French Doors - hold ajar

[jicms]

Hi. I'm looking for a simple device that would hold my uPVC french door ajar just a few inches for fresh air but not allowing my cats to get through.

I really want to avoid more holes in the doors as I've already got hooks to hold them fully open. I've been searching online and my head's in a spin.

I think it needs to be internal as the drop from the bottom of the door to the step is about 15 cm and it would be awkward to secure externally.

Any suggestions, I'm thinking of something along the lines of reusable cable ties to wrap around the handles but can't find anything long enough. It must be quick to take on and off. Preferably white and not too obtrusive.

 

[Notch7]

Maybe repurpose a wire coat hanger

 

[denso13]

Too big? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/French-D...-Door-Holder-Restraint-Easy-fit-/324217214624

 

[JohnD]

Cabin hook.
https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/search?query=cabin hook

On my previous house they were on the outside, so galvanised and painted. Current place, inside, so laquered brass.

The longer they are, the better mechanical direction of force you can get, I think.

A clever trick I heard is that if the door has a self-closer, you can mount the hook upside down, and to close the door quickly, you just give it a push as you run through, and the hook will fall out of the eye and the door will shut.

 

[jicms]

Maybe repurpose a wire coat hanger

Could do in desperation but looks rather ugly.

Too big? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/French-D...-Door-Holder-Restraint-Easy-fit-/324217214624

Yes what a shame, it is too wide but otherwise looks perfect! Opening gap needs to be about 5 cm or a 20 cm length of some kind of material to wrap between handles.

 

[JohnD]

or, do you think Trickle Vents would help?

 

[jicms]

or, do you think Trickle Vents would help?

Oh no we have tiny fan lights but they're impractical as I have to get a stool to reach them so would prefer the door to open slightly.

 

[jicms]

Cabin hook.
https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/search?query=cabin hook

On my previous house they were on the outside, so galvanised and painted. Current place, inside, so laquered brass.

The longer they are, the better mechanical direction of force you can get, I think.

A clever trick I heard is that if the door has a self-closer, you can mount the hook upside down, and to close the door quickly, you just give it a push as you run through, and the hook will fall out of the eye and the door will shut.

We already have these on the outside to hold the doors fully open if needed but don't want any more holes on the inside.

 

[JohnD]

can you show us a pic of the fanlight and its catch?

On wooden windows, a fanlight catch has a ring to operate, and you use a pole with a hook on the end (I also use one on my loft hatch)

 

[jicms]

It's a standard uPVC window with push button lock and quite stiff. I definitely prefer the door to stay ajar.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Any suggestions, I'm thinking of something along the lines of reusable cable ties to wrap around the handles but can't find anything long enough. It must be quick to take on and off. Preferably white and not too obtrusive.

Cushion placed in the gap you want between doors and an appropriate length of hooked bungy cord, attached to itself around the door handles.

 

[jicms]

Cushion placed in the gap you want between doors and an appropriate length of hooked bungy cord, attached to itself around the door handles.

Yes I think this will work. Cushion needed to avoid wind slamming the door shut. I'll have to find thick bungee cord that doesn't stretch too easily!

 

[Tigercubrider]

Some double sided Velcro or a loop of cord . A short length of (white) polythene pipe, this acts as the width restrictor.
Loop one end of the Velcro around the handle, then around the inner. Maybe figure a method of holding part of the Velcro (a slot?) so it stays together.

Or using the cord, two loops of cord, joined in the middle by a strong elastic band/ rubber. Pull to fit

You could replace the spacer with a squidgy ball

 

[JP_]

short bungee cord attached to each handle, with something shoved in the opening? Then if you want to let the cat out, you can just push it a bit?

 

[chris1982]

Child cupboard / drawer lock perhaps?