I have a hardened steel pin that drops into a hole in the track. It's 5 inches long and goes through the plate and into the 2x6 framing under the door.
Securing Glass Doors
- Thread starter Bill_in_TR
- Start date
Bcwitt
Member
Yeah, the suction cup w a string cutting a perfect circle you can reach your hand thru & open the door trick? Myth. That will never happen.
Bcwitt
Member
That would be way better then the bar in the track.
epags
Member
I can vouch for the first statement. Was in the shower (ala naturale - if my French is right) and was sliding the tempered glass door to get out. Apparently the clips holding it scratched the glass and I was standing in a pile of little, sharp, glass shards.
Maybe the film would work.
The Night Rider
Member
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- 1,732
If I ever move into a house with a slider again (not likely) I plan to have the slider removed and a regular door framed in.
Problem solved
Problem solved
epags
Member
This thread is stuck on sliders.....most homes I have lived in and visited have something called windows.....they are not normally tempered glass and even easier to break, cut or open.
.308 Norma
Member
In our home, even the windows are "sliders."This thread is stuck on sliders.....most homes I have lived in and visited have something called windows.....they are not normally tempered glass and even easier to break, cut or open.
Bill_in_TR
Member
You're right and as I said a couple of times my patio door is NOT a slider. It is two panels of glass for a total of about 6 feet wide. One panel is a conventional swinging door and one panel is stationary. There is a name for this type of patio door but I can't remember it. I am definitely going to look at the films. I am just wondering how hard they are to apply and leave a clean clear application without bubbles.
French doors.
Speaking of old glass- I don't know when they started putting tempered glass in sliding doors. I broke a glass door in my old house built in 1965. It wasn't tempered glass. It shattered in big, heavy pieces. We had small children at the time, and there were shards of glass 4 feet long that could have killed one of them.
If anyone has an old sliding glass door, you might want to consider replacing it anyway, or putting film on it.
X62503
Contributing Member
The rifle and blunderbuss are just to buy you some time until you can get to that boomerang.
oldfortyfiveauto
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There are a lot of low cost camera systems that will give you alerts for free, just need internet availabe. Recording is usually a subscription unless you handy with computer. Then you can set up a recording system. For about $60 I set a 3 camera system to keep an eye on my 93 year old mother when I was away.
CapnMac
Member
The real risk with "builder grade" sliders in not the glass--it's that you can just tip them out of their tracks (that's how you install them in the first place..
This can be defeated by setting blind pins through the frame.
A number of the upscale sliders, like Marvin or Pella are designed to be "anti tip" so what is actually installed matters.
I, personally, prefer French doors, and center hinged over center-strike, for the additional security those represent. (Center-hinged have the bolts & latches into the jamb fitted to the actual framing of the house, rather than just the frame of the door.)
Most French doors have mostly concealed hinges, so in-swing versus out-swing is not as much of an issue (other than where any used screen door goes). A person concerned about security probably ought have a drop bar on center-strike French doors. If only to suggest to potential housebreakers that the french doors are not an 'easy' target.
An exception to this are the "operable wall" patio sliders. These are typically anchored into a fairly rigid track system, and offer some significant security. But are not very common in common residential construction, as you need a 12" or deeper framed wall for the track, and the units cost as much a new-model used car--not a casual expense.
There's another aspect for we in the "gun community" to consider if we much live with patio sliders. That tempered glass actually breaks pretty quietly (frame-to-frame noise tends to be the attention getter. This is true even with the ancient 1/4" thick builder's grade sliders. So, as above, "layering" is a really good idea. Motion-detecting lights and/or cameras are a very good idea, too.
This can be defeated by setting blind pins through the frame.
A number of the upscale sliders, like Marvin or Pella are designed to be "anti tip" so what is actually installed matters.
I, personally, prefer French doors, and center hinged over center-strike, for the additional security those represent. (Center-hinged have the bolts & latches into the jamb fitted to the actual framing of the house, rather than just the frame of the door.)
Most French doors have mostly concealed hinges, so in-swing versus out-swing is not as much of an issue (other than where any used screen door goes). A person concerned about security probably ought have a drop bar on center-strike French doors. If only to suggest to potential housebreakers that the french doors are not an 'easy' target.
An exception to this are the "operable wall" patio sliders. These are typically anchored into a fairly rigid track system, and offer some significant security. But are not very common in common residential construction, as you need a 12" or deeper framed wall for the track, and the units cost as much a new-model used car--not a casual expense.
There's another aspect for we in the "gun community" to consider if we much live with patio sliders. That tempered glass actually breaks pretty quietly (frame-to-frame noise tends to be the attention getter. This is true even with the ancient 1/4" thick builder's grade sliders. So, as above, "layering" is a really good idea. Motion-detecting lights and/or cameras are a very good idea, too.
