Where break-ins actually happen
Most forced entries exploit the strike plate, not the lock. Standard strike plates are held by half-inch screws that anchor only in the door frame (a thin piece of wood). A strong kick pulls these screws out easily.
Replace standard screws with 3-inch screws that reach through the frame and into the wall stud behind it. This single upgrade, costing under $5, makes the door dramatically harder to kick in.
1-inch minimum throw
A quality deadbolt with a minimum 1-inch throw (the bolt extends 1 inch into the frame) paired with the reinforced strike plate provides effective entry resistance. A deadbolt without a reinforced strike plate is like a strong lock on a weak door.
Solid core, not hollow
Exterior doors should be solid-core wood or steel. Hollow-core interior doors used as exterior doors can be punched through. Check that hinges are on the inside (not accessible from outside) and that the door frame is not rotted or compromised.
- Replace strike plate screws with 3-inch screws into the wall stud
- Deadbolt with 1-inch minimum throw
- Solid-core or steel exterior doors, not hollow-core
- Hinges on the inside, not accessible from outside
- The strike plate upgrade costs under $5 and takes 10 minutes
- Home Security — FEMA home security guidance.