How to Reinforce and Burglar Proof Your Entry Door
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- čas přidán 2. 08. 2024
- Reinforcing your entry door and making it burglar proof may not be sexy but keeping your stuff and your family safe is a noteworthy cause.
This is Jeff from Home Repair Tutor and today I'm going to take you through my step-by-step process on how to do use the EZ Armor Kit to reinforce an entry door. Unfortunately almost anyone could kick open your front door because it's most-likely secured with 1/2 or 3/4 inch steel screws. You can buy a kit from a home store like Lowe's that stop burglars in their tracks-literally. This kit is easy to install and needs only a drill along with a screw bit and 11/64 inch drill bit.
EZ Armor Reinforcer Combo Set: amzn.to/2pNTa7H
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0:00 How to Reinforce an Entry Door
0:36 EZ Armor Kit
1:36 Make sure that the hinge shield fits
2:11 Remove screws from the middle hinge and install the shield
4:54 Repeat the process with the bottom hinge
5:39 How to knock out the correct spots on the jam shield
6:17 How to drill holes in the jamb shield
7:07 How to install the jamb shield
8:20 See if there is enough space for the deadbolt and door lock shields
8:49 Change out screws on the deadbolt and door lock
#burglarproofhome #ezarmor #reinforceentrydoor
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Videos produced by Home Repair Tutor are provided for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Home Repair Tutor does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site. Viewers must be aware by doing DIY projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Home Repair Tutor cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. Home Repair Tutor cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. - Jak na to + styl
I just leave a picture of my pay stub outside, nobody ever tried to rob me...sometimes i even find money
😂
I once bought an old trailor from two guys off an ad, and it turned out they'd planned on scamming me. But by the end of it all they saw I was poor, and they ended up putting new tires on it, and they let me borrow their trailor license. A month after I used the trailor to move, one of the thieves even called me to tell me he'd started going to church.
😂
@z probably!
Lol
Speaking as a former Deputy, no door is burglar proof, best to refer to it as burglar resistant. This reinforcement kit looks like a good investment. Doors are likely the primary entry point, but don't forget that if the doors are too tough, they will probably move onto the windows. Note that anything that slows them down could prevent a burglary from happening.
Agreed. If I am home I just want some extra time to get the wife and kids up stairs and calling 911 while I prepare for the turd kicking in my door.
How about a steel door?
I'm pritty sure the door to Chyanne Mountain is burglar proof once sealed.
Anything that slows them down gives the homeowner time to react.
I feel like everyone starts with front door...but doesn't really pay attention to garage doors, sliding doors, or the use of sticks and plastic film on lower windows that slide.
The whole point to pre-drilling is so you don't split the wood. Doesn't matter if you have an impact driver or not - that doesn't change the physical characteristics of the wood the screw is going through. When you don't pre-drill you essentially "pre-split" the wood. That means your screws are not as strong as they could be. If you are spending $100 on a security device, why would you want to sabotage your efforts by NOT PRE-DRILLING? Seems counter intuitive to me. Never take shortcuts on anything that is safety or security related.
that's ture
Agreed, the lack of pre-drilling the holes for the screws is a devastating and a game changer for the entire concept. Simply by stating that this pre-drilling is not necessary indicates that the individual in the video has no experience in construction or installation of anything related to wood products. The product is likely reliable, although the video is horribly inaccurate.
I know this may sound stupid, but hey, us girls don't know a lot about this. When you say "pre-drill", does that mean to take the longer screw and put it in first before applying the plate again? I'm just going to be replacing the smaller screws with 3" screws (maynards didn't have 3.5 ones). Will they work OK and as I asked, do I need to drill them in place before putting them over the hinges and plate? Thank you for your response.
Pre drilling is when you drill a hole in the timber prior to putting a screw in. The hole is drilled using a drill bit that is not as thick as the screw you are going to put in. It should be drilled a little longer than the screw going in there.
daschundloverable you nailed it 👍
Does not matter what sort of drill you use, pre-drilling is done to stop the wood splitting.
:(
Thanks Cumbriahandyman
@assassinlexx I'll bet that went way over his head. he just wasted 60 bucks
@assassinlexx -- Could you provide a link to what you mean by "murphy bars". When I did a good search for them, I ended up with liquor bars / tables that fold up into a wall... I'm probably familiar with what you are talking about, but have never heard that terminology for them... Things are called by different names in the same country, much less if you are in a different country...
@assassinlexx -- OK, I think I know what you are talking about. Just never heard them called "Murphy bars". Most be some regional term for them. Where are you located?