Bill_in_TR
Member
Based on what you have said I am at least fortunate that I have center hinged French doors with just a single hinged panel. I am going to look into a DIY security system and have motion detectors or glass breakage detectors for that area. I want something that I can control and self monitor through my smart phone but I don't want to pay any kind of subscription fee.
CapnMac
Member
I'm using Blink, as it does not require a subscription. You need a Sync Module, to plug in a thumb drive (I splurged for a 1TB). I started with a doorbell camera, and added exterior cameras later. The battery life on the blink stuff is very good. But, you can get solar chargers for the external cameras (it's about the same price again).
One of the things a person can do is to hit up HF for the dummy cameras, the better to confuse house breakers. Only real downside is that they have a bad habit of eating AA batteries (or AAA) like they grow on trees.
plainsdrifter
Member
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2021
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- 540
Unless u have a museum full of million dollar art pieces no random burglar is going to hack you. Maybe cut your cable wire at the hub.
I have multiple ring cameras plus game cameras that are cellular, not wifi but hook up to towers which instantly send pics in living color.
Driveway motion detectors.
And cable company security system.
The cable company hub has ring cameras watching it.
Plus the cable itself is incase so you can't cut it.
If one camera spots a human they all take video.
Then there's the perimeter trip wire for when I really get paranoid.
But yeah. My sliders are a huge weak spot as are any windows.
The film and multiple locks only slow them down.
Wrought iron bars are best.
I have multiple ring cameras plus game cameras that are cellular, not wifi but hook up to towers which instantly send pics in living color.
Driveway motion detectors.
And cable company security system.
The cable company hub has ring cameras watching it.
Plus the cable itself is incase so you can't cut it.
If one camera spots a human they all take video.
Then there's the perimeter trip wire for when I really get paranoid.
But yeah. My sliders are a huge weak spot as are any windows.
The film and multiple locks only slow them down.
Wrought iron bars are best.
Cameras are only good for providing evidence to help catch the criminal after the crime has occurred. They have very little deterrent value (has anyone seen a drop in crime statistics since we became a surveillance society? Even with video being shown on the local news as the police release video to try to identify the perp crime is still occurring). They are also useless as an early warning device unless you are going to monitor your camera feeds 24/7.
I see a lot of posts (not just in this thread) where people have unrealistic expectations about the security they get from cameras.
I’m not against cameras, my oldest son designs and installs IP camera systems for everything from residences to schools, hospitals, correctional facilities etc. Between his experience pulling video evidence after an incident and my LE experience we have been unable to come up with an occasion where an unmonitored camera prevented a crime.
The criminal element knows the cameras are there and ski masks, ball caps and hoodies are their new uniform. That’s not to say they are master criminals they still make stupid mistakes, caught a burglar who wore a ski mask but apparently forgot that they took tattoo photos when he was booked on an earlier charge and the ski mask didn’t cover his distinctive full sleeve ink. I guess next time he’ll wear long sleeves. Then there was the member of a crew that was traveling through the Midwest burglarizing gun shops for guns to sell in Chicago. When they hit a gun shop here one of them put his face up to the glass to look inside and then pulled his ski mask on and entered the building.
Cameras are everywhere now and crime still happens…..,I personally think that cameras should be pretty far down on the list of security upgrades. Properly hung steel clad doors, dead bolt locks, exterior lighting, rose bushes or other thorny decorative foliage under windows, film on windows will all increase your security orders of magnitude more than cameras will. I know cameras are high tech and have a high kewl factor but everyone needs to realize what you will get for your investment.
I see a lot of posts (not just in this thread) where people have unrealistic expectations about the security they get from cameras.
I’m not against cameras, my oldest son designs and installs IP camera systems for everything from residences to schools, hospitals, correctional facilities etc. Between his experience pulling video evidence after an incident and my LE experience we have been unable to come up with an occasion where an unmonitored camera prevented a crime.
The criminal element knows the cameras are there and ski masks, ball caps and hoodies are their new uniform. That’s not to say they are master criminals they still make stupid mistakes, caught a burglar who wore a ski mask but apparently forgot that they took tattoo photos when he was booked on an earlier charge and the ski mask didn’t cover his distinctive full sleeve ink. I guess next time he’ll wear long sleeves. Then there was the member of a crew that was traveling through the Midwest burglarizing gun shops for guns to sell in Chicago. When they hit a gun shop here one of them put his face up to the glass to look inside and then pulled his ski mask on and entered the building.
Cameras are everywhere now and crime still happens…..,I personally think that cameras should be pretty far down on the list of security upgrades. Properly hung steel clad doors, dead bolt locks, exterior lighting, rose bushes or other thorny decorative foliage under windows, film on windows will all increase your security orders of magnitude more than cameras will. I know cameras are high tech and have a high kewl factor but everyone needs to realize what you will get for your investment.
Correct, Just try to cut a perfectly round hole with a glass cutter then pop it out with a suction cup. Pretty much impossible! Having built glass aquarium sumps with MUCH thinner than window glass it doesn't work anything like it does in the TV crime drama.
