This 1990s Home Security Device Could Still Be The Most Affordable Way To Protect Your Home

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Home security systems have become quite common in the United States. A 2025 Harris Poll survey conducted for Nerdwallet found that three in five Americans have at least some form of home security. But these systems can also be expensive, as indicated by the report's other finding that price was one of the top factors for people going without. If you're in the midst of price-shopping home security systems — or if you already have one and are tired of paying the monthly fees on top of your other home maintenance costs — you do have cheaper options. In fact, one particularly simple home security device that emerged in the early 1990s can still be found today for under $30. Meet the Door Club security lock.

In case that thirty bucks still seems like more than you're willing to pay, consider that even basic home security systems typically start between $150 and upwards of $300 for the initial equipment alone. Then there are the monthly maintenance fees that cover things like digital monitoring and response to alerts. These monthly costs typically start around $25, but they get progressively more expensive with higher-tier packages and with larger homes. And since you'll have to keep paying these fees as long as you want to keep the same security package regardless of whether or not you actually get much use out of it, the whole system could wind up being yet another home upgrade that's a waste of money. Just get a couple of Door Club locks or similar devices for your doors, and you could realistically save hundreds each year.

If price is a major concern, it's worth comparing the cost of a Door Club lock with that of a traditional monitored security system. You can find the Door Club lock on Etsy or eBay, typically priced anywhere between $29 and $60. The original manufacturer, Winner International, still lists it on its website for $25.99 as of July 2026, though it's currently sold out. Still, even if your home has multiple exterior doors, you're looking at spending well under $200 to protect against intruders.

Of course, another benefit is just how simple the Door Club lock is. It's a heavy-duty metal security device that anchors down into the floor to prevent intruders from bashing in inward-swinging doors. When not in use, the anchor piece is stowed on a small caddy mounted on the door itself. According to the company's 1990s advertising, it can withstand more than two tons of force, significantly more than many traditional door-chain or swing-bar security devices.

Depending on your circumstances, you may still want to invest in a full home security system. Even the best home insurance companies typically won't help cover the cost of installing one, though they may cover losses from an actual break-in. That said, you may also face higher costs in property damage or loss as well as insurance (if you have to file a claim) should you forgo installing a security feature entirely, so getting a Door Club lock could be a good place to start.