinging doors. When you fit a barricade correctly, it’s an effective way to prevent burglars and keep your property safe.
Different types of barricades are available, but the best one for outward doors is generally a floor-mounted barricade. It works by securing the door from the ground up, making it almost impossible for anyone to force open the door from the outside.
To use a barricade properly, follow a few safety tips. When installing it, ensure it’s securely screwed into the floor, so it won’t move if an intruder applies force.
Also, test the barricade to ensure it’s working correctly and adjust it if necessary. You should also keep the area around the door clear of any objects that might interfere with the barricade’s operation.
If you’re looking for a good barricade for outward doors, I recommend the Nightlock Residential Door Barricade. It’s as good as a door barricade, keeping it firmly shut against intruders.
Don’t leave the security of your home to chance. Also, use it properly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maximum safety and effectiveness. Make sure to purchase a door only made for a security bar because barricades for other doors may not work in your outward or inward door correctly.
Tie Door To A Heavy Object
A door tie is a metal bar that extends from a door to the frame and prevents a door from being opened from the outside. This device is particularly useful in preventing forced entry through the door. When selecting a door tie, opting for a sturdy and durable material, such as high-grade steel, is essential.
To use a door tie properly, you should use a heavy object that is securely affixed to both the door and the frame. You can follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper usage.
A door tie, especially when closing the door, can cause injury if not used carefully. So to smooth use, try to install the door tie properly with a heavy object.
CinchLock Door Locks for outward swinging doors
You can use a CinchLock door lock on the inside of your door, and it works by cinching your door tightly shut, preventing it from being opened. The design is incredibly simple: just slide the lock over the latch, pull the cord tight, and secure the cord with the clasp.
There are two types of CinchLock Door Locks to choose from –
- Regular version for standard doors and
- Longer version for French doors or double doors.
If you’re looking for a good and popular choice, I recommend the CinchLock CL-BK1, which is widely regarded as one of the best CinchLock Door Locks for outward doors. When using CinchLock door locks, ensure that the latch is fully engaged before pulling the cord tight, and never dangle the cord outside of the door where it could be grabbed.
With these simple safety tips in mind, CinchLock Door Locks can provide a quick, secure, and effective way to protect your outward-facing doors.
Regular Maintenance Of The Door And Security Method
As a homeowner, my top priority is to keep my home safe and secure. I am sure you also think the same.
You must pay attention to the regular maintenance of your house’s doors and security methods. Regular maintenance is more important when you have an outward opening door as it is more vulnerable.
Here are some things you should keep in mind to help ensure that your doors stay in good condition:
- Inspect the door and lock regularly: You should check your doors and their locks regularly. Look for any damage or signs of wear and tear. If you notice any issues, address them immediately before they become more significant problems.
- Lubricate the lock and hinges: You can lubricate them regularly to keep them in good condition. Silicone-based sprays or other lubricants keep the lock mechanism and hinges smooth. Avoid using oil-based products as they attract dust and debris.
- Replace damaged or worn components: No matter how careful you are, components of your door may still become damaged or worn out. Be sure to replace components like hinges, locks, and handles that are damaged or worn out. This will help ensure the security and longevity of your door.
FAQs
Outward swinging doors are vulnerable to break-ins as most normal locks are not compatible with them. Regular locks are designed for inward-opening doors and are ineffective on outward-opening ones. Therefore, it’s necessary to have a specific lock for outward swinging doors to ensure maximum security.
Yes, there are several temporary lock options for outward swinging doors, such as the Rural365 Heavy Duty Self Locking Latch or the CinchLOCK HPL-1. These locks are ideal for short-term use when you need to secure your door quickly and efficiently.
Yes, reinforcing your door hinges can enhance the security of your outward swinging door.
Yes, most locks for outward swinging doors are easy to install and require minimal tools.
You can use a homemade door lock or hinge with a security stud to prevent anyone from removing the hinge pin. You can also use a broom as a barricade to secure an outward swinging door.
Summary
When choosing the right lock for your home, consider your door’s opening direction. Installing locks specifically designed for outward-opening doors can ensure optimal security.
Don’t compromise on safety – invest in the right locks for your doors today.
Before leaving this page, you can read my other guide to choosing a look that you can use for your outdoor security.
