Why the Humble Strike Plate Is the True Backbone of Door Security
A strike plate is the metal piece mounted to your door jamb that catches the latch or deadbolt. It reinforces the wooden frame against kick-ins and keeps your door securely closed.
Deadbolts & Door Hardware
Protecting Outswing Exterior Doors From Hinge Removal and Prying
To secure an outswing door, protect exposed hinges with non-removable pins and cover the latch gap with a metal guard plate. Upgrading to a reinforced deadbolt prevents prying while retaining fast emergency exit capability.
Keep Your Original Keys and Door Trim While Converting to a Connected Deadbolt
Retrofit smart locks work directly with your existing deadbolt by replacing only the interior thumbturn. Full replacement models require discarding your current lock hardware and physical keys.
Rekeying versus changing your entry door locks after moving into a new home
Rekeying adjusts internal cylinder pins to match a new key while preserving your existing door hardware. Replacing locks swaps out the entire deadbolt assembly to upgrade security ratings, finishes, or entry mechanisms.
Understanding How Pick Guns and Bump Keys Affect Smart Deadbolts
A smart lock can be picked or bumped only if it includes a traditional physical key cylinder. Keyless deadbolts eliminate exterior keyways entirely, making mechanical picking and bumping impossible.
Fixing a Sticking Deadbolt Caused by Poor Door Frame Alignment
A deadbolt sticks when frame movement or hinge sag misaligns the bolt with the strike plate. Tightening hinge screws or filing the strike opening usually resolves the issue without replacing hardware.
Precise Door Backset and Bore Measurements to Prevent Smart Lock Sizing Mistakes
To measure door backset, gauge from the door edge to the center of the lock hole. To measure door bore, record the full diameter straight across the circular opening.
Understanding ANSI BHMA Deadbolt Grades for Safer Exterior Doors
ANSI BHMA deadbolt grades rank lock security from Grade 1 down to Grade 3 based on physical durability and cycle endurance. Grade 1 provides maximum commercial-level resistance against physical force, while Grade 3 represents basic residential entry security.
How to Measure Your Entryway Before Buying a Smart Lock
A smart lock will fit most standard exterior doors that feature an existing deadbolt and standard backset dimensions. You simply need to verify your door thickness, bore hole diameter, and backset distance before purchasing.