Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Bolo Stick door barricade device.
How does the Bolo Stick work?
The Bolo Stick uses a simple pin-in-socket design. A floor plate is installed at the base of your door, and when you need to secure the door, you simply insert the Bolo Stick pin into the floor plate. It's one step — round hole, round peg. No training, no fine motor skills, no complexity.
How much force can the Bolo Stick withstand?
The Bolo Stick has been independently tested to withstand over 4,200 pounds of force — that's more than 2 tons. It's built from solid 1045 cold-rolled steel with no mechanical parts that can fail.
Does the Bolo Stick work on my door?
Yes. The Bolo Stick works on both inward and outward swinging doors. It's the only door barricade device on the market with universal door compatibility. It works on virtually any standard commercial or residential door.
Is the Bolo Stick fire code compliant?
In most jurisdictions, yes. The commercial version includes first responder master key access, letting fire departments and law enforcement deactivate the device from outside the door — which supports NFPA Life Safety Code requirements. Fire and building codes vary by state, so always confirm with your local building, fire, and law enforcement officials before installation.
Is the Bolo Stick ADA compliant?
The Bolo Stick operates with no tight grasping, pinching, or wrist twisting — a one-step, round-peg-in-round-hole motion anyone can use under stress. Because it mounts low on the door rather than at the 34–48-inch height ADA specifies for operable door hardware, we do not market it as ADA-compliant. Confirm accessibility requirements with your local officials.
How long does installation take?
Installation takes approximately 5 minutes with basic tools — a drill and screwdriver. No contractors, no special equipment, no permanent door modifications. Each unit comes with a step-by-step installation guide.
How much does the Bolo Stick cost?
The Bolo Stick is $69 per unit for both commercial and residential models. The Home Door Barricade Package (2 residential barricades + 1 patio door stopper) is $149. We also offer bulk pricing for schools, districts, churches, and businesses.
Do you offer bulk or district pricing?
Yes. We offer competitive pricing for bulk orders. Contact us for a custom quote for your school district, church organization, or business. We work with districts of all sizes and can accommodate orders of any volume.
Where is the Bolo Stick manufactured?
The Bolo Stick is proudly manufactured in the United States using American-made 1045 cold-rolled steel. It was designed by William J. Barna, a 33-year law enforcement veteran from Ohio.
Does the Bolo Stick work on sliding doors?
Yes. The Bolo Stick Patio Door Safety Stopper is specifically designed for sliding glass patio doors. It replaces that ugly stick in your door track with a clean, discreet steel security solution that installs in 5 minutes.
Do I need any training to use the Bolo Stick?
No training is required. The Bolo Stick uses a simple round-peg-in-round-hole design. If you can insert a key into a lock, you can deploy the Bolo Stick. This is critical in an emergency when fine motor skills are compromised by stress.
What maintenance does the Bolo Stick require?
None. The Bolo Stick has no moving parts, no electronics, no batteries, and no mechanical components that can wear out. Once installed, it requires zero maintenance.
Can first responders get past the Bolo Stick?
Yes. The commercial model includes a master key access system that allows authorized fire departments and law enforcement to deactivate the Bolo Stick from outside the door. This supports fire-code compliance in most jurisdictions.
Where is the Bolo Stick used?
The Bolo Stick is deployed across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain, and Australia. It's trusted by schools, churches, businesses, government buildings, and homeowners. We are endorsed by NASRO and the Tennessee Sheriffs' Association.
How do I order for my school or organization?
You can order directly from our products page or contact us for a custom quote. For school districts, we work with purchasing departments and can provide W-9s, quotes, and invoicing as needed.
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