In the UK, research shows 73 % of intruders gain entry through the door, serving as a stark reminder that the part of the home meant to protect us is often the most at risk.

As standards such as PAS 24 and TS003 evolve to address new techniques used in forced entry, manufacturers are being forced to reconsider the principles and performance thresholds of modern door security.

Long overlooked when it comes to home security, the door chain plays a more critical role than it’ s often given credit for. As standards evolve and customer expectations rise, even the smallest components can be reengineered to deliver greater strength, safety, and style.

The standards driving change

PAS 24 ensures that doorsets can withstand commonly used forced entry methods. Its most recent updates introduced methods

of testing products against increasingly sophisticated break-in techniques. This has made testing tougher and more representative of modern threats.

TS003 focuses on door chains and limiters. It requires products to pass two key tests: an“ abuse mode,” where the chain must withstand a repeated force 200 times under a 100N load, and an“ attack mode,” which subjects a product to heavy impacts using a 30kg sandbag to simulate a determined intruder.

Passing these tests demonstrates that a chain can handle both everyday wear and tear and more aggressive attempts at forced entry. They’ re an essential measure of whether security products can truly keep us safe.

Customer needs, designing for real life

Standards matter, but customer insights drive real innovation. Traditional door chains often rattle, look bulky, and can be difficult

to install— frustrations that undermine the user experience. The fact is, people want security hardware that works seamlessly in their daily lives, without compromising on safety or aesthetics. True innovation is not just passing tests but solving the everyday problems that customers face.

Engineering innovation in practice

UAP’ s bullet door chain is one example of driving progress in door security hardware. It was designed to surpass the highest standards of modern security.

The bullet door chain is slimmer and smaller than traditional models with fewer links, yet it is stronger overall. Its compact design reflects changes in modern housing, where added thermal plaster boards and insulation, introduced to meet Approved Document L enegery-efficiency standards, have reduced the space available around the door frames. The smaller footprint ensures

the chain fits these tighter spaces without compromising performance.

Its receiver plate is thicker and slightly larger, with a smaller gap for added strength, while an extra piece of metal on the wall plate makes it harder to pull away under force. Combined with thicker chain links, this ensures greater durability without unnecessary bulk.

The chain’ s bullet-shaped end distributes force evenly across the bracket, eliminating the weak points associated with ringshaped designs. This smart engineering allows the chain to withstand everyday use and sudden high-impact stress, reflected in its performance which meets the TS003 attack and abuse tests.

Smaller details improve user experience. A magnetic park system also keeps the chain neatly in place when not in use, preventing any rattling. A pre-attached wall plate speeds up installation for tradespeople,

while a range of finishes, from chrome and stainless to brass, antique, and black, ensures the chain blends into modern interiors as a design feature, not an afterthought.

Lessons for the industry

The evolution of the door chain highlights a wider truth: even the simplest security features play a critical role. Security standards provide an important baseline, but customers increasingly want more.

True leadership in this space is not about reacting once regulations change. Leaders must anticipate needs, challenge assumptions, and set higher expectations for every component. By looking ahead, manufacturers can ensure that homes are compliant as well as being safer and more resilient against growing threats.

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