Reinforcing your front door against break-ins at a lower cost
No budget for an armored door? Here is how to reinforce your current door to delay burglars.
Recommended Materials
- Anti-pinch angles
- Security bolt
- Armored handle
- Peephole
Steps to follow
Step 1
Anti-pinch angles: These are metal brackets (often L or U shaped) that are screwed all around the door, on the outside. They fill the gap between the door and the frame, preventing the burglar from sliding a crowbar in to pry it open. It is very effective, cheap and visually very dissuasive.
Step 2
The security cylinder (barrel): If your key is flat and simple, your lock opens in 30 seconds. Replace the cylinder with a high security model (anti-drilling, anti-picking, anti-bumping, with property card for key reproduction). It is very easy to change yourself (a single screw on the edge of the door).
Step 3
The armored handle (or cylinder protector): It is essential to protect the cylinder which must never protrude from the door. If the cylinder protrudes, it can be torn off with pliers. The armored handle is screwed from the inside (no visible screws on the outside) and surrounds the cylinder with a rotating steel ring.
Step 4
Hinge reinforcements: If your door opens outwards or if the hinges are fragile, a thief can attack this side. Install hinge reinforcements or anti-unhinging pins that secure the door to the frame even if the hinges are cut.
Step 5
The additional bolt: Adding a high security bolt at the top or bottom of the door adds a solid anchor point that complicates the intruder's task (he will have to force two locks instead of one).
Frequently Asked Questions
Armored door or shielding ?
Shielding (steel sheet screwed onto the inner face of the existing door + changing the frame) is cheaper but considerably weighs down the door (hinges often need to be changed for ball bearing models). The armored door (complete certified door unit) is the top of security but costs much more (€1500 to €4000).
Precautions
- Choose non-unscrewable screws (special head) for the outside.
- Check that the door supports the added weight.
