07/06/2026
⚠️ SECURITY TIP ⚠️ FYI for my non-locksmith friends... 👇
The strike plate on your homes entry doors are every bit as important as the lock itself, and in many cases, it's even more important.
Most modern deadbolts feature a full 1-inch bolt throw, which sounds great on paper. The problem is that many strike plates are only about 1/16-inch thick and are secured with tiny 1/2-inch screws. To make matters worse, many door frames and jambs are made from soft woods like pine.
That's why good 3-inch wood screws are a must.
Those longer screws pass through the trim and jamb and anchor directly into the 2x4 framing surrounding the door. This dramatically increases the door's ability to resist a kick-in attempt by distributing the force into the structure of the house instead of the weak decorative trim.
*Also consider replacing at least one screw on each hinge with a 3" screw. The normal hinge screws are also only ½" to ¾" long.
Without longer screws, the trim around the strike plate can easily split or blow out during a forced entry attempt.
There are also several reinforced strike plate systems on the market. Google "Tuff Strike" or "Door Devil." I use both types of these strikes on different doors of my own home.
For just a few dollars, you can significantly strengthen one of the weakest points in your home's security.
At the very least, stop by your local hardware store, pick up a handful of 3-inch deck screws (deck screws are more brittle than traditional wood screws, but it's better than nothing), and upgrade your strike plates. It's one of the cheapest and most effective security improvements you can make.
