Latch Guard Basics — Outswing, Inswing & Storefront Latch Protectors

Before — latch exposed

After — latch protected

The most common type. A single piece installed on the exterior face of the door to cover the visible latch or bolt. Some outswing latch guards include a security pin embedded into the door frame — this acts as an anchor to prevent a crowbar from spreading the door away from the frame to release the latch. Especially useful for condos and apartments built with builder-grade materials.

The protrusion visible on many outswing latch guards accommodates the lip of the strike plate.

Thru-Bolt

Installed using flat head machine screws, carriage bolts, or sex bolts and nuts. An intruder cannot unscrew the fasteners to remove it. Mounting studs are welded to the back so there's no visible point of attack, and bolt ends are smooth with no screwdriver slot.

Surface Mount (Angle Plate)

Mounted to the door's edge. Not quite as secure as thru-bolt but has a cleaner look — installation hardware is not visible on the interior. Easy to install with no through-drilling required and no special tools needed.

Inswing latch guards consist of two pieces: the U-Channel and the Protector Plate (Offset Bar). The U-channel installs on the door face and the offset bar installs on the door frame. When the door is closed, the two pieces come together to form a barrier protecting the latch.

Since screws are visible from the exterior on inswing applications, many come packaged with one-way screws for added security.

Storefront doors almost always have a large gap between the door and jamb, leaving the latch or bolt exposed — especially with a mortise deadlatch. Storefront latch guards include a cutout to accommodate the cylinder for a mortise deadlatch, mortise deadbolt, or mortise hookbolt.

Offset latch guards account for when the jamb side of the frame has a larger projection than the storefront door.

For maximum security, install a full-height security plate covering the entire gap between the door and jamb — ideal for side and rear exit doors that are common break-in targets. A security door bar adds another layer of protection, preventing the door from being forced even if the latch is compromised, hinge pins removed, or the lock cylinder drilled.