There are so many names for door finger guards that it can be confusing. Customers often call us asking what to call our product.
Here are a few examples:
- Finger guard
- Finger shield
- Pinch guard
- Door protector
- Door shields
- Pinch protector for doors
What are these and why do I need Fingersafe?
Since Fingersafe created this industry back in 1995 so many names for door hinge guards have been used that it can almost be confusing! That is usually the first question I hear, what do you call these things? Generally speaking you have two sides to a door, and an injury can happen on either side. The hinged end (where the hinge hardware is installed on the opposite side of the door handle) is what we protect. This side of the door is where door related finger amputations can occur most often. You can have crushed fingers on the handle side, but pediatric hand surgeons are rarely required as opposed to the injuries that happen on the hinged end of the door.
What is a Push Side Finger Guard?
Walk up to a door. If you grab the door handle and push the door to exit, that is the open hinged end of the door and will require a “Push Side Finger Guard” what we call a MK1-A Accordian Finger Guard. This area is also called the “Inner Finger Guard” or “Interior Finger Guard”. The accordions will literally push the childs finger out of the open hinge area as the door closes.
What is a Pull Side Finger Guard?
If you grab the door handle and pull the door towards you, that is what we call the “pull side” of the door. These can also be called Exterior Finger Guards or Pull Side Finger Guards or Outers. Fingersafe outside pinch guards are called MK1-B Finger Guards, they are rounded and cover the hinge pin barrels near the door frame. A child can not access the space in between the hinges when the pull side door guard is installed. If a continuous hinge is installed, a MK1-B exterior finger guard is not needed.
There is no difference in function between a finger guard, door shield, or a pinch protecter, they all provide the same basic concept: to prevent a child from putting their fingers or hands into the hinged area of the door when it is open. Fingersafe provides the undisputed advantage in aesthetics. A door shield sticks out like a sore thumb, it looks like a plastic block or square that stands out even when the door is closed. Fingersafe MK-1A Accordians fold flat against the door frame, so you will not even notice they are installed when the door is shut. You may not even realize that Fingersafe finger guards are installed in some of our most popular fast food bathroom doors!
Whatever you want to call them: pinch guards, door guards, hinge guards, finger guards, make sure they are protecting your children from a dangerous door injury.
