You can mount a compatible security camera without drilling by using a purpose-made clamp, siding or door mount, an approved adhesive mount, or a stable freestanding base. Match the mount to the camera, surface, load and indoor or outdoor conditions before installing it.
A drill-free mount still needs a secure fixing. Adhesive, a door clamp and a gutter bracket have different limits; use the exact accessory instructions rather than assuming any strong tape or clip will hold.
Things to Know
- Alternate methods for mounting security cameras include strong adhesive tapes, no-drill mounts, and freestanding devices such as tripods.
- With these methods, you can mount cameras on doors, siding, gutters, and even corners without drilling.
- However, you need to account for the durability of the mount and the camera weight.
- These methods are not as secure as screws. Therefore, you must carry out periodic maintenance.
- When testing these mounts, make sure to keep a safety net below. This will protect your cameras in case the mounting option is not strong enough.
- Always elevate these cameras off the ground or set them up in hard-to-reach places. Without screws, they are easy for intruders to take down.
12 Alternative Methods to Mount Security Cameras without Drilling
If you don’t want to damage your walls or ceilings, there are other methods to mount your security cameras.
1. Siding Hook Mounts
These mounts slip into the space between sidings in your walls. They provide a surprisingly firm hold with no drilling required. They’re most effective on vinyl siding.
2. Gutter Mounts
These are specialized brackets that attach to your gutter. You can easily screw these onto the lip or external side wall of the gutter.
Also, certain brands will provide compatible gutter mounts for their security cameras. These make installation much easier and will also provide a mount for solar panels.
3. Corner Mounts
Most corner mounts need screws into the building. Only use one without drilling when it is designed and rated for that fixing method; do not replace required screws with glue on an ordinary bracket.
4. Top Rail Door Mounts
A compatible over-door mount can avoid holes in the wall or frame. Check the door thickness, clearance, opening direction and locking arrangement. Confirm that it closes and latches without pinching the camera cable or damaging a seal.
5. Side Panel Door Mount
Use a purpose-made side-of-door mount that fits the door and camera. Gluing an improvised angle clip into the frame is not equivalent to a rated mount and can interfere with the latch or weather seal.
6. Railing Mounts
Use a clamp or strap mount made for the railing’s profile and the camera’s weight. Check the grip and cable routing without obstructing the handrail or walkway; a door mount is not automatically suitable for a rail.
7. Double-sided Tape
Use adhesive only where the mount maker permits it, on a compatible clean, dry surface. Check the complete camera and bracket weight, required contact area, application temperature and bonding time. A generic tape load claim does not establish that your outdoor installation is suitable.
8. Zip Ties
Zip ties can help secure a security camera onto a pole, column, or similar structure. However, make sure to fasten them to a notch or screw so the camera won’t slide down the pole.
9. Adhesive Shelves/Wall Mounts
An adhesive shelf must be rated for the complete load, surface and environment. The presence of a 3M adhesive label alone does not prove it will hold a particular camera or survive outdoors. Keep the load within the shelf maker’s stated limits.
10. Magnetic Mounts
Use a magnetic mount approved for the camera and the supporting surface. Not every metal is magnetic, and paint thickness, surface shape and movement can affect grip. Follow any required tether or secondary-retention instructions.
11. Table Mounts or Free-Standing Enclosures
Some models can freely stand on a table. Others can also do the same with the help of an addon accessory. However, these options mostly cater to indoor security.
12. Tripods
Some models will also support the threaded mount of a photography camera tripod. If so, you can install the cameras on a tripod and place them wherever you need.
Extra Precautions When Mounting Security Cameras Without Screws
Mounting security cameras by drilling holes and mounting screws is the most recommended. This is because it’s very secure and difficult for vandals to dismantle the camera.
However, if you mount cameras drill-free, you must consider additional factors.
- Suitable Location: Find a position that provides broad visibility. However, ensure it’s also compatible with your chosen mounting method. Also, consider the accessibility to power and protection from the weather.
- Protection From the Weather: Avoid facing the cameras in direct sunlight. Also, don’t expose the mount or adhesive to rain or extreme temperatures.
- Keep Them Out of Reach: Follow the camera’s recommended mounting height and angle while considering tampering. A higher position can reduce face detail or change detection; do not apply one fixed height to every camera.
- Carry Out Regular Maintenance: Use strong adhesives to keep the camera in place. These may weaken over time or due to extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Therefore, make it a priority to perform regular checks and maintenance.
- Consider the Weight of the Camera: Include the mount, attached battery, solar panel and cable pull in the load. Check the mount’s rating and permitted orientation, not just the bare camera weight.
- Test Safely: Keep people and fragile objects clear below the installation. Support the camera while checking the fixing and follow the specified bonding time before loading an adhesive mount. A cushion underneath does not make an unsuitable mount safe.
Also, do you prefer to hide your security cameras instead? Check out this article on how to hide security cameras outside.
Choose by Surface Before Buying a Mount
For a smooth surface, start with an adhesive accessory explicitly approved for the camera and location. Rough, porous or flaking surfaces can be poor adhesive candidates. A compatible mechanical clamp may be a better option where there is a suitable door, rail or gutter.
For example, Ring’s battery-doorbell No-Drill Mount has an exact compatibility list and surface restrictions: its product instructions exclude glass and warn against rough brick, shingles and stucco. Those instructions apply to that accessory; they are not a universal rule for every tape or camera.
No-drill can still involve tightening screws on a clamp or attaching the camera to a mounting plate. Check that the accessory avoids drilling into the building, permits access for charging, and does not compromise a door or gutter. If no rated option fits the location, choose another position or arrange an approved permanent fixing.
Verdict
Installing security cameras without screws is entirely feasible. You can use siding hook mounts, gutter mounts, or even double-sided tape.
However, you need to choose a suitable location and keep cameras out of easy reach. Also, it’s important to perform regular checks to ensure the adhesives or mount is still strong.
After installation, check the fixing, saved camera view and cable strain. Recheck after strong wind or a temperature change, and remove the camera if the mount slips or the adhesive lifts.