@assassinlexx< great advice, where do you buy those "Murphy bar" setups ?
You forgot the part where you test it by trying to kick it in.
lol 😄
🤣🤣
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Lol
🤣
Being a landlord for 30yrs I have first hand experience with the processes and benefits of "fortifying" entry doors. In general I was with you until you removed the screws in the door hardware and simply replaced with longer ones (w/o predrilling I'll note too) which really does nothing. Everything you did to that point does help a lot. But you can accomplish the same thing much cheaper simply by going down to the hardware store. Also, it helps to replace the screws going thru the hinge into the door as that interface is a weak point. Installing a shield to the outside of the frame covering the area where the bolts interface the striker plates is another inexpensive fortification.
For the people who mentioned the window...I've been intalling lexan instead of glass on first floor windows.
But in the end the only way to defend againt a break-in is a dog, a gun, and training.
And be home
Wm H Lol got all of those items👌😂💃
I have a german shepherd, my friends dont even come visit me anymore lol .
The "next step" is to replace ALL of the screws with 2.5- 3" long screws, on both (left and right) sides... so the hardware is SECURED into the vertical studs. (this alone will make the door 3x harder (or more) to enter. Then even if you don't have this "kit," you just made it MUCH harder to force the door (front, back, side, etc.) in!
the jamb side will bust right out still easy peasy that's the place I've always seen it break irl
Hmm... I wonder if he should have pre-drilled? I think I’m gonna check the comments. I’m sure some helpful soul will address this...
LOL, Now that's funny!
Yeah but his driver makes it easier to split the wood. 😂
🤣
For everyone assuming that ez armor doesn't work, look for more videos and proof on here. It really stops kick ins rather perfectly. Of course there needs to be layers to one's home security such as doing the windows, lighting, a dog, camera, alarm, fencing, etc. This just shows how to install one of those things....
+mikecampanella1990 thank you for adding s great comment, couldn't have said it better 👍👍
My home is a house of God, anyone entering can expect to meet their maker.
Pre-drilling is not always only for ease of installation. It can also lessen the chance of splitting. Granted where the screws are being placed should not create a problem,but...
Pre drilling is never for ease of installation. It prevents damage always, from splitting the wood
Once again, pre-drilling seems a safe way to go! Thz Craig!
Thank you! Great video--this will be my weekend project.
Lol 😝 😆😂... I love the way he started this video with the kid kicking the door in. That was Outstanding! Great way to capture your audience. I’m sold already. 😎👍
Note: predrilling prevents boards from splitting and if the wood is old and hardened the longer screws might slow down or stop and an empact driver can easily break off the screw. I use one extensively and it happens often. You don't want soft wood to split and hard wood to shear off the screws.
Should probably drive some 3-4in screws into the door side of the hinge too. Not just the frame side. Also, if you were to recess your hinges it would allow you enough space to mount the door shield parts.
Absolutely I thinking the same thing.
great video! always have a good security door! those steel doors are excellent but you have to get the deadbolt made to fit
Man, you made this so easy. Will bookmark this. Thank you soooo much!
I'm amazed at the chintzy tiny screws that they put in strike plates and lock plates! I had the screws replaced at our home with the 3-1/2" ones you used here! Same with the hinges - replaced all the screws with serious, axe-kicking screws!
+Cheriette Jackson 👍
I did the same. No expensive kits needed here.
Do not use this video as a good practice guide. An impact driver is still, at best, going to weaken the wood, if you don't pre-drill first.
A steel frame reinforcer is a far better option than plate reinforcement.
Just bought one at Lowes and looks like it will fit . Nothing is fool proof but this is better than having no extra support . Thank you for your video .
Thank You. Did not know that the screws were so short. Thank you for showing this get idea.
Just wanted to thank everyone in the comments for the crash course on woodwork! This is why I always go straight to the comments on any video
Some screws don't need predrilling, I don't if he used those kinds in video with the kit, but on safe side pre-drill to prevent splitting
They supplied spaghetti screws.
Good thorough video! I prefer predrilling in order to prevent splitting the inner 2X4 framing behind the 3/4" door jam.
Great advice Peace Maker :D
I have did this a few times but I like to use self drilling deck screws for those that do not want to pre drill.
Many front doors are quite flimsy- you need a solid wood door in conjunction with the security kit shown. The door shown in this episode could still be kicked in because the locks are fastened to narrow vertical slats that are easily broken. The reinforcing shields for the locks, which were not used, add important stiffness to the edge of the door, so they should be used.
