Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [security]

223 questions
36
votes
11 answers

How do I secure my house against intruders?

What are some suggestions for securing your house from an intruder? Right now we have a GE Simon XT alarm system, but it doesn't cover breaking a window. We put some PVC pipes in the tracks of the lower floor windows as well. What other suggestions…
esac
  • 1,041
  • 3
  • 15
  • 22
25
votes
6 answers

Safe/professional way to transport lumber with just a roof rack

I'm doing some home improvement, and have the necessary skills, tools, etc, for the job. There is one thing I'm lacking: a large pickup truck for transporting lumber. A buddy of mine used to have one, but he had to trade it in for an SUV to get the…
Cloud
  • 413
  • 2
  • 7
  • 15
17
votes
9 answers

How to tell if your locks are bump proof?

I was reading about lock "bumping" where burglars buy 'bump' keys and can open locks very quickly. I was also reading that some locks are bump proof (double chamber perhaps?). My question is: how can I tell, by looking at the locks currently on my…
themerlinproject
  • 445
  • 2
  • 4
  • 8
16
votes
6 answers

What is this kind of security bolt head called, and how can I remove it?

A previous owner fitted the light fitting pictured above, and has not left me a tool to remove the bolt. The bulb has blown so I need to get in to the unit. The head diameter is about 12mm and the gap between the two notches is about 6mm. I would…
Dickon Reed
  • 293
  • 1
  • 2
  • 6
16
votes
6 answers

Why energy saving bulb flashes when the switch is off?

I have a energy saving spiral light bulb in my kitchen. In exactly every 27 seconds, the first segment of the bulb faintly flashes when the switch is off. And not once, repeatedly every 27 seconds. This weird situation occurs for more than half and…
sevenkul
  • 263
  • 1
  • 2
  • 5
15
votes
3 answers

Permanently disable security system

We moved house about a year ago. The previous owner had an alarm system, which we assumed was inactive, but whenever we lose/regain power, the panels beep intermittently. We've somehow armed the system though, and now the alarm goes off whenever we…
user123965
  • 275
  • 1
  • 6
13
votes
7 answers

Is it worth having two locks in exterior doors?

I've noticed that some places have a lock in the knob and a deadbolt in the exterior doors, and some places have a knob without a lock and just a deadbolt. Is there a benefit to having a lock in the knob I'm missing?
Joseph
  • 1,290
  • 5
  • 14
  • 21
12
votes
8 answers

Can a locksmith open a deadbolt lock?

I wonder how secure my deadbolt lock is. How difficult is it for a professional to open such a lock?
TCL
  • 253
  • 1
  • 3
  • 8
12
votes
4 answers

I turned a breaker off, and now the security alarm system won’t stop beeping

I turned off a breaker for about an hour. I then heard a low beeping noise, not the full-blown alarm siren. I turned the breaker back on, but the beeping persisted. We called the alarm company. They told us the police were never notified and that we…
YesterdaysTools
  • 129
  • 1
  • 4
11
votes
5 answers

What internet-connected home security system options exist?

Background: Old, Hard-to-use Home Security System We moved into a house with an existing "wired" home security system. This system includes an circa-1991 panel from Ademco (model 4140). The wires are in place; the sensors work. We could use it "as…
user1142
  • 211
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
11
votes
4 answers

Where to check for neighbors stealing power?

I recently bought a 900 sq ft house (84m²) and the electricity bill is insane, saying I'm using 4000 kWh per month. Winters are mild, the temperature floats to around 25°F (-5°C) at night, not much lower ever. I'm examining all possible reasons; one…
Village
  • 947
  • 2
  • 25
  • 40
11
votes
4 answers

How should I position a motion sensor?

When planning motion sensor placement for a security system, is it preferable to install it facing windows, or not?
Steve
  • 805
  • 4
  • 11
  • 21
10
votes
6 answers

Can I tap into an exterior light in order to power a security camera?

I have an exterior light (shown below) that I was wondering if I could tap into, in order to power an outdoor IP cam. I understand I would have to pull appart some cables and potentially purchase connectors, etc. but I am up for the challenge if it…
Brian
  • 809
  • 9
  • 15
  • 24
10
votes
7 answers

Detecting unauthorized access to storage room

I have a storage room in my apartment block (each apartment in the building has a private storage room in the basement). I suspect that someone may have entered there, maybe the landlord who lives in the same block, or another person who may have…
eliblanco87
  • 111
  • 1
  • 6
10
votes
2 answers

How long do batteries typically last in electronic deadbolts?

I'm considering getting a Schlage Plymouth Keypad for our front-door but was curious how long the 9V battery typically lasts. The web site says "3 year battery life" but I'm... skeptical. =) Has anyone used these types of locks before and if so, do…
Mike B
  • 8,011
  • 53
  • 107
  • 147
1
2 3
…
14 15