Deadbolt locks do a good job of securing a door but a well placed kick can force the lock through the door frame and allow entry into the home. To strengthen the strike plate on the lock, replace the existing screws with 3” long screws to attach into the wall stud.
To reinforce the door frame even more, remove the door facing and attach a steel building plate to the door casing and wall stud. Here’s how:
- Remove the interior door facing molding from the latch side of the door frame by prying it off to expose the area where the door jamb and wall meet. Be careful not to damage the molding so it can be reused.
- Chisel out a 1/8” deep mortise in the door casing and wall so the steel plate will be flush with both the wall and casing.
- Drill pilot holes into the door casing and stud to attach the steel plate.
- Use 1½” long screws to secure the steel plate to the door jamb and 3” screws to attach the plate to the wall stud for extra support.
- Nail the interior door facing trim molding back in place.
Watch the video above to find out more.
