Latch Protectors

What a Latch Guard Protects Against and Why It Matters

A latch guard (also called an EZ guard, door guard plate, or latch protector) wraps around the door edge on both sides of the latch bolt area, covering the gap between the door and frame where the latch bolt is visible when the door is closed. This gap allows a shim -- a credit card, a thin blade, or a purpose-made shimming tool -- to be inserted and used to retract the spring latch bolt. On any spring latch commercial door, a skilled attacker can shim the latch in under 30 seconds. A latch guard covers the gap completely, preventing the shimming tool from reaching the latch bolt. Don-Jo and Keedex are the two most specified commercial latch guard brands in the US. We've been supplying security hardware for commercial door hardening since 2001. Call 877-471-4870 for door material and stile dimension guidance.

Latch Guard vs. Door Reinforcer: What Goes Where

A latch guard covers only the latch bolt area and wraps around the door edge to block shimming access. A door reinforcer (wrap-around plate) strengthens the door face around the cylindrical lock prep against kick-in attacks. For maximum door security hardening, install both: a latch guard at the latch bolt location AND a door reinforcer around the lock body prep. Don-Jo and Keedex manufacture both products -- they're frequently ordered together for complete door hardening on exterior commercial doors.

Latch Guards for Adams Rite Storefront Doors

Adams Rite-compatible latch guards are available for the MS1890 Series deadlatch. The latch guard covers the gap between the aluminum door stile and the frame where the MS1890 latch bolt is exposed. Don-Jo makes storefront-specific latch guards sized for aluminum door stile dimensions. Confirm the door material (hollow metal or aluminum) and stile width before ordering -- storefront latch guards differ in geometry from standard hollow metal door latch guards.

Frequently Asked Questions: Latch Guards

Does a latch guard work on a door with an Adams Rite deadlatch?

Yes. Adams Rite-specific latch guards are available for MS1890 Series hardware on aluminum storefront doors. Don-Jo makes storefront-specific versions sized for aluminum stile dimensions. A standard hollow metal door latch guard won't fit an aluminum storefront door stile -- the geometry is different. Confirm door material and stile width before ordering.

Do latch guards work with UL-listed fire door assemblies?

Most commercial latch guards are designed for installation on non-fire-rated doors. For fire-rated door assemblies, any hardware addition must be covered by the door assembly's fire label or installed under a formal field modification authorization from the rating laboratory. Call 877-471-4870 for guidance on fire-rated door latch protection options that maintain fire assembly compliance.

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