Home Security Showdown: Swing Bar Locks vs Chain Locks

Not all locks are created to be equally strong or safe. Depending on the mechanism, there are locks that are easy to use but offer weaker defensive capabilities, while others are more serious but in exchange homeowners must fiddle about more in order to properly secure the door. Swing bar locks and chain locks are often seen as equally viable options, but one has a clear advantage over the other when it comes to security. It should be also highlighted that one simple lock isn’t enough to prevent burglars from marching in, and responsible homeowners are better off preparing the building with extra alarms and cameras.

The main part of a swing bar lock is its guard, a metal bar screwed to the doorframe that interlocks with a peg that can be found on the door itself. Modern versions, like the Defender Security swing bar lock, are designed in such a way that homeowners can slightly open the door without compromising their security — a feature that is very useful if the door lacks a peephole. This type of lock is easy to install and won’t leave scratch marks on the doorframe after repeated use — unlike its opponent — which is why most hotels choose to use this for their rooms.

Stainless steel or solid brass chain locks are very popular among homeowners due to their ease of use and convenience. Such locks are lightweight and the kids can easily learn how to use them. The installation process involves setting up its two parts; the first is a chain that should be fixed to the doorframe, while the second is the placement of the track that it will run along.

Keep in mind that the track doesn’t need to be level with the base of the chain but the overall length of the chain must be calculated in, otherwise the head won’t be able to attach properly. The fact that you don’t need to mess around with a level to properly install the lock is without a doubt an advantage over swing bars.

When it comes to the strength of securing the door, swing bar locks stand triumphant. One strong push is often enough to tear a chain out from the doorframe, or at least widen the gap enough so that an intruder can fit their tools in. Detaching a well-secured swing bar lock is far more difficult and even if the burglars are determined enough to fight their way through the lock, you’ll have plenty of time to react and call the police.

Swing bar locks aren’t without weak points, though; there are special tools that can remove it from the outside. Initially used by the hotel staff, the items are also used by crafty burglars. In order to avoid falling prey to robbers it’s safer to have different types of locks installed. Adding a chain lock next to the swing bar lock might be a bit redundant, which is why experimentation is recommended. For example, chain locks can be substituted with a sliding door loop lock, while adding a strong reinforcement lock alleviates the issues with swing bar locks.