Effective Strategies to Secure Your Door Knob Against Break-Ins
- Joe Miller
- Feb 19
- 4 min read
When it comes to securing your building entrance or business, every detail counts. One often overlooked weak point is the lever handle on doors. These handles can be vulnerable to forced entry, making them a target for break-ins. The lever handle guard, also known as the Spartan door cover, offers one of the most practical, economical, and effective solutions to this problem. This post explores how this guard protects lever handles and door knobs, compares it with other security methods, and provides useful tips on installation and benefits.
What Is a Lever Handle Guard?
A lever handle guard is a heavy-duty metal or aluminum cover designed to fit over the lever handle or door knob area. Its main purpose is to prevent intruders from easily manipulating the handle to gain entry. The guard typically wraps around the handle, is bolted to the interior of the door, and blocks access to the mechanism that opens the door. The Spartan door cover is a popular brand known for its sturdy construction and simple design.
Why Lever Handles Are Vulnerable
Lever handles and door knobs are the most common entry points for everyday use, especially in condominiums and office buildings. However, this convenience comes with a security trade-off. Intruders can use tools like crowbars, hammers, or even their hands to force the lever down or pry it open. This makes lever handles and round door knobs easier to bypass compared to other, more secure options.
In this picture, you can see the signs of the break-in by the intruder
How the Lever Handle Guard Enhances Security
The guard acts as a physical barrier that covers the lever/knob, making it difficult or impossible to push down or twist the handle from the outside. It also protects the area around the handle from being pried open. This simple addition can significantly reduce the risk of forced entry through the door. Together with a metal astragal, it is among the most effective methods to secure your building's entrance door.
Key Benefits of Using a Lever Handle Guard
Increased resistance to forced entry
Preserves the convenience of lever handles and knobs
Durable metal construction withstands impact
Easy to install without major door modifications
Cost-effective compared to full door replacements or expensive hardware
Comparing the Lever Handle Guard to Other Security Methods
When improving door security, several options exist beyond the lever handle guard. Here’s how it compares to some common alternatives:
Removing Lever Handles
Some people remove lever handles entirely to eliminate the vulnerability. While this may increase security, it also reduces convenience, safety and accessibility. Doors without handles can be difficult to open quickly, especially in emergencies. Relying solely on intercom or access control systems is not a reliable solution.
Replacing Handles with Trim and Panic Bars
Panic bars and trim plates are often used in commercial settings for quick exit during emergencies. While these provide excellent safety and security, they can be expensive and may not suit residential doors aesthetically or functionally.
Installing Deadbolts and Reinforced Locks
Deadbolts add a strong layer of security but do not protect the lever handle itself. Intruders can still try to force the handle or damage the door around it. Combining deadbolts with a lever handle guard offers better overall protection. However, residential buildings equipped with intercom or access control and security systems cannot use deadbolts by default.
Why the Lever Handle Guard Stands Out
The lever handle guard offers a balance of security, convenience, and cost. It protects the vulnerable part of the door without requiring a full handle replacement or complex hardware installation. For many buildings and businesses, it is the preferred choice to enhance door security quickly and effectively.
Practical Tips for Installing a Lever Handle Guard
Installing a lever handle guard is straightforward but requires some attention to detail for the best results.
Measure your door and handle size carefully to ensure the guard fits snugly.
Choose a guard made from strong materials like stainless steel or heavy-duty aluminum.
Follow manufacturer instructions closely for mounting screws and placement.
Use tamper-proof screws or bolts to prevent intruders from removing the guard easily.
Consider professional installation if you are unsure about fitting or drilling.
Proper installation ensures the guard performs as intended and does not interfere with normal door operation.
Additional Benefits of Using a Lever Handle Guard
Beyond protecting against break-ins, lever handle guards offer other advantages:
Protects handles from weather damage and wear
Reduces maintenance costs by preventing handle damage
Maintains door aesthetics with sleek, low-profile designs
Compatible with most lever handle styles and finishes
Real-World Examples of Lever Handle Guard Effectiveness
Security professionals report that doors equipped with lever handle guards show fewer signs of forced entry attempts. In one case study, a commercial building installed Spartan door covers on all exterior doors. After a series of attempted break-ins in the area, none of the doors with guards were compromised, while unprotected doors suffered damage.
Final Thoughts on Enhancing Door Security
Protecting your doors is a critical step in securing your property. The lever handle guard offers a practical, affordable, and effective way to strengthen one of the most vulnerable points on your doors. While other methods like removing handles or installing panic bars have their place, the guard provides a balanced solution that maintains convenience without sacrificing security.
If you want to improve your door security, consider adding a lever handle guard. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in keeping your home or business safe.