1)Replace all the hardware screws with ones that are 3" or longer.
2) Buy 2 door hinges with removable pins.
3)Remove hinge pins and sand/grind the shafts to where they slide in and out of the hinges freely.
4)Mount the hinges on the opposite side of the door from the upper and lower hinges.
5)When the door is closed,just insert the hinge pins.
This set-up is inexpensive,easy to make/install,and will make it to where the door/frame has to be destroyed to breach.
99% of the time when a door is breached,it's on the latch side.
(Note:You can also toss the hinge pins entirely,and use two Phillips screwdrivers instead.)
How the hell does this only have 9 likes… this is brilliant.
While I must concede that this is a sound method to secure a door from the inside, how exactly do you set the pins when you are of your home?
@@greenman7yyy Wouldn't work on the outside.
I guess you could set it up for a trailer hitch pin lock.
I personally wouldn't want something like that though.
Someone could lock you inside.
@@definitelynotaheretic.7295 how do you place pin leaving the house Einstein? Even for the inside it would be against fire code in most jurisdictions. If your kids need to leave house in case of fire they should be able to do it using regular door latch.
Thank You so much for a great video
I like it, that you have installed a storm door as well. It’s a wonderful deterrent to burglars casing a neighborhood. “ Excellent Job, BTW”!!!!
I think it helps, too, to have a security door that opens outward and is also kept locked. We had one with a cuff around the knob lock, but someone managed to open it anyway...so we got a double-barrel lock on the next security door. I think when I buy a house, I'll get a security door with a full metal screen on it that won't allow anyone to break or push open any glass/Plexiglas like this burglar managed to do. Still don't know how they got the knob lock open with that cuff around it, though. I suspect they used a child, sadly.
To keep from splitting the wood it is always a good idea to pre-drill when possible
I disagree about not using the door shields just because you can't close the door. It's an important part of the system. Go buy a wood chisel to make it fit. Most of the wood is already removed for the existing plate. You only have to shave off a little bit above and below it. You don't even have to be too precise because the shield will cover any mistakes.
the door looks to be layered steel, which will also require grinding to fit the lock gaurd.
yeah I've kicked in doors for a living I'm skinny and it takes 1 kick even with great state of the art locks, its all because the frame gives way, I would say all front door should have a metal frame, but they don't because metal can warp in heat like a fire and trap you inside. this product seems to address the problem while still being fire safe.
I just ordered 3 of these - really helpful video - posted it my FB page too.
Steven Cav thanks buddy. Hope the kits help you out. Let me know how it turns out :D
Thank you for sharing! Great Video
My Uncle Gus is old school....
"Well, I'm ready for them! I got 50,000 volts running through the bar's over my window's. I got a bucket of battery acid over the front door, & a .30-06 rigged to the back door!"
"But Uncle Gus," I had to ask, "How do you get IN your house???"
He glared at me, & replied, "Wouldn't YOU like to know!"
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😝😝😝
😩😂
I like your plan A is really GOOD ❗️
@G B ;
(The story above is just a joke.)
Yes, it's sad criminals seem to have more rights than their victims. It's why I don't have much faith in our legal system any longer.
@G B oh for crying out loud.
8:45 The purpose of that fitting is to prevent the wood from splitting and the deadbolt prying out the sheetmetal when the door is forced open. That is the point of failure if the deadbolt is fully engaged.
Thanks for the great video. I didn't even look at directions, your vid was enough.
awesome, thanks for letting me know, glad your install went smoothly
you make it look so easy. thanks
I've done this before and ended up bowing the door. Just be aware not all door installers get the idea of shims. The door was literally held in place by the trim. No joke! I removed the kit and as soon as I removed the trim the door just fell out lol! Anyways great video.
Half-assed carpenters installed your door.
Joel T.: By the sound of that crummy installation job you must live in Florida.
good video but really loved the ending with the ninja warrior thief...lol
Nice
thank you
Also I appreciated your producing skills.
Thank You Jeff! Great informative video!
Puts all that hardware on the door.
Brick thru the 1/16" thick window🤔
My thought as well, lol.
The point of the hardware on a door is to slow down an intruder if you’re home. I know it’s also for if you’re gone, but that might work since they won’t want to make a ton of noise repeatedly kicking the door or breaking the glass. Breaking the glass and having to climb in a window also slows them down. I just need someone slowed down long enough to grab the other tools I use to protect my home. And call 911
Great video...thanks!!
+Bun B thanks, hope it helps
My son owns a home security business and this is a great instruction video on ways to help you stay safe. Great job.
Thanks James Fogal - do you have any tips that would help secure a home even more?
Adding Window Film is probably the best way to help secure a home. Its kind of tricky to put on but not that tough. You can purchase window film that is actually "BulletProof". BulletProof actually means the bullet can still go through the glass and the window film but the glass will not fall out of the window. It will shatter but the film keeps it together and its still really hard to kick out or beat out with a hammer. Window film will usually give you plenty of time to lock and load your gun to save your life.
I might add that ANY sliding door should have window film. This glass is usually safety glass like you might find in a car window and shatters into very small pieces. If someone uses a metal punch and a hammer a sliding door can be shattered very quietly. This then offers an almost complete door size entry for a thief. The sad part is many homeowners might actually have a sensor on that door to detect if it opens through their alarm system but if the glass is shattered they can stroll in undetected. That might be one of the biggest home safety tips you can give your customers. Thanks again for your video. It was awesome.
Thanks for the wonderful tips James Fogal - I learned something new today because of you.
I'm going to look into window film and who knows, maybe there will be a tutorial down the road.
If you look on CZcams under 3m they have a few videos that are very impressive on window film. It made a believer out of us. We do not use 3M in our company but their videos were enough to convince us to look at adding it to our security line.
Great vid, and so helpful. In terms of using the 2.5 inch screws that would have been used for the door shields, do you need to check first that these screws will not hit either your deadbolt or the door knob once they are screwed the way in?
the purpose of predicting is to keep lumber from splitting. an impact driver doesn't help. pre-drill.
@Solenya. Pickle man Ur gay if ur reading this
Now that is fricken funny!
How does an impact driver prevent wood from splitting? I've never heard of that before.
Thanks so much. Do both double doors swing open?
Dayum! Better later to learn than never. Happy I found this video!
I had to kick in my own door today because i had been locked out and did not have the time to wait for a locksmith, i have to say that your statement that anyone can kick in a door is no joke. After it was said and done i went in thru the garage and kitchen in less than 2 minutes, it really opened my eyes to how vulnerable my house was. Damn doorjambs on that outside door must of been made of pudding, no resistance at all. Im definitely doing this to all 3 outer doors now.
It is scary milfhunterX how easy it is to break into a home. The house two doors down from us had this happen and it's alarming. Glad you were the one to kick in the door and not someone else. Keep me posted on your project
Jeff Patterson sad part is that i have a door that is needing replacent but in the moment i forgot about that particular door, now i have a jamb torn to pieces and a swolen door that is hard to open
The DIY stuff never ends...
I hate when I see the same comment in 95 % of the comment section. Shame on this man for no pre-drilling. lol
>complains about seeing the same comment in the comment section
>makes the same comment
@@ninetails6218 That was sarcasm saying shame on him...
Thank you very much I did not know anything like that before learn something new everyday and my little screws are going to be coming out and my husband is going to put longer screws in there thank you again
Thanks for great tutorial on installing door edge plates
if you live in a neighborhood where this is an issue install a steel frame
It can happen anywhere even a nice neighborhood!
People show how to pick locks in youtube, get a dog.
AviationNationHD people show how to bribe a dog with treats on CZcams, get a gun
It doesn't matter where u live really your house could always be broken into
You can get a door barricade to use while you're at home.
You should always pre-drill the holes to prevent potentially splitting the wood.
Thank You for posting.
Jeff, nice video. You can sometimes get the door shield plates to fit if the frame to door gap is too tight by tightening the frame plate's screws tighter than just flush. A lot of doors are not shimmed correctly and it will allow you to pull the frame over a little and allow you to put the door shilds on. If the gap is really tight, it doesn't need them as badly, but they do help if you can fit them in. Plus upgrading the deadbolt to a heavier grade doesn't hurt as well.
Just a friendly heads up, make sure there is no electrical in the opposite side of your door jam, sending 3” screws could possibly strike a wire or plumbing, also just because you have a impact doesn’t mean you don’t have to pre drill, pre drilling your holes helps not to split the framing when your sending screws into it.
Lol. That's not possible.
The jamb is 3/4 thick plus probably 1/4 to 1/2 of shimming before it even hits the jack stud which is 1 1/2 and then the king stud behind that which is another 1 1/2.
Do the math.
Thank you SO much for your very helpful, informative and excellent video. IF I need to drill out the screw holes first, what size bit would you recommend? Thanks again!
use a drill bit that's slightly smaller than the screws
Thank you that was informative.