A dowel / stick in the door track like mentioned above would mean having to make 2 such holes, one for removing the stick and a second for unlocking the lock... it is just not going to happen.
My alarm system has the intelligence of a 5 yo child and the protective instincts of a mother bear. Piper (our German Shepherd) has some bite to go with her bark but even a little dog will alert you to any sounds in the night that you would otherwise sleep through.
Unless your home is known as a really good source of high quality meth your house only really needs to look substantially more secure than the house next door. I don't know how many times I have yelled at my teen daughter for leaving the garage door open and we are in a low crime rural neighborhood. I make it a habit for my house to not look any different when we are home then when we are not home. Just little things like that will deter most happenstance thieves.
If you have something valuable don't advertise it! Too many people put too much emphasis on looking better off than their neighbors. I personally would rather have the cheapest looking house on the street. If the neighbors are better than me because they like flaunting their huge consumer dept... good for them!
Same as with installing some security cameras... and it doesn't really matter if they work of not as long as they look like they do. Security cameras in themselves won't sway a determined thief but it is one more level of deterrence to add to the list that makes your house look less inviting than your neighbors house.
Don't forget the $5 "This house is protected by a Brinks security system" sign in the driveway.
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Bill_in_TR
Member
Interesting thoughts on the usefulness of various security systems. I was mainly interested in alarms that would alert us if something was happening. Kind of an early warning system. But a couple of well placed cameras could give us a view of what is going on when alarms go off. It would actually be as much or more for when we are there as for when we are away. If somebody breaks in when we aren't there all they get is possessions. If they are breaking in when we are there it might be us they get. I have insurance for the possessions.
theotherwaldo
Member
The last time someone took out one of my doors they used the bumper of a truck, not a glass cutter.
Anyway, as someone that occasionally makes stained glass objects, I can guarantee that no one can cut a circle out of the middle of a sheet of glass like they do in the movies... .
Anyway, as someone that occasionally makes stained glass objects, I can guarantee that no one can cut a circle out of the middle of a sheet of glass like they do in the movies... .
RetiredUSNChief
Member
Several things here.
First, as already pointed out, glass cutting does not work like it does in the movies.
Second, breaking glass does not have to involve a lot of noise, and what minimal noise you do make based on certain techniques can be further reduced by other precautions.
Third, doors are only one weakness to a house/apartment. Windows are probably the next biggest.
Forth, defense in layers. Make your home less desirable as a target BEFORE someone would approach it in the first place. Cut/trim back bushes/trees which provide cover close to the house, use illumination to your benefit, develope good relations with neighbors, etc. Don't provide opportunity via convenient means which assist the would-be burglar.
Add on more as you see fit.
But realize that there is no way to make a home completely burglar proof. If they want in, they'll get in. But convenience has a lot to do with it, so make it less convenient.
First, as already pointed out, glass cutting does not work like it does in the movies.
Second, breaking glass does not have to involve a lot of noise, and what minimal noise you do make based on certain techniques can be further reduced by other precautions.
Third, doors are only one weakness to a house/apartment. Windows are probably the next biggest.
Forth, defense in layers. Make your home less desirable as a target BEFORE someone would approach it in the first place. Cut/trim back bushes/trees which provide cover close to the house, use illumination to your benefit, develope good relations with neighbors, etc. Don't provide opportunity via convenient means which assist the would-be burglar.
Add on more as you see fit.
But realize that there is no way to make a home completely burglar proof. If they want in, they'll get in. But convenience has a lot to do with it, so make it less convenient.
CapnMac
Member
I believe the point on not using a subscription service was in not having to cope with a monthly expense atop all the other expenses we suffer through.
The wifi-to-phone utility is in more in getting alerts, being a somewhat "real time" alert. That's of course limited to one's perception of one's phone. If the phone is off, or one can sleep through an alert, then, results could be mixed. Life is not certain; we have to make allowances for that.
Where a camera can be effective is when, say, a person has a dog as an alert system. "What is the dog barking at?" Check the camera(s). Why is the phone going off? Ditto.
The wifi-to-phone utility is in more in getting alerts, being a somewhat "real time" alert. That's of course limited to one's perception of one's phone. If the phone is off, or one can sleep through an alert, then, results could be mixed. Life is not certain; we have to make allowances for that.
Where a camera can be effective is when, say, a person has a dog as an alert system. "What is the dog barking at?" Check the camera(s). Why is the phone going off? Ditto.
Atavar
Member
Being a geezer with profound hearing loss a phone alert wouldn’t do me much good. Lol
If I take out my hearing aids I’d probably be shot twice before I woke up.
I suppose I could get Alexa to monitor my email and turn my bedroom light on if she gets an email or text from the alarm.
If I take out my hearing aids I’d probably be shot twice before I woke up.
I suppose I could get Alexa to monitor my email and turn my bedroom light on if she gets an email or text from the alarm.
