A deadbolt hack for heightened security
- by Kelly Smith on Apr 21st 2008 4:00PM
- Filed under household hacks, weekend projects, framing and drywall, recalls and safety, tools, remodeling
But with a little effort you can greatly enhance the holding power of the deadbolt. When the wall is framed and the door rough opening is made, the opening is actually an inch or two wider than the door jamb requires. This allows for plumbing the jamb. Wooden shims are inserted between the framing studs and the jambs.
So this is what you do -
- Remove the trim screwed to the jamb that receives the deadbolt.
- Cut a piece of rigid metal electrical conduit about six inches long.
- Use a paddle bit the same size as the O.D. of the conduit and drill through the jamb and framing studs.
- Squirt a bit of glue inside the hole.
- Insert the conduit into the hole until it's flush and re-install the trim.
Now, it's not just the jamb holding the deadbolt, you've got the strength of the stud working for you!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-21-2008 @ 8:44PM
Frank Townend said...
Before drilling into the jam and studs, ensure no electrical or plumbing systems are in that part of the wall.
The trim referenced above is called the "Latch Strike" as shown here:
http://www.rejuvenation.com/fixbshow4588/templates/displayer.phtml
Also Kelly a drawing would be nice.
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