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for making this looks so doable! I think I can actually tackle this project w/o expecting my husband to do it all. And...I'll feel more secure in my humble abode after I'm done! (I hope :-)
You just made it easier to break in by not pre drilling, sometimes it's better to leave the work for the professionals
Awesome idea. I'm gonna make my own.
Thank you for the great video. Very helpful
I installed this kit and as an added layer I have a 12 gauge on standby.
@Advocatus Diaboli If they break in when I'm not home, my life isn't in danger. I also have a video surveilance system with a 24/7 monitored alarm systems. I have insurance for the material things. In the meantime I sleep well at night.
Pre-drilling is not for your ease of install, its to avoid cracking wood. The wood will also crack less easily if somebody tries to get in with brute force. Using this on a cheap door that is not solid wood but instead made of thin panels of plywood is similarly pointless as somebody could punch or smash straight through the door and turn the lock.
Thank you
This systems look really good the plates being screwed into the trimmer is a huge improvement but the best part is the continuous steel bar across the door . no one will be able to kick or even pry that door open .👍
Seems like the weakest point now is the hinges where they're attached to the door. Overall it would be harder to just kick it in.
You need to replace a couple screws on each hinge plate with the ones with a solid stud on the other side. Or just add them in other sections of the hinge-side door jam.
This review includes a very instructive picture:
www.amazon.com/hz/reviews-render/mobile-media-feed/B01DG0TZ1A/ref=cm_cr_dp_mb_crsl_img_0?ie=UTF8&physicalId=71yv2weyYaL&imageExtension=jpg&reviewId=RN9EZKWR74I3G
Not an endorsement of the specific product but rather the concept. This kind of approach will protect even a door with exterior hinges from the hinge bypass attack.
Yes. You should be replacing at least some of the screws with longer, tougher screws on BOTH sides of the hinge.
Did anyone else see the large glass window ten feet to the left of his new and improved door?
good info as always!
This kit is extremely overpriced, and hinge guards 🤔.. I don't see the point, just replace all screws with longer ones.. Thx for the vid.
I agree but adding a plate along the locking side and adding long screws wherever there are holes in the plate does help. Pre drilling the screws was something I’ve learned from the comment section. Seems like the hinge plate only protects the jamb not the door which I’ve seen as a weak point in a door. Longer the screw along the frame the better. I don’t know how thick the area inside the hinge is on the steel door, and would seem to me if it can take a 3” screw I would replace them too.
The hinge plate is so that the impact is spread out over a bigger surface area as well as if the hinges break they are still screwed into the actual frame
Not just longer screws but also thicker screws are way better. If you take your time and you drill out the counter sink in the hinges little more you can use thicker screws.
@z -- There is no way to make a house burglar **proof** -- all we can do is make it more difficult for them. My philosophy is to make it difficult enough for them to either make them give up and go somewhere it is easier or that they will make enough noise that I will wake up and decide the proper caliber of firearm to deal with the problem. I currently have a 14-round .45ACP, 7-shot .357mag, and 30-round AR-15 sitting beside my bed. For anything more challenging, I'll have to open my gun safe and decide what might be appropriate.
@@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire That's great if you're always home. If you're not, you won't be getting any gun.
What good does the hinge guards do if you are still using the 1 inch screws that are in the door itself?
+richard hall Good question. In my 33 years experience I have never seen the hing side on residential houses. I use DSA from nobreach.com.
+Lamar Rogers Is your website recommendation safe? McAfee popped up a warning on the website listed above!!!
I wondered about this but differently. I don't know why the L-bracket for the hinge turns towards the frame. It should turn towards the door. This way if the door side screws give up the fight, the L on the bracket would still capture the door.
Lamar Rogers
Most people don't want to go through that much trouble for installation.
This works just fine and took me less than an hour.
richard hall exactly what i was thinking
...and by not pre-drilling before screwing the larger screws into the door, you have just made it easier for that door to split when being forced.
Good info,thanks for sharing.
Jeff Patterson?? no comments on pre-drilling? lol.
Use 3 inch, weather resistant screws and lager/ thicker strike plates from any hardware store.
This was so helpful
You’re awesome .. great simple instruction .. thanks.
