My neighbor across the street told me last week that their camera caught someone trying to break in. Today, I came home and noticed a few things that seemed off: the key lock on the external door is tilted, showing the original paint underneath, there’s splintered wood along the doorframe, and the outer corner of the door is bent.
It could be. That’s why it’s really important to use a deadbolt.
If the deadlatch on your door is poorly installed or has a wide gap, it’s pretty easy for someone to get through it without much skill. A locked deadbolt makes it harder—they’d need to cause visible damage or know how to pick locks.
Do you have cameras? They can scare people off, alert you early, and let you check what happened later.
You should switch out the screws on the strike plate for 3" ones if you haven’t already. Do the same for the hinges. It makes a big difference.
Ezri said:
You should switch out the screws on the strike plate for 3" ones if you haven’t already. Do the same for the hinges. It makes a big difference.
Totally agree. Just make sure those 3" screws go into a stud, not just the door frame, or they won’t hold as well.
That’s an old Schlage lock. You might want to upgrade it to a newer doorknob and something like a Schlage Encode Deadbolt.
Darby said:
That’s an old Schlage lock. You might want to upgrade it to a newer doorknob and something like a Schlage Encode Deadbolt.
What’s wrong with the old Schlage lock?
Darby said:
That’s an old Schlage lock. You might want to upgrade it to a newer doorknob and something like a Schlage Encode Deadbolt.
What’s wrong with the old Schlage lock?
I had issues with water getting inside the older models. They also have a weak spring in the locking mechanism—it looks like a spring from a pen! Over time, the spring can fail. I used that lock for 14 years and had to fix one by taking parts from another that broke.
I eventually switched to Schlage Encode Deadbolts. They have a sealed keypad and smart features, and they’ve been great so far. I’ve installed five of them in different places for family members.
I work in security, and this does look like someone tried to force their way in. It looks like they used a tool like a screwdriver. The scratches and marks line up with where the locks are, so it’s not normal wear.
You’re lucky they didn’t use something bigger, like a crowbar or similar tools. Whoever did this probably wasn’t very skilled and didn’t bring the right equipment. It could’ve been someone local, like a teenager, or maybe someone desperate. They might come back better prepared next time, so don’t take the risk.
I’d recommend adding motion lights, a CCTV camera, and a latch protector. You can also get a door brace, which attaches near the bottom of the door. Search for “door brace” on YouTube, and you’ll find examples.
@Kiran
Actually, I found a great example for you. Check out a device called a “door wedge.” Here’s a link to a video:
Yeah, it looks like someone used a screwdriver to try and pry the door open.
You should add a chain lock on the inside, like the ones they have in hotel rooms.
Conn said:
You should add a chain lock on the inside, like the ones they have in hotel rooms.
Honestly, those don’t do much. They might slow someone down, but one strong kick can break them. A “door wedge” is a much better option.
Here’s a video about it: