Outward Swinging Door Security

Outward swinging doors are the most common type of door in America. For many people, they are also the least secure. This is because many outward swinging doors have a single lock at the top of the door, which anyone can unlock with just one key.

You would surely like to increase your outward-opening door security without spending too much money.  Here are some things you can do to secure outward-opening doors.

Methods of Door Security (11 Methods)

When you think of door security, swinging doors probably don’t come to mind. But they’re one of the most vulnerable entry points for burglars and intruders to enter your home undetected.

Here are some quick tips on how you can keep these doors locked tight and secure:

1. Latch Guard

Installing latch guards is an inexpensive way to secure outward swinging doors and is most commonly used. Latches are steel or aluminum plates covering the door’s outer side. They prevent it from pushing and forcing entry.

Furthermore, latches come in many sizes and materials. So, you can easily fit the one per your door’s aesthetics.

These locks are also handy for inward swinging doors, and installing them is also a breeze. Usually, almost all latch guards come with installation hardware to make installation straightforward.

Commonly there are two measurements of latch guards:

They come with a ¼” offset. However, you can also find other dimensions.

However, there is a limitation to latch guards; you can only use them for doors with a single handle. If your outward swinging door has a deadbolt and a knob, latch guards are not the option for you. In that case, continue and view the other methods and locks for doors that open outward.

2. Use a Security Bar

Another cost-effective way to secure outward swinging doors is using a security bar inside. The security bar is placed vertically against the door and below the handle. The security bar prevents the door from opening and can withstand forceful pushes and pulls.

The metal bar should be your first choice for this method as it is a sturdier option, but you can also use a broomstick.

You must put them onto the door’s knob and the ground using duct tape. However, this method is temporary; don’t expect magic from it.

Besides, taping or joining a broomstick is a hassle hence we recommend you use a metal security bar. Compared to the broomstick, the metal bars are more reliable and robust.

3. Tie any heavy object with the Door

We have a simple hack for you if you don’t want to spend much on securing your outward swinging door.

• Take a rope, ensure it is thick and sturdy or grab a power cord. 
• Then, tie the string or cord to the door’s handle and the other end with a heavy object such as furniture. 
• Ensure that the thing is broader and heavier than the door. 
• You can consider a heavy work wooden desk or a closet.

However, this will temporarily solve your outward swinging door as intruders or anyone can open the door by moving the object. Therefore, ensure that you tie the rope with any wide and heavy item that is difficult to move.

4. Use Security Hinges

Using security hinges is one commonly used method for inward and outward swinging doors. As, minimum force that a hinge door can bear is between 200 and 400 pounds. You have plenty of options regarding hinges, but the most effective ones are listed and described below for your reference.

If the inward swinging  door only has a knob or handle, you can easily secure it with an extension cord, a necktie, or belt.

5. Stud Hinges

Mainly stud hinges are used for butt hinges to keep their leaves locked. But you can also use it to secure your outward swinging doors. The studs will prevent the door’s opening/separation from its leaves when shut.

The stud’s one leaf should be placed into the hole over another leaf. This way, when the hinge pins are detached or the barrel is removed, the two leaves will lock into each other and keep it closed.

6. Setscrew Hinges

Usually, these are used in pairs on outward swinging doors. Setscrew hinges cover the hinges upon closing the door. In simple words, no one can open the door or remove the pins when it is closed.

7. Continuous Hinges

Continuous hinges or piano hinges conceal the gap between the door and frame. This way, there will be no space to slide the hinge.

You can use these in multiple ways for outward swinging doors. You can use them with geared hinges attached with two gears covered in a casing, or you can use them with a pin and barrel in which the pins are surrounded by the barrel.

8. Non-Removable Hinge Pins

Non-removable hinge pins or crimped pin fast-riveted hinges are different from other types of hinges, but they work and look like set screw hinges. However, there are apparent differences between these two hinges.

Non-removable hinge pins are uniquely designed, and they are kept flat at the top and bottom of the hinge pin.If the door is closed, the flat position of these hinge pins makes them undetectable. If any want to sneak into the door, they will have to cut the door’s barrel to detach these pins.

9. Install a Door Lock Barricade Made for Outward Swinging Doors

The durability and security of a door barricade are unmatched. These sturdy shutters can successfully prevent forced entries, securing any outward opening doors in your home or business from those who wish to break in.

Furthermore, the barricade’s installation is straightforward. Mount the included place on the ground and door to install the barricade using the screws. To secure the outward opening door, slide the locking handle appropriately in its place.

These locks are highly durable and resist some force. Some high-quality door lock barricades can withstand up to 1100 lbs. of force. Apart from door barricades, security bars and latch guards offer high security.

In addition, the portable door locks are solid heavy duty, they are used with the door security bar. They provide additional security, and intruders can not open the door even with the violent push.

10. Use Patlock for French Doors

Outward opening French doors are delicate, beautiful but at the same time, they are more vulnerable than the other types of doors. To make things worse, the security solutions for outward-opening French doors are limited.

Hinge security studs are specially designed for french outward opening doors.  When you place these hinges on the door, installation requires drilling. Without drilling, you can not install the hinges. Doors are kept in place, when the hinge pins are removed. The stud inserts itself in the sleeve and keeps the door closed.

But still, you can secure them by using a simple device, the Patlock. You can get it from popular online stores, and it serves the purpose well. Patlock is placed at the interior handles of the door to secure it. If placed correctly, no one can open the door from outside, and the device will remain locked.

Another good thing about the Patlock is that no installation is needed. You can fit it without drilling or screwing, and fitting the device usually takes less than a minute. All you need to do is slide the Patlock on the door’s handles and push the lock in place. Plus, you can also use it as a visible deterrent.

However, there is a thing to consider before using the Patlock for your door. If your French door has curvy handles, it will not work. However, the devices work well with standard French door handles.

11. Teacher Lock

If you want a lock for doors that open outward, you should consider installing the Teacher lock. It is a bolt lock that you must fit directly on the door. The lock has a key that locks the door from the inside, and you can also open the door from the outside by using an emergency response key if and when needed.

Using the lock is simple; push or press the starter to open it and then bolt it when you want to close the door.

Swinging Door FAQs