How To Reinforce Door Locks To Avoid Break-Ins

Evaluate Your Door Locks

It is basic for those who are learning how to reinforce door locks. You must upgrade the deadbolt and lockset plates of your exterior doors if you haven’t done it before. You can secure your exterior doors in just three ways.

The first thing you should do is to replace the old deadbolt with a quality Grade1 deadbolt. After that, you will replace the deadbolt door strike plate with a four-screw strike box and faceplate, attached with 3-inches wood screws that can reach the wall frame. Lastly, you will replace the lip door strike plate and its wimpy ¾ inch screws with 3-inches wood screws.

Check All Your Exterior Doors

It is essential to know that any of your exterior doors that only have a lock in the doorknob is not secure in learning how to reinforce door locks. One way to secure your house will start with a solid door and a Grade 1 and 2 deadbolt with a solid 1-inch long-throw bolt. It is better if you choose a sturdy screwdriver or a small pry bar that can quickly bow the door jamb to release the latch.

You must check all your existing deadbolts. One of the first things you should do is to make sure that the screws are tight. Then, open the door and extend the throw bolt. When it extends less than 1inch or if it becomes wobbly, then a new deadbolt will be more secure.

After that, you must check both strike plates and the door jamb. You have to remove the screws from the deadbolt and lockset strike plates on the door frame. Replace the screws if they are not 3 inches long, and you should also upgrade both plates. These long screws will reinforce the door jamb that is a vulnerable spot.

Replace the Deadbolt

First, you should unscrew and remove the old deadbolt. You should measure the hole size and backset distance before you should buy a new deadbolt. Next, clamp the ¼ inch of plywood over the hole location. Please make a new, larger hole centered over the existing hole, then bore it with a hole saw. Lastly, screw in the new deadbolt, carve out extra wood if needed, and insert and screw in the new cylinder.

Replace the Lockset Door Strike Plate

You should remove the lockset’s lip strike plate and the ¾ inch screws. Pre-drill and attach the new plate screws that are angled in slightly to catch the stud. You have to install a new strike plate in place of the old lip door strike plate. Attach it with the 3-inches screws, and make sure the screw heads seat flush with the face of the strike plate.

Do not forget to angle the screws back slightly to make sure you catch the framing. You may have a chisel slightly larger mortise and pre-drill to drive the screws.

Replace the Deadbolt Strike Plate

You will replace the deadbolt by marking the center of the existing deadbolt hole. After that, you may now remove the old strike plate. Then, make sure you align a new strike faceplate on the jamb.

Pre-drill the screw holes and attach them. You score around the inner and the outer edges using a utility knife. You have to remove the faceplate. Make two holes that span the strike box dimensions.

Next, you have to chisel out the strike box and strike plate areas so the strike plate will fit flush with the door ramp surface. Then drill the pilot holes for all four wood screws. You have to install the top and bottom screws. Lastly, drive the finale two screws so it will flush inside the box.