The Role of Strike Plates in Residential Lock Security

Published: Jan 15, 2026

You’ve done everything right. You invested in a top-of-the-line, grade-1 deadbolt. It’s heavy, complex, and gives you a satisfying thunk when you lock it. You feel secure. But what if that entire sense of security could be shattered in less than ten seconds by a single, well-placed kick?

This isn't a scare tactic; it's a structural reality for millions of homes. Research shows that over 55% of burglaries involve forced entry, with the front door being the most common point of attack. The surprising truth is that the expensive lock you trust isn't the component that fails—it's the small, overlooked piece of metal it latches into and the soft wood of your door frame.

Anatomy of a Secure Doorway: The Chain is Only as Strong as its Weakest Link

Think of your door’s locking system as a three-part team. For it to work, every member has to do its job. If one fails, the whole system collapses.

The Lock: This is the deadbolt or latch bolt that extends from your door. It's the most visible part of the system and where most people focus their security budget.
The Strike Plate: This is the metal plate attached to the door jamb (the frame) with a hole where the bolt enters. Its job is to catch the bolt and hold the door closed.
The Door Frame & Stud: This is the wooden structure of your house that the strike plate is screwed into.

When a door is kicked in, the lock itself rarely breaks. Instead, the force of the impact rips the strike plate right out of the flimsy door frame it's attached to. Your deadbolt holds strong, but it's left attached to a splintered piece of wood, and the door swings wide open.

The weakest link isn't the lock; it's the tiny screws holding your strike plate to a half-inch of soft pine.

The Difference That Matters: A Strike Plate Deep Dive

Not all strike plates are created equal. The one that came with your doorknob is likely a "standard" plate, and it’s more decorative than defensive. This is where a simple, inexpensive upgrade can make a world of difference.

Standard Strike Plates: The Illusion of Security

Take a look at the strike plate on your door right now. It's probably a thin piece of metal held in place by two screws, each about ½ to ¾ of an inch long. These screws only grip the thin, often decorative, wood of the door jamb. They are designed to align the latch, not to withstand hundreds of pounds of brute force. This is the standard for nearly all new home construction, and it’s a critical security flaw.

Security Strike Plates: Anchoring Your Safety

A security strike plate (also called a reinforced strike plate) is fundamentally different in two ways:

It’s Longer and Stronger: It's typically made of heavier-gauge steel and is much longer than a standard plate, with four to six screw holes instead of just two.
It Uses Long Screws: This is the secret ingredient. A security strike plate comes with 3-inch screws. These screws are designed to bypass the weak door jamb entirely and anchor directly into the solid wood stud—the structural frame of your house.

By fastening the strike plate to the stud, you’re no longer relying on a thin piece of wood to protect you. You’re transferring the force of any impact into the very skeleton of your home.

Myth Buster: The Deadbolt Dilemma

Myth: A strong, expensive deadbolt is all you need for a secure door.

Fact: Your deadbolt is only as strong as the wood frame it latches into. Without a reinforced strike plate anchored to the wall stud, even the best lock is just attached to a piece of wood waiting to splinter. A proper lock installation considers the entire system, not just the lock itself.

Your 10-Minute Security Overhaul

Upgrading to a security strike plate is widely considered the single most cost-effective DIY security upgrade you can make. For a small investment in hardware and about ten minutes of your time, you can dramatically increase your door’s resistance to being kicked in.

While the process is straightforward, precision is key to ensure your lock still operates smoothly. Here is a simple roadmap of the process:

Remove the Old Plate: Unscrew the two small screws holding your existing strike plate and remove it.
Prepare the Frame: Place the new, longer security plate over the area. You may need to chisel out a small amount of wood from the door jamb so the new plate sits flush with the frame.
Drill Pilot Holes: Mark the new screw locations. Using a drill bit slightly smaller than your new screws, drill pilot holes deep enough to accommodate the 3-inch screws. This prevents the wood from splitting.
Install and Secure: Drive the new 3-inch screws through the plate, through the door jamb, and deep into the wall stud. Make sure they are tight, but don't overtighten and strip the wood.

Frequently Asked Questions About Door Frame Security

Will installing a security strike plate damage my door frame?

When installed correctly, it does the opposite—it strengthens it. The key is to drill pilot holes for the long screws. This prevents the wood from splitting under pressure and ensures a secure fit.

How much stronger is a door with a security strike plate?

While exact numbers vary, tests have shown that a standard door frame can fail with just one or two well-placed kicks. A properly reinforced door frame can withstand significantly more force, often deterring intruders who rely on a quick, forceful entry.

Can I do this myself, or do I need a locksmith?

Many homeowners can handle this as a DIY project. However, if you're not comfortable with the tools, or if your door and frame have alignment issues, a professional locksmith can ensure a perfect installation. At Sure Lock & Key, we provide professional, reliable, and prompt locksmith services that guarantee your security hardware is installed for maximum effectiveness.

Is the strike plate the only thing I need to worry about?

Reinforcing the strike plate is the single biggest improvement for kick-in resistance, but true security comes in layers. Ensuring your door hinges are also secured with long screws is another excellent and simple step.

Beyond the Strike Plate: Building Layers of Security

Once you’ve reinforced your door frame, you can start thinking about other ways to enhance your home’s safety. A holistic approach provides the best protection. Consider these next steps in your security journey:

Smart Locks: Gain control and visibility over who enters your home with keyless entry and activity logs. A professional smart lock installation & setup can integrate this technology seamlessly.
Security Cameras: Visual deterrents are powerful. Modern home security camera (CCTV) installation allows you to monitor your property from anywhere.
Hinge Reinforcement: Just like the strike plate, the door’s hinges are often installed with short screws. Replacing at least one screw in each hinge with a