Security is an issue that is increasingly concerning in the United States. There's little point in living in a large, modern house with the best decoration if the feeling of vulnerability doesn't go away. Nobody wants to feel unsafe in the place where they should feel most at ease.
Thieves know the weak points of every home well. What many people don't imagine is that, in addition to windows and main doors, there's an entryway that often remains unprotected: the garage door. That's why, in addition to alarm systems or cameras, there are simple tricks that provide an extra level of security.
Home security
The security of a house should always be among any family's priorities. It's not just about protecting material possessions, but also about keeping the peace of those who live inside. Although a good alarm system is essential, it's always a good idea to reinforce the most vulnerable entry points.
The garage is a frequent target for those looking to break into a home. Many times, the manual opening mechanism is left exposed, and that makes it a risk point. For this reason, taking preventive measures can make the difference between a secure house and one that's easy to break into.
Experts recommend paying attention to the garage's emergency cable. This mechanism, designed to make use easier in unexpected situations, can also be the key a thief needs. Identifying this weakness and reinforcing it is key to improving protection.
The zip tie trick
A very inexpensive and simple method consists of using a simple zip tie. This product, which can be purchased for just one dollar at stores like Dollar Tree, can become a great ally for security. The higher the quality of the zip tie, the more effective the result will be.
The procedure is easy: pass the zip tie through the hole where the emergency release cable connects. Then, make a loop with the small hole just above and tighten it as much as possible. This way, the cable is blocked and the entryway becomes much more secure.
If you ever need to use the cable, you just need to cut the zip tie and replace it with another one afterward. It's recommended to use industrial zip ties, since they withstand tension better. This ensures that they won't break with a simple pull.
The hanger trick
Thieves often use a homemade system to manipulate the garage door. They insert a wooden wedge at the top, which creates a small gap. Through that space, they slide a wire hanger bent into a hook shape.
The goal is to hook the emergency cable. Once they find it, they pull until they feel tension, and with a simple movement the mechanism is released. That way, the garage door opens manually with hardly any effort.
With a zip tie blocking that cable, this method becomes useless. The hook may catch the cable, but it can't make it detach from the door. Thus, the garage becomes a much harder entryway to break into.
What is the zip tie for?
The role of the zip tie is to prevent the cable from coming loose from the door, even if it's pulled hard from the outside. This blocks the manual opening method used by thieves. At the same time, it keeps the emergency function available for the owner.
Additionally, reducing the visible cable is also a useful strategy. Securing it to the door arm can limit access to it, always making sure it doesn't interfere with the mechanism. Both measures increase the chances of keeping your house secure.
For little money and with a simple trick, you can reinforce a very common weak point. Thieves always look for easy entryways, and a simple $1 zip tie can be enough to deter them. It's a minimal investment for peace of mind.