How to fit MK1A Fingersafe guards on your doors

22 Jan How to fit MK1A Fingersafe guards on your doors

As our flagship product, Fingersafe MK1A is a bestseller within our range. Suitable for use on the push side of a standard door, the MK1A accordion design (complete with secure fixing strip) is unique, inconspicuous and so easy to install, giving you an effective door safety device in no time at all.

If you have identified that the MK1A product is the right finger door guard for you, and ordered these safety devices as supply only, you’ll want to pay close attention to the following fitting guide. Please note, failure to follow these instructions precisely could invalidate your guarantee.

Step 1 – Complete those pre-installation checks

Preparing your door for Fingersafe guard installation is one step that shouldn’t be skipped. The door and frame you intend to fit your MK1A product to should be stable and free from damage. It should also close easily. If any door maintenance needs to be carried out, now’s the time to do it.

Step 2 – Gather your tools and prepare the strip

To fit a MK1A guard, you’ll need to have the following tools to hand – a cordless drill or screwdriver, Stanley knife, good quality scissors, pencil, and the self-drilling/TEK screws provided. You will also need a Pozidriv bit. Here Albany County Fasteners describes what defines a Pozidriv bit:

“Pozidriv, commonly spelled incorrectly as ‘Pozidrive’, is an improved variation on the Phillips drive design. After the patent for the Phillips head expired, the company GKN Screws and Fasteners created the Pozidriv design. The Pozidriv drive style was originally formed to address the largest issue Phillips heads are prone to: cam-out. Cam-out is defined as the slipping out of a drive recess that occurs when torque exceeds a certain limit.”

All these tools should be gathered on the side that the door swings away from you. Next, measure the door from top to bottom while closed, allowing some clearance at either end. The fixing strip and module should then be cut to this measurement.

Step 3 – Put the fixing strip in place

While the door is still closed, bend the fixing strip into an ‘L’ shape. You’ll notice that you have two sections, one of which will be longer than the other. Hold the strip in the corner of the frame and door, keeping the wide section on the door side.

Insert the TEK screws provided, working your way from the centre of the strip on alternate sides until you reach the bottom of the door. Repeat this process from middle to top.

Step 4 – Align with the frame side

Remove the spacer from the door using the Stanley knife to separate the strips at the corner. Open the door at a 90-degree angle, aligning the 1-inch side of the pleated panel with the frame side of the fixing strip. Snap the strip in position into the frame side first from top to bottom.

Insert the larger, 3-inch panel of the MK1A product into the door fixing strip to achieve the signature accordion design. You’ll hear three distinct clicks per side at this stage.

Step 5 – Add the retaining screws

Secure both the fixing strip and Fingersafe with the retaining TEK screws. The three screws at the top, centre and bottom should be inserted into the clip and module on the door side, and through the module only on the frame side. This will ensure that the strip lies completely flat and the door closes fully.

So, you’ve fitted your MK1A protectors, what next? Here’s how to maintain your new finger guards to perfection.

Purchased another Fingersafe product?

We have fitting instructions for all finger door guards for our supply only customers. You can find full installation guides for our entire product range here.