
DIY Security Systems
Is your door strong enough to prevent burglars from breaking into your home? The best place to start securing your place is by focusing on your first line of defense, which is your exterior doors. You can prevent break-ins if you reinforce your front door locks. Learn how to reinforce door locks, install a four-screw and deadbolt, and beef up the lock to protect your home. You can add in a monitored home security alarm system as well.
The Tools that Are Required to Reinforce Door Locks
To execute your reinforcement project, you will need the tools for this DIY project lined up before you start.
- Cordless drill
- Wood chisel
- Utility knife
It would be best if you had the following specific bits for your drill:
- 1-inch spade bit
- 2 2/8 inches hole saw
Prepare the following materials ahead of time. The following are the list of materials needed.
- 3-in. screws
- Grade 1 or 2 deadbolt lock (1 in. long throw bolt)
- Lockset strike plate
- Reinforced deadbolt strike plate
The Five Simple and Effective Steps on How to Reinforce Door Locks
This is perfect for those who are not knowledgeable about how to reinforce door locks. These steps are simple and effective. It can help you protect some of the essential things in your life, such as your family and possessions.
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.
Conclusion
It is essential to reinforce your door locks. Upgrade the locks of your front door. It is better to be prepared because you can never tell when the burglars will break into your home. If you cannot hire a professional who can do it for you, why not try doing it on your own. I hope you have learned a lot on this guide on how to reinforce door locks. Know more about Door Locks.