Buy door restrictor for safe ventilation and parcel delivery

A door restrictor is more than just ventilation. It serves as your safe acceptance system for delivery drivers, a ventilation solution for bedrooms with a door opening onto the hallway, and a first line of security against unexpected callers. With one hand on the restrictor, you can open the door just a crack without allowing anyone to break through completely. On this page, you can read about the models we carry and which one suits your situation.

DX Spring-loaded chrome-plated door restrictor for inward-opening doors — Stainless steel version for secure gap ventilation of front and back doors in modern villas, offices, and coastal locations with corrosion resistance.

Stainless Steel Door Stop

AXA IN matte black and HAFELE Inward Opening Matte Black door stop — finished in matte black for inward opening front doors and interior doors in modern villas, industrial loft interiors, and sleek new builds.

Door Stop Black

For which doors is a door restrictor useful?

A door restrictor works on doors that swing open and that you occasionally want to open slightly without fully unlocking. The front door is the most common application. Parcel delivery drivers can sign through the gap, you can talk to neighbors without letting them in, or you can recognize an unexpected caller before opening fully. The back door to the garden is a second good application, for ventilation to the outside without someone just walking in.

For interior doors, a door restrictor is rarely necessary. As standard, you already have the option to leave the door slightly ajar using the regular handle action. For bedroom doors where you want some ventilation from the hallway at night, a standard handle with a doorstop is sufficient. For specific applications, such as a child's room where you want supervision without the door being fully open, you might consider a door restrictor. Most sales are for front door applications.

Which versions of door restrictors do we carry?

Our three main models are: AXA Door Stop IN matte black (Dutch safety version, modern matte black finish), DX Spring-loaded door stop chrome-plated (stainless steel version with automatic return mechanism), and HAFELE Door Stop Inward Opening Matte Black (German design, more compact version). All three are for inward-opening doors, which is the standard for front doors in Dutch homes.

For more specific color choices, you can click through: door stay black includes only the matte black versions, and door stay stainless steel includes only the stainless steel versions. For those looking for a specific version with the SKG quality mark, we also have the DX Exceptor® SKG V1® and the standard DX Inward-opening door stay SKG V1® Stainless Steel. Both meet the requirements of the Police Quality Mark for Safe Living.

How safe is a door chain?

An SKG V1®-certified door restrictor withstands a burglary attempt for at least 15 seconds. For homes with a normal risk of burglary, this is sufficient. The mechanism holds the door in the desired position even if someone pushes hard against it. Not 100% burglary-proof, but enough to deter opportunistic burglars. For homes in burglary-prone neighborhoods or for commercial properties, you might consider SKG V2® or V3®.

It is good to know that a door restrictor serves as a supplement to your main security system, not as a replacement. For a completely burglar-resistant front door, you still need a certified cylinder, good door hardware on a backplate , and possibly a multi-point lock . The door restrictor adds security specifically for when you open the door slightly ajar.

How do you measure for mounting on your door?

Three measurements are important. First, the position where you want to mount the door restrictor. Standard is 100-110 cm from the floor, on the hinge side of the door (not on the handle side). Second, the distance between the door and the frame when the door is closed. Typically 3-8 mm for modern doors. Third, the desired opening distance when you set it slightly ajar. Usually 5-15 cm.

When replacing an existing door restrictor, you can usually reuse the old mounting holes. For a new installation, drill pilot holes in the door (on the hinge side) and in the frame (one meter upwards). The mechanism is mounted onto these. Our advisors will be happy to send you installation instructions if you are unsure about the specific dimensions for your door.

Combine with your front door security set

For optimal security, combine the door restrictor with other front door elements. For a matte black theme, see matte black front door hardware as the main fitting. For a stainless steel theme, combine with stainless steel front door hardware. For specific front door security, see security hardware with cylinder core pull protection.

For those who desire additional burglary protection. Surface-mounted locks on the inside of the front door for an extra layer of security. See surface-mounted locks. For the complete overview of door restrictors , which also includes window versions, or the specific window restrictor category if you wish to equip windows as well.