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I did that I used probably 51/2 in screws on my door why LOL BECAUSE I DID THE SAME THING locked myself out and had to kick in the door got spare key now hidden in the yard somewhere . hopefully I will remember where next time I need itIts interesting most striker plates are attached by screws about 3/4" long and can easily be pushed open because those screws don't go into the studs but rather just into the moulding.
One should at least drive longer screws in place reaching all the way into the studs. Someone makes a striker plate with an integral 4-6" stud requiring the installer to bore into the stud then slip the plate/stud in place. Been a while since I saw that one.
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I do things by habit because otherwise I will forget, but this morning I forgot to put my keys in my pocket before going out the door.
Last time I did that a few years ago I was able to get back in with a table knife in about 1 minute. This time I wasn't able to make that work - so after 30 minutes I just kicked open the door. Repairing the door jamb/casing/etc. will be cheaper than calling a locksmith.
Yes, I did have a set of keys made but one of them didn't work and then I just let it slip.
I have two locks (different keys) on my door; one a regular door lock with the lock in the knob - that is the one I lock from the inside before going out the door because it is easier than using the key, then I use the other key to lock the deadlock from the outside because that is required to lock it.
A good swift kick and the jamb split and the door opened. I went in, got my keys, and locked it from the outside and went to work.
Now I have to repair the jamb, but I need to get one of those metal strips to reinforce the door - been meaning to for a while. I think I am also going to get replacement locks - ones that can only be locked with a key, inside or out (do they make those?), and use the same key.
The door is metal clad, but not a security door. But the weakest part is the door jamb where the locks are - very easy to kick in.
The downside of living in the boonies is that while I have good neighbors who watch out for me, my house is not visible from the road during the summer so if somebody can make to my house without being seen/heard they can bust into it pretty easily thru the doors.
If I strengthen the doors, then getting in thru the windows would be the next step I suppose, and that would be easily done by throwing something hard/heavy thru them then just stepping in. I should get some window film to reinforce them.
Testicles, specktacles, wallet, and watch..... LOL
I've had these on all my doors for years now, and have never needed a key since.
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This. I replaced my striker screws with longer ones that bit deep into the studs. Always on web cam pointed at the door with real time motion alerts. And a pit-bull mix on overwatch.
I do things by habit because otherwise I will forget, but this morning I forgot to put my keys in my pocket before going out the door.
Last time I did that a few years ago I was able to get back in with a table knife in about 1 minute. This time I wasn't able to make that work - so after 30 minutes I just kicked open the door. Repairing the door jamb/casing/etc. will be cheaper than calling a locksmith.
Yes, I did have a set of keys made but one of them didn't work and then I just let it slip.
I have two locks (different keys) on my door; one a regular door lock with the lock in the knob - that is the one I lock from the inside before going out the door because it is easier than using the key, then I use the other key to lock the deadlock from the outside because that is required to lock it.
A good swift kick and the jamb split and the door opened. I went in, got my keys, and locked it from the outside and went to work.
Now I have to repair the jamb, but I need to get one of those metal strips to reinforce the door - been meaning to for a while. I think I am also going to get replacement locks - ones that can only be locked with a key, inside or out (do they make those?), and use the same key.
The door is metal clad, but not a security door. But the weakest part is the door jamb where the locks are - very easy to kick in.
The downside of living in the boonies is that while I have good neighbors who watch out for me, my house is not visible from the road during the summer so if somebody can make to my house without being seen/heard they can bust into it pretty easily thru the doors.
If I strengthen the doors, then getting in thru the windows would be the next step I suppose, and that would be easily done by throwing something hard/heavy thru them then just stepping in. I should get some window film to reinforce them.
Then they just break a window. The new cell phone app to watch your house while you are away seems the way to go, IMHO, I'm going that route. Dan
If you already have to replace parts of the door and frame, rather than reinforcing wooden or residential grade doors, you might think about upgrading to a commercial steel door and steel frame.
This is a pending upgrade on my house, to replace all the residential wood with commercial steel.
I do things by habit because otherwise I will forget, but this morning I forgot to put my keys in my pocket before going out the door.
Last time I did that a few years ago I was able to get back in with a table knife in about 1 minute. This time I wasn't able to make that work - so after 30 minutes I just kicked open the door. Repairing the door jamb/casing/etc. will be cheaper than calling a locksmith.
Yes, I did have a set of keys made but one of them didn't work and then I just let it slip.
I have two locks (different keys) on my door; one a regular door lock with the lock in the knob - that is the one I lock from the inside before going out the door because it is easier than using the key, then I use the other key to lock the deadlock from the outside because that is required to lock it.
A good swift kick and the jamb split and the door opened. I went in, got my keys, and locked it from the outside and went to work.
Now I have to repair the jamb, but I need to get one of those metal strips to reinforce the door - been meaning to for a while. I think I am also going to get replacement locks - ones that can only be locked with a key, inside or out (do they make those?), and use the same key.
The door is metal clad, but not a security door. But the weakest part is the door jamb where the locks are - very easy to kick in.
The downside of living in the boonies is that while I have good neighbors who watch out for me, my house is not visible from the road during the summer so if somebody can make to my house without being seen/heard they can bust into it pretty easily thru the doors.
If I strengthen the doors, then getting in thru the windows would be the next step I suppose, and that would be easily done by throwing something hard/heavy thru them then just stepping in. I should get some window film to reinforce them.
In real estate I too have to re key houses. I've found no matter what deadbolt I've come across, 30 seconds with a cordless drill and your lock is uninstalled. No door damage.