Anti-Pry Strip: Purpose, Price and Installation in Paris

The anti-pry strip is one of the most effective and least-known door reinforcements among the general public. Yet it plays a crucial role in a door’s resistance to prying attacks — the most widespread break-in technique in France. Here is everything you need to know before considering installation in Paris.

What is an anti-pry strip?

The anti-pry strip — also called an anti-crowbar guard or simply a lateral door reinforcement — is a metal profile (usually steel) fixed to the edge of the door, on the lock side and/or the hinge side.

Its role is to fill the gap between the door edge and the frame, thereby removing the leverage point needed to insert a forcing tool (crowbar, pry bar, jemmy). No gap, no leverage. No leverage, and forcing by the so-called “amplified shoulder charge” technique becomes much harder.

Why it matters in Paris

The majority of burglaries in France — and in Paris in particular — do not involve sophisticated cylinder forcing. Burglars most often use:

1. Prying: inserting a tool between the door and frame to pop the bolt
2. Kicking: forcing the door by brute strength, targeting the lock area
3. Cylinder attack: pulling out or drilling the cylinder

The anti-pry strip directly counters the first and second techniques. It is particularly relevant for doors whose frame leaves a visible gap, which is common in older Paris buildings.

The different types of anti-pry strip

Simple strip (lock side only)

The basic version, fixed to the leaf edge of the door on the lock side. It protects the most vulnerable area — where prying is most often attempted.

Perimeter strip (all around the door)

It covers the entire door perimeter: lock side, hinge side, top and bottom. Protection is maximal, particularly recommended for ground floors or highly exposed doors.

Strip with hinge protection

Some models also include reinforcement at the hinges, which can be another entry point for forcing techniques if the hinges are accessible from outside.

Anti-pry strip and A2P certification

The anti-pry strip itself is not A2P certified (which concerns cylinders and locks). However, it contributes to the overall resistance of the door and is often recommended by security experts to complement an A2P cylinder.

As part of a door armouring project, the anti-pry strip is generally included in the package. It can also be installed independently on an existing door in good condition. See our page on door armouring to understand the complete protection solutions available.

How does the installation work?

Installing an anti-pry strip requires professional tools and a good knowledge of door mechanics. In practice:

1. Diagnosis: our technician assesses the state of your door, the existing gap between the door and frame, and the hinge setup.
2. Choosing the model: based on your door (wood, metal, PVC) and exposure level.
3. Fitting: securing the profile with high-resistance screws in the door edge. The operation usually takes between 1 and 2 hours.
4. Checking: verifying the door works correctly, checking alignment and the absence of residual play.

Installation price in Paris

At 247 Serrurerie, the installation price for an anti-pry strip starts from €360 incl. VAT, parts and labour included. This rate can vary depending on:

• ✓The strip length needed (standard door vs. custom door)
• ✓The model chosen (simple or perimeter)
• ✓The condition of the door and frame (preparatory work may be needed if the frame is degraded)

A free on-site quote is always provided before any work begins.

Anti-pry strip: in which context should you install one?

The anti-pry strip is particularly recommended in the following situations:

• ✓An old door with a visible gap between the door edge and the frame
• ✓A ground floor or flat opening onto a poorly monitored interior courtyard
• ✓After a burglary or attempt: forcing often leaves marks on the frame that signal your door has already been targeted
• ✓Combined with a cylinder replacement for overall protection
• ✓A home in the Paris suburbs with less monitored access than in a building with a caretaker

Combining protections for a truly secure door

The anti-pry strip is effective, but a door’s security relies on all its components. For optimal protection, we recommend combining:

1. A high-security A2P cylinder (from €220 incl. VAT)
2. An anti-pry strip (from €360 incl. VAT)
3. Possibly a door armouring for the most exposed cases (quote on request)

These three elements form a coherent barrier against the main break-in techniques, without needing to change the whole door.

Coverage across Paris and Île-de-France

247 Serrurerie installs anti-pry strips across Paris and all of Île-de-France. Our RNCP-certified technicians come with the right equipment and provide a detailed invoice for your insurance.

Request a free quote for your anti-pry strip or see our catalogue of securing services.