security options when a deadbolt isnt practical

[WilsonTrucking]

A friend from work asked me today to have a look at her door to see if the security could be improved. It is an in-swinging steel door with a regular knob, no deadbolt. My first thought was to install one but the casement for the door lacks a stud so there wouldnt be much for the bolt to grab. I was wondering if there was some kind of larger strike plate that I could get that would spread out the force from an attempted break in? Her neighbor had their door kicked in yesterday so my friend is concerned about security.

[Squelchtone]

Any chance you could get us photo of her door and frame and side shots of door jamb?

Im having trouble visualizing. Or even a google images surrogate as an example

[WilsonTrucking]

I'll be able to get some pics of her door on friday after work. Better to show the true situation as opposed to an approximation on google.

[jimu57]

I am making steel plates that I reinforce dead bolts, knob and levers, and hinges. They are 16 ga steel and are cut to allow clearance with bolt. I remove interior door casing/trim and insert as many stacked plates needed to fill the void between the door jamb and 2x4 framing. Same thing in hinge side.

[Jacob Morgan]

Reinforcing strips like the one in the link are available at some home centers. Have one similar to this one on my front door.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/StrikeMaster-II-Door-Frame-and-Hinge-Reinforcement-55724/202076114

Have never tried this one before, but it would be more unobtrusive than a metal plate screwed to the jam for about the same cost. Potentially stronger too.
https://sovilok.com

Other places I have lived at, I removed the door frame trim, fitted a block of wood to fit between the jam and the stud, glued it in place then ran 4" quality wood screws from the strike plates into the stud.

Probably the biggest improvement to home security one can make.

[globallockytoo]

Install a jimmy proof claw bolt rim lock.
Inexpensive Ilco or Byrd only cost about $30.
There are better quality ones (more expensive) like the Lockwood 305/355 or the Abloy Super-Stopper.
Essentially you install the rim lock to the surface inside and the ringed strike plate to the jamb.
Then your door and frame are physically connected together, making jemmying or spreading the door and frame virtually impossible

[billdeserthills]

A friend from work asked me today to have a look at her door to see if the security could be improved. It is an in-swinging steel door with a regular knob, no deadbolt. My first thought was to install one but the casement for the door lacks a stud so there wouldnt be much for the bolt to grab. I was wondering if there was some kind of larger strike plate that I could get that would spread out the force from an attempted break in? Her neighbor had their door kicked in yesterday so my friend is concerned about security.

This sounds like a job for a Weiserbolt

[Tyler J. Thomas]

A friend from work asked me today to have a look at her door to see if the security could be improved. It is an in-swinging steel door with a regular knob, no deadbolt. My first thought was to install one but the casement for the door lacks a stud so there wouldnt be much for the bolt to grab. I was wondering if there was some kind of larger strike plate that I could get that would spread out the force from an attempted break in? Her neighbor had their door kicked in yesterday so my friend is concerned about security.

If there is another door to exit the house, hometown, whatever, you may consider the OnGARD Security Door Brace. Don't have to worry about changing out any hardware and it's a great option when direct strike and jamb reinforcement is either impossible or problematic.

[bobhdus]

I've installed quite a few door jamb reinforcer's made my Door Devil (https://doordevil.com/). Its about the same as the rest of them. They do have a router jig for theirs and they offer Locksmith wholesale pricing so I stock a few on my van in white and brown. Rule of thumb is if you can't fit two dimes stacked together between the door edge and jamb then you need to router it into the jamb. The kit also includes the door latch reinforcement guard as well as the hinge pins etc...