Title: If You Had To Rig Up Your Own Home Security On A Tight Budget, What Would You Do?
Yep, anchors and screws are my go-to as well. I tried those “damage-free” strips once for a smoke detector in the hallway—woke up to a crash at 2am and nearly had a heart attack. Never again. For anything that needs to actually stay put (especially security cameras or sensors), I’d rather deal with patching a couple holes later than risk the thing falling off when I’m not home.
That said, I do get the hesitation about putting holes everywhere, especially in fresh drywall. But honestly, a little spackle and some patience goes a long way. I’ve found that if you feather out the patch and use one of those cheap texture spray cans, it’s almost invisible unless you’re really scrutinizing it. Worst case, just hang a picture over it.
If you’re on a tight budget, I’d say invest in a decent drill and some basic hardware before splurging on fancy mounting kits or adhesives. It’s way less stressful in the long run.
I’m right there with you on anchors and screws—nothing beats mechanical fasteners for peace of mind. I’ve had similar luck (or lack thereof) with adhesive strips, especially in humid climates. They just don’t hold up over time, and it’s always the middle of the night when they fail.
One thing I’d add: if you’re worried about patching a bunch of holes, consider using the existing trim or even window frames for mounting lightweight sensors. Sometimes you can tuck a sensor behind a curtain rod or use the corner where two walls meet—less visible damage and usually sturdier than drywall alone.
If you’re trying to keep things green and cost-effective, repurposing leftover wood scraps or even old hardware from previous projects can be a solid move. I’ve used bits of reclaimed wood as mounting blocks—saves on waste and gives you something sturdier to screw into. Just takes a little creativity and patience, but it’s worth it in the long run.