I had a door just like it: a metal door. Unfortunately, I found out when somebody kicked it in, that the door just peels apart because the metal is just GLUED to the SOFT WOOD that is in the edges. When somebody kicks in the edge of the door, the metal peels off the glue (or the soft wood breaks). When, this happens the lock completely falls apart because nothing is holding it together! The jam did not give way. The hinges were not the problem. The door peeled apart. My door company explained why I should have gotten a VINYL DOOR: It has HARDWOOD at the edges, the vinyl goes all around the edges to bind the front to the back - all around, and the door has steel reinforcement in it - to keep it from warping in the heat. I found out the hard way that metal doors are terrible at preventing forced entry. Maybe a reinforcement that completely wraps around the door edge at the the lock, and fits underneath the lock, would hold the lock together - however, you door would be so bent up that it would have to be replaced. Vinyll will flex a little with the blows and probably will not be bent out of shape.
Did you have a barricade on it? Were you away from home?
I have a barricade on my door but only certain hours of the day :/
@@no_peace Fortunately, I was away when my door was kicked in. So, I could not barricade the door. Also, I expected my "sturdy metal door" to repel attackers - WRONG.
A few years ago, I was in the UK and went through a few castle tours along the way. In one of them, it had a door that I would love to have for the front door of my house, even though it was **just** and **interior** door. It was created from timbers that were easily a full 2" thick and probably 8" across. There were two layers of these timbers and they were laid at 90 degree to each other -- in other words, on one side of the door, the timbers were vertical and on the other side they were horizontal. At each intersection of the timbers, there were heavy steel bolts going through the two layers. I think there were 4 bolts per intersection. Add to that a lot of heavy iron hardware on the door.
The pre-drill brigade are out in force.
Thank You
Great tips Thanks
did it .. the next item on the list is radio proofing and faraday caging the house..
I hear ya Kez but at least this will help a lot :)
Thank you appreciate this
nice tutorial. thank you
While it is an effort to improve security, the results are untested. There are a few problems with this kit.
1. The hinge armor plate does nothing to prevent the short screws from where the hinges screw to the DOOR ( not the jamb ) from stripping and ripping out of the 1/4" thick piece of wood that makes up the edge of the steel clad door ( some doors DO have a big wooden hinge lock block behind the edge trim, most do not ) The hinge leaf on that door is ENGINEERED to be surface applied, it was not just something someone goofed up. The door width took the thickness of that hinge leaf into consideration to result in an optimal 1/8" gap on the lock side of door. The hinge leaf on many steel door has a PROJECTION that recesses into a divot in the mating hinge leaf, to prevent pin removal and thus entry on an OUT-SWINGING application. This projection would interfere with these hinge reinforcing plates. Also, these plates prevent the hinge leaves from coming together, putting stress on the hinge pin area, and thus bending the hinges. This will cause uneven door closure, and squeaking, unless you get a third plate for top hinge, and thus all three hinges can distort EVENLY.
2. The strike plate reinforcer is a lightweight version of an armor plate locksmiths have sold for decades. The one from Lock Shop will be 12 gauge, and is meant to be set FLUSH with the door jamb, thus replacing the strike plates that likely do not fit properly. a simple routing of the jamb area to a 1/8" depth allows such a plate to be set properly.
3. The bolt and latch U Channels will not support a bolt or latch that is unsteady. Using a Don-Jo wrap plate will truly REINFORCE the door against splitting, as well as cover up any uglies on the door from lock ill fitting or latches busting loose from a kick. These plates are meant to set flush with door edge ( Routing 1/6" of edge for plate ) and provide a means to re-secure latch and bolt with machine screws, as the plates have stainless steel threadserts in the edge.
All 3 the items from Locksmith Shop, at retail; about 58.00
You can NOT get this stuff from Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, and hard to get correct ones on internet.
Wow. That's an education!!
I can make that for 1 -10th of that price
@@antonvdmerwe551 Well good for you! Please explain me in which way your comment is useful to the rest of us?
Don-Jo door guards can be easily found at Amazon and all home hardware stores.
How is your comments relevant to any of us Mike M
Good look closing the door when the wood swells when the weather is damp
Thanks :)
Great video! I was wondering if I could use this on a double entry door?
This seems like the kind of solution that makes you *feel* better, but I can't see how those thin bits of metal are going to reinforce anything. Also, in the unlikely event that the "jamb shield" and the "bolt shield" actually fit, then you must have had a pretty badly fitting door in the first place. Might be great for climates where you don't need to worry about rain or cold air getting through the gaps!
+Mat Smith I specialize in doors as a handyman and I found that the DSA from nobreach.com fits almost any door with no adjustments needed.
