Dørstang

Dørstang is a door bar or bolt used to secure a door by blocking its opening. The term refers to a rigid bar or rod that is attached to the door and/or the door frame and can be moved into a catch, bracket, or socket to prevent the door from being opened from the outside. In practice, a dørstang can function as a simple locking device or as a temporary way to hold a door closed or open as needed.

There are several common forms. A sliding bolt or crossbar runs horizontally or vertically and engages a keeper in the frame. Some variants use brackets on the door and a corresponding strike on the frame, while others may be floor-mounted bolts that drop into a socket in the threshold. In some contexts a dørstang is used as a door stop or wedge to keep a door propped open or closed, depending on the design.

Materials and installation vary. Dørstanger are typically made of metal such as steel or brass, or in rustic settings of wood. They are mounted with screws or pins to the door and frame, with alignment crucial for proper operation. Lengths and screw spacing are chosen to fit the door size and the frame’s construction.

Uses and limitations. A dørstang provides additional, low-tech security or convenience, especially in older or rural buildings, outbuildings, or where a full lock is impractical. It is generally not considered a high-security mechanism for external doors and may not be suitable for fire doors or modern building codes. Regular maintenance includes ensuring smooth operation, tightening fittings, and replacing corroded components.

See also: door bolt, sliding bolt, door stopper, latch.