The most common type of entry into the garage is the 6-second break-in method. All that criminals have to do is push in the top panel of the garage and use something like a coat hanger to activate the emergency release mechanism. This allows them to slide the garage open with ease.
Many irresponsible news articles and stories claimed that it’s acceptable to add zip ties to secure the emergency release device on the operator of your garage door.
First of all, let’s be clear! According to the Federal Code and UL 325, adding a zip tie to your garage door operator is a violation, and so is removing the emergency release device.
You might care or not about this law and question how would anyone know! Regardless, all we care is your and your loved one’s safety.
The emergency release device on all garage doors that have operators should never be changed, modified, or customized — so, it’s a “no-no” for adding zip-ties.
In case you’re wondering what is this “device” we’re talking about… Have you seen a red cord with a red handle? Yes? That’s the emergency release device.
The purpose of this emergency release device is to disengage the operator of the garage door quickly. In case of an emergency, many people (especially the little ones and elderlies) will not have the strength to break the zip tie and exit safely. Think about it… it’s not worth the risk!
IN CASE YOU STILL NOT CONVINCED, HERE IS WHY A ZIP TIE IS NOT ENOUGH:
Brute force will get criminals wherever they want to go
A ZIP TIE ISN’T (BY ANY STRETCH OF THE IMAGINATION) A RELIABLE SECURITY TOOL.
Yes, zip ties are notoriously impossible to break apart when your hands have been zip tied together, or when you’re trying to open it up after you’ve zipped something too tightly. However, as far as securing something as crucial as your home, they just don’t meet expectations.
With the strength of a healthy adult, burglars are likely to bust those zip ties to little pieces and achieve access to your home at no time.
Modern day professional thieves are smarter than they used to be
Modern criminals (especially professional thieves, responsible for upwards of 60% of all break-ins) are a lot smarter today than they used to be.
With the Internet at their disposal, they’ve learned exactly how to defeat most “DIY” security solutions.
To make it worse, they are pretty open about sharing new information with other professional criminals.
You’re going to have to come up with something else if you’re going to beat criminals today. The zip tie method has been defeated and is nothing more than “security theater” at this point in time.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?
One of the simplest and most effective tools for securing your garage without any headache or hassle whatsoever is the Garage Door Armor. The beauty of this security solution is that it’s affordable, easy to install, and offers a lifetime of protection.
REMEMBER DE 6-SECOND BREAK-IN?
Garage Door Armor units block the coat hanger, or any object for that matter, from activating the emergency release mechanism. The good thing about these devices is that they don’t impede on the garage door’s ability to be opened in an emergency like a zip tie would.
So, if you had a zip tie installed in your garage or you did it yourself, don’t risk any second longer! Get it removed as soon as possible and get the right tool for the job of ensuring protection.