+Mat Smith A reinforcing bar/jamb shield and longer screws can make a door go from being kicked in in one kick (literally one kick) to about 50-60 kicks.
The issue with door security is that the door is only secured to the framework, which can crack very easily - kicking through framing (which is about 1/2 inch thick) and stripping whatever remains of the 3/4 inch screw is no problem. Take a look at some of the crownmolding or baseboards in your house, consider that less than double the thickness of the wood used in your baseboards/crownmolding is all that's keeping your door shut.
Even people who aren't physically strong can easily break wood of that thickness with their hands, and there's a lot more force and strength in a kick (especially with proper technique). If you ever have the opportunity to do so, I highly suggest you try kicking a door in - it's very easy (Especially on interior doors, which feature no reinforcement and are typically hollow).
When you reinforce a door like this, you're securing the screws to the actual surrounding struts in the door (2x4's) and framework, giving you 3 inches (minus half an inch for the gap in the framework and struts) of wood that's being supported. That's a significant difference, and now what an assailant is kicking through isn't 1/2 an inch of wood (as most people are simply not capable of kicking through a piece of braced 2x4 (let alone two of them, a 4x4 or a 'garden post')), but the actual tensile strength of (in this case) 7 3 and 1/2 inch steel screws embedded in hard lumber.
Since our screws aren't going anywhere, we're going to need to snap them. One screw has about 121lbs tensile strength, so we're looking at 847lbs of tensile strength in this door to break the screws. Holly Holm (A professional MMA fighter) kicks with about 50 pounds of force, a professional male athelete (or someone with a hefty build) may be able to manage 60-80.
They're not snapping those screws any time soon, the more likely failure is now going to be on our hinge side but since we've secured the hinges with hinge plates (which reinforces the framework and ties it directly to the struts) that's not going to happen either (In this case, we're looking at dealing with 8 screws, plus the additional strength provided by the additional three non-reinforced 3/4 inch screws on the hinge). This leaves the weak point of the door being the mechanical systems of the door, such as the actual knob and deadbolt (since the space is hollowed out), which is negated by those additional shields (in this case, he could not fit them into the door).
Assuming you have the shields in place, you've made the door more or less invulnerable to being beaten in by brute force methods (you're not breaking through the frame, or any of those screws), and if repeated kicks are applied (upwards of 40), you're not going to see the frame fail, you're going to see the actual DOOR itself fail (depending on material).
If we assume it's a standard entry way door with a particle core, you will see failure of the door itself (IE: They will have to actually kick holes through the door) before you see failure of the locking mechanisms, strike plates, or framework, or hinges.
You can perform this technique without shields (simply by replacing the default screws) to get the same effect, with slightly less reinforcement (because the stress is not spread across the system). Keep in mind with a reinforced door (no matter the system) the lower left of the door and upper right of the door are always structural weakpoints as there's no bracing behind them.
However, as you're never going to be able to kick the upper right of a door (above the deadbolt), this issue can be mitigated by a deadbolt placed lower on the door or by having a door brace installed. In fact, a single and properly installed door brace that fits into the floor actually offers just as much protection as whole-door reinforcement as seen in this video, at least for the non-hinge side of the door.
Hope that helps clarify how, and why these methods of reinforcement are actually incredibly effective for home defense (not deterrence).
It works by distributing the impact of the kick so that impact isn't in a lot of force in one place but a little bit of force in a lot of places. Basically it is radiating the energy away from the point of impact instead of letting the door's design focus it on the weaknesses.
Mat Smith
I guess you failed math and physics class.
not thin, heavy guage.
What can I do if I have two side windows next to the door?
that's a touch one Lisa, you might want to consider a home automation system that runs through SmartThings. It's pretty affordable and can alert you if there's a break in. I know it's not perfect but something to think about. I made a video on this system awhile back czcams.com/video/xcMmGcxcRIY/video.html
you can buy a double cylinder if you want
We have glass light panels on both sides of our door and we used thick plexiglass panels with security type screws which require a special bit to extract them. Lexan is even better though more expensive. 3M also makes security films that can be applied over existing glass panels.
If I might just point out that alarm systems are like cops , they show up after the fact. If you can't keep them out in the first place, don't bother with an alarm system except as an after the fact alert. Learn to secure your house first, then learn to defend yourself. Bear spray is a non lethal alternative to firearms, although this will mess up your house and you if not used properly. I prefer firearms in the hands of trained adults.
Thank you for the feedback . I will look into the 3m security film.
A great video Jeff, thanks for posting. Looking to buy a home and I know burglars look for new arrivals because they haven't had a chance to secure the house. I will be using your suggestion prior to moving in ....
