You can mount a security camera without screws using alternative methods. A few of these include adhesives, no-drill mounts, and tripods.
However, they aren’t as reliable or vandal-proof as screws and wall plugs. Therefore, this process requires understanding the device and positioning the camera much more strategically
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 must screw onto either side of the wall. However, you can find drill-free corner mounts for lightweight cameras. When picking these, avoid mounts with screw holes or use adhesive instead of drilling them in.
4. Top Rail Door Mounts
Door mounts are equally effective options. These hang over the top rail of your door and connect to the outdoor side via a thin plate of metal. They are surprisingly sturdy and can only be removed from the indoors.
5. Side Panel Door Mount
Alternatively, you can use a simple angle clip and glue it in between the door frame and the door’s side panel. You can then glue the security camera mount to the angle clip.
6. Railing Mounts
You can find specific railing mounts or even set up a door mount on a rail if necessary.
7. Double-sided Tape
High-strength double-sided tape can be a simple adhesion solution. However, clean your installation surface thoroughly before applying the tape for best results. Also, your camera should be light enough to support this and include a (mostly) flat surface.
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
You can set up shelves that can stick onto a wall. These shelves use 3M adhesive, which is strong enough to hold standalone Wi-Fi cameras.
10. Magnetic Mounts
These are perfect for metal surfaces. The camera sticks to the surface using a strong built-in magnet. It makes the mounting process easy and DIY-friendly.
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: These cameras won’t have hardware fasteners. Therefore they can be much easier to tamper with. If possible, try elevating your cameras 7 feet off the ground. Also, try mounting them where they are out of reach but can still record the areas of interest.
- 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: Note down the camera’s weight. Then, compare it with the strength of the adhesive or mount you use. Heavy cameras might not hold well, so plan ahead and set up extra precautions.
- Create a Safety Net: The camera can fall down when testing the strength of drill-free mounts. Therefore, be careful during testing. You can also set up a contraption to cushion the camera if it falls down. This can include a basket with a pillow or an actual safety net.
Also, do you prefer to hide your security cameras instead? Check out this article on how to hide security cameras outside.
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.
Security is paramount, but that doesn’t mean you should always poke holes in your walls and siding.