Simple and Effective Physical DIY Security Tips
DIY Security: Life’s Little “Aha!” Moments
Life’s full of those “aha!” moments—little perspective shifts that hit you like a ton of bricks, even though they’re often simple once you see them. Like watching a magic trick explained on YouTube, nailing the perfect Instagram selfie angle, or realizing we’ve only got about 100 summers to live...like, up top.
Often, these moments come from a simple shift in perspective—something we kind of already know but suddenly see in a new light.
DIY security is full of these little realizations, too.
I was recently talking to a colleague about what our customers can do to make their homes extra secure. He shared two security tips that gave me real "aha!" moments. These simple yet effective adjustments can add an extra layer of protection to your property.
Index
- DIY Tip 1: Screw Direction Matters
- DIY Tip 2: Expandable Barriers vs. Flying Objects
- The Big Picture
DIY Tip 1: Screw Direction Matters - Strengthening Window Bars
When installing window bars, you secure them to the window frame, which is often wood or concrete. Here, the way you install the screws can significantly affect how resilient the bars are to external force.
Depending on the design of the window bars—such as our Type C, D, and E—you have two choices: Sill Fix and Face Fix.
What is a Sill Fix?
The sill is part of the window frame—the bottom section of the trim. In a sill fix, screws are installed parallel to the window panel, directly into the window frame or sill. This positioning makes the screws perpendicular to external force, increasing their resistance to being pulled out.
What is a Face Fix?
Face fix means the screws are installed straight into the window panel, facing the external force head-on. While some situations require this method for structural reasons, sill-fixed window security bars perform significantly better against burglars’ strong push-and-pull attacks.
Why Does This Matter?
If you're installing window bars primarily for visual deterrence, either method is fine. However, if you need physical security, keep in mind that often, security products remain intact while the fixings give way first.
A simple understanding of basic physics can make all the difference. This principle also applies to retractable security gates and swing security doors.
DIY Tip 2: Expandable Barriers vs. Flying Objects (not UAPs)
One day, I was passing by a library on an island. It was a peaceful, beautiful summer Sunday. Outside the quiet window-side reading area, there was a long expandable barrier—sometimes called a pedestrian fence.
(Reference image)
Conventionally, expandable barriers are used to visually deter unwanted pedestrian access rather than serve as a physical security measure. Due to the size of the diamond gaps and the flexible nature of these barriers, they are often used for quick and temporary coverage rather than strong protection.
If you need serious security solutions for a wide area, we typically recommend retractable gates or custom-made security bars and other products.
I've seen expandable barriers deployed inside shopping malls, warehouses, factories, and supermarkets to control traffic flow in hazardous areas, such as slippery floors, construction sites, or secure storage areas.
But outside a library, right next to a window?
Curious, I asked my colleague about it. Some places install retractable fences to protect windows from objects being blown into them, especially in areas prone to strong winds, such as tropical regions like Auckland.
This was another "aha!" moment for me—our security products can protect against not just human threats but also natural forces.
3. The Big Picture: Thinking Outside the Box
Did this realization change my life? Not exactly. But it certainly opened my mind to new possibilities.
We never know what solutions people might come up with using the products we provide. If you have a security concern, reach out to us. Let’s work together to find the best solution for you.
Contact us today and let’s secure your property effectively!
(A new method???)
