Front door security - cheap way to make it almost impossible to kick in

[KrisZ]

Hi, I was looking at reinforcing my house entry doors and came across this video I thought home owners should find interesting. A friend at work was a victim of this style of house entry.
Not the best of quality, but informative. I was looking at reinforcing plates that can run around $100 and this video shows that just by using 3 inch screws will accomplish the same task. Make sure you pre-drill the holes first.



I removed my old screws and sure enough they were all short and only went into the door frame, not the structural 2X4s. I replaced them all with 3 inch screws.

 

[Chris142]

I did simmiliar to my garage door. Unfortunately all someone has to do is pull off the siding which just takes a good tug. Been working on that all winter.

 

[gathermewool]

I didn't pre-drill the holes on our second basement door and it was a royal pain to get the head all the way seated and not interfere with shutting the door...lesson learned.

Also, thanks for the reminder. I have one more door that still needs 3" screws installed.

 

[Cujet]

In Florida we now require that doors open outward for windstorm protection. That helps immensely, as they can't be as easily kicked in. Add in some hurricane glass and it's tough to simply break in.

 

[supton]

Around here there is no need to kick in a door. You just turn the knob.

Good info though. The one door I put in I used some 3" screws. But being a full length glass door I bet it could be easily compromised all the same.

 

[Wolf359]

Maybe picking the lock with a bump key will be quieter and cause less damage.

 

[Revving2Redline]

I use the braces/wedge on the doors along with a storm door. Two Dobermans help too. If that fails its on to the 454 Casull revolver lol.

 

[doitmyself]

I suppose the longer screws will deter the lazy, unmotivated, or casual burglar. The kits will suppress them a bit more: https://www.asafehome.net/PAGES/Safe-Homes-International-StrikeMaster-II-Pro.html

But really, isn't it just easier to knock out a glass pane on the back of the house or take a cordless sawzall and just zip through the wall?

 

[Silk]

After the siide door to my shop was kicked in many years ago I had the latch area braced with steel plate. I asked about doing the hinges too, and they said it's better not to...if they are coming in, they are coming in and more damage will happen. Easier to take the insurance hit. I don't live in a country where I fear for my life, so not something I'd do for my home.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Good tip. Thanks.

 

[maxdustington]

That was impressive! I had no idea you could improve it that much with just screws. I like how the last door had the hinges torn out. Even a metal door has small fasteners with short threads on the hinges. You really need a solid core wood door so you can just pump construction screws into everything!
Originally Posted by doitmyself
I suppose the longer screws will deter the lazy, unmotivated, or casual burglar. The kits will suppress them a bit more: https://www.asafehome.net/PAGES/Safe-Homes-International-StrikeMaster-II-Pro.html

But really, isn't it just easier to knock out a glass pane on the back of the house or take a cordless sawzall and just zip through the wall?
That's a little too unsightly for my liking but if you had a rental property in a bad area that would be a great upgrade, even to just save the wear and tear on the door frame. I always thought about adding something like a 1/4" steel plate behind the trim to really tie the deadbolt into the door frame.

 

[methusaleh]

Where are the hinges on entry doors that open outward? I'm thinking they must be concealed or not have exposed pins.

 

[Wolf359]

Originally Posted by maxdustington
That was impressive! I had no idea you could improve it that much with just screws. I like how the last door had the hinges torn out. Even a metal door has small fasteners with short threads on the hinges. You really need a solid core wood door so you can just pump construction screws into everything!
Originally Posted by doitmyself
I suppose the longer screws will deter the lazy, unmotivated, or casual burglar. The kits will suppress them a bit more: https://www.asafehome.net/PAGES/Safe-Homes-International-StrikeMaster-II-Pro.html

But really, isn't it just easier to knock out a glass pane on the back of the house or take a cordless sawzall and just zip through the wall?
That's a little too unsightly for my liking but if you had a rental property in a bad area that would be a great upgrade, even to just save the wear and tear on the door frame. I always thought about adding something like a 1/4" steel plate behind the trim to really tie the deadbolt into the door frame.




If you want unsightly you can always just put in some brackets to hold a 2x4 bar.

https://www.amazon.com/Open-Bar-Security-Bracket-Brackets/dp/B06XWV8DLZ/ref=asc_df_B06XWV8DLZ

And if you make it too hard to kick in, how are tenants going to get in when they lose the key?

 

[Boomer]

I prefer 3" shotgun rounds with OO shot.

 

[Dinoburner]

The only purpose of locks is to keep the insurance company happy. Desperate druggies have no problem popping a window open and the courts have a revolving door policy most of the time.

 

[SeaJay]

Google "police lock". Ain't no knocking the door in, short of a small tank with one of those installed.

 

[TurboLuver]

Originally Posted by Wolf359
Maybe picking the lock with a bump key will be quieter and cause less damage.


Agreed, most homes have the typical "big box store" lock set.

 

[PimTac]

It depends on how far you want to go. A steel door with steel casing and long screws would be ideal. In the future you could add additional framing around the door for even more strength.

A sturdy storm security door on the outside adds another layer.

Thieves will always take the easy way though. Windows are obviously a easy way for them to bypass the heavy doors.

 

[SirTanon]

Even better, put one of these on the front...

... way more than 12 kicks required, I'm sure.

 

[pkunk]

Originally Posted by methusaleh
Where are the hinges on entry doors that open outward? I'm thinking they must be concealed or not have exposed pins.

Special Locking pins hinges. They have a set screw on the inside of the barrel that can only be accessed when the door is open. Google Prehung steel door/frame commercial security door