Congrats Luther Cary on your home search and your concerns are very real. A few years back I had tenants moving in. Some kids in the neighborhood decided to punch in the glass on the back door and enter the home. Ever since then I install doubled keyed deadbolts on these kind of doors. Of course it's good to have multiple ways to exit in case of a fire, so keep that in mind with double keyed locks :D
Thanks!
The longer 2 1/2" screws for the bolt and latch don't help anything at all and could interfere with the locks as standard backset for residential locks is only 2 3/8"
Also you should have installed the knob strike OVER the guard as it doesn't have(or appear to have) a "lip" to push the latch in when closing the door
The safest way is to replace the door with a good quality door, the kind of cardboard wood can be kicked and open anyway
even a heavy duty door if the screws are itty bitty the frame or deadbolt crack the wood and it opens. these longer screws and plates make the amount of force required to be increased a lot. no one thing secures the house by itself, but all the pieces being improved help make it a deterrent and hopefully they go to another house. its also to slow them down if you are inside, so you have time to prepare to defend yourself and try to call for help. don't make it easy for them, because that is what most crooks look for, unless they want you. Could be a rapist and not just a thief, or a killer. They have no business inside, do things to help keep them out. Protect yourself and the family. I do agree that heavier stronger doors are always a good idea.
@@roba4176 agreed. I think the more deterrents you have, the more they're likely to think you have a gun/ pepper spray/hidden cameras. Or maybe that you're so paranoid you'll go ape sheist crazy on them once they get in (even if you're a little old lady).
product ok, thank you for taking the time to inform everyone. not everyone wants to be helpful and take time to help others
Great presentation thanks.
First off, you mean burglar resistant, ain't nothing proof!
Don't waste your time & $ on any residential dr & frame combo. Pull that junk out and get a good commercial door, frame & hardware. Then put in the steel dr & frame swinging OUT. Here is why, there is a 5/8" stop all the way around the 3 sides of the frame. There isn't a punk out there that can kick a steel door through that opening, drive a stolen car through it, yes, kick it... Not just no...BUT Hell No! Now, when you swing the door out, you will need NRP Hinges, NRP= Non removable pin, you can't pop the hinge pins with out having the door open to access the set screw. Fill in those sidelights, transom panels are usually OK. Most scumbags don't carry a ladder, just crow bars & stolen guns. Get your steel dr & frame prepped for 2 dead bolts and a lockset. Buy 2 sgl cyl DB's & 1( at least grade 2) lockset, have them keyed alike (KA). Have the 2 DB preps centered(1 above the lock, 1 below the lock) between the head & floor and the lockset. Your frame should be 16 ga, the door a min of 18 ga. They do offer Insulated & Galv for cold/hot and wet areas. Panel doors are available in 1, 2, 6 & 8 panel drs(depending on the Manuf). I would suggest ordering as a unit and having it factory prepped, it will cost less and have the factory warranty. You'll pay more for what I've told you about, but it's a real door, frame & hdwe, it will hold up way beyond the cheap res junk. What is your family & your things worth? There are other things you can do, but the above is FAR beyond what 99.9% of your neighbors have. The easiest will get hit, they will give up before they get in yours.
I tell people, doors keep the most evil things on the planet out or in, depending on the purpose. A $19.99 lock and a coke can thin skin dr and wood jamb won't keep you safe, PERIOD. Yes, 3.5" screws help and with wood studs are recommended. Not trying to dog this vid, just giving my years of exp dealing with doors and what's left after the scum gets in. Keeping thugs out is impossible for most, making them PAY dearly for trying, isn't!
Look at profile name..It tells me everything about who and what you're about.T T
@@ATLIEN333 Your point? Your comment has what to do with my post? Feel better now you've shown you have a mighty fine grasp of the obvious?
Why not make a youtube video yourself? It would be easier to understand. And would make a good video.
@@drewlsy That's a great idea, but not sure I'm the right one for the job? I forget most have no idea what I'm referring to as I'm usually dealing with those that have been in commercial const for years. If you would like an explanation or clarification and or
a material list/product info, I would be happy to do this for you. Thanks for the suggestion, it's much appreciated.
Just curious, what's stopping someone taking 10 seconds with a battery angle grinder, and cutting the deadbolt/latch in this scenario? I guess if you went to the effort of a commercial door, you'd probably spend the effort or cost in putting a welded plate over the locking mechanisms/catchs/gap between the door and frame.