Front door security - which chain?

[evrybuddy]

We've got a new composite door and because I'm quite security mental I want to fit a chain lock on it.
Basically, this is so that anyone who can pick the lock won't be able to open the door without alerting me and waking me in the dead of night and then I can come out and bop them with a baseball bat after I've called my homeys (local vigilantes) to come round and get medieval on their asses with my pliers and stuff.

I'm not keen to drill into the new composite door so have decided against the traditional wimpy chain arrangement, like this one:
www.screwfix.com/p/door-chain-polished-brass-effect/45966?kpid=45966&cm_mmc=Google--Product%20Listing%20Ads--Sales%20Tracking--sales%20tracking%20url&cm_mmc=Google--Shopping%20-%20Ironmongery-_-Shopping%20-%20Ironmongery&gclid=CO-3t8fjjMgCFUHnwgodL3gCiQ&kpid=45966

These alternative fangled chain and 'handle ring' locks look really good -anyone tried or would recommend?

www.amazon.co.uk/Secure-Ring-Universal-Security-Chain-White/dp/B010T072FG/ref=pd_sim_sbs_75_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=0MEDNDG5A1JESB7T8X5Y&dpID=41MWVw1lx7L&dpSrc=sims&preST=AC_UL160_SR126%2C160

www.amazon.co.uk/Am-tech-Award-Winning-Security-Chain/dp/B008G0646A/ref=pd_sim_sbs_75_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1ZS6CMCMNDD544245YYV&dpID=41y%2BQIu7kEL&dpSrc=sims&preST=AC_UL160_SR160%2C160

What locks do you already have on the door?

The reason for my question is in case you have two locks on the door - we have on ours. I remember seeing something on TV about door chains years ago and the best way of stopping someone from getting the door open was something set into the floor, rather than a chain that could potentially be cut with bolt cutters.

Just the integral multi-point locking system at the moment.

I've seen the thing you mean - a floor mounted door barricade - which looks brilliant but I can't find a UK based supplier on Google - only $20 in US - don't know why it's not widely publicised here!

Possibly because common US doors and locks are not as good as UK ones.

they use a lot of cylinder latches, which are nowhere near as good as a BS lock, and their doors tend to be thinner and less solid. They can of course buy better ones if they want to upgrade.

There are various designs and prices of door chain, but this type is probably best.

Look for a major maker such as ERA or Yale, or old stock Chubb. You can get lightweight flimsy versions of different design if you want to save a pound, but they are not much good.

Door handles are not designed to be strong.

The thing I remember seeing was not the same as those you've googled - it was more like a lever. I'll see if I can find it.

This is the US 'door barricade' - it screws to the floor at the base of the door and then the locking/barricade section can be slid in and out.
www.amazon.co.uk/Nightlock-Security-Barricade-Brushed-Nickel/dp/B007Y7PVLK

That's a sturdy looking chain PigletJohn but I really don't want to screw into the new door - I'm so vain on my door's behalf!

Hence my interest in the chains that loop over the door handle.

I found this video on youtube - which I susoect wasn't conducted to the highest scientific standards but it does make me feel that the ring over the handle might be stronger than the chain - I only need enough time to get my bat and phone my homeys!

Interestingly, the thin American door is that video is fitted with two flimsy US-style "locks"

They are nowhere near as good as BS locks, and would not meet the "minimum security requirements" of your home insurance policy.

Hence the market for add-ons.

I am fairly paranoid about break-ins as a result of having a prowler issue once - so the whole security thing is important for me.

I'm happy with the multi-point locking in terms of anybody trying to break down the door - I don't think they can manage to do that at all - not without waking me anyway!!!

It's the lock picking scenario that I want to deal with.

These guys are sneaky and they know hoe to get past Euro Cylinder locks.

I want something that will stop them at that point - okay, I take on board what you're saying about the bolt-cutters and the chain - so maybe the security ring and chain lock are not the way to go.

Is there a type of chain that can resist bolt-cutters? Affordably? Like not titanium or diamonds!!!

Any thoughts on this device?

www.amazon.co.uk/Frostfire-5014-Dual-Function-Home-Security/dp/B00404EIQ4

i have 2 locks and the Viper door lock in the picture next to the red door stopper. I also like the look of the red door stopper or the one the guy was installing on the video. Might get one of those to add to my door armoury.

There's another kind of 'chain'you can get which doesn't actually have a chain that can be cut, but it does have to be fitte to the door. Tbh what does it matter that it's fitted to the door?

I don't know if they can be retro-fitted to a composite door, but we have two locks on our that can't be picked because of the design.

If you've had issues with a prowler, why not get a CCTV camera trained on the door? Do you have an alarm?

I don't think a few little screws (little because of the limits of the door thickness) in the door will hold against a proper push but a handle on a upvc/composite door is pretty hard to push/pull off.

The prowler issue was in a previous house but you don't forget - I don't want CCTV - it's not my whole life - or lifestyle defining - but it is always at the back of my mind

I love the American barricade thing - wonder why they don't sell it here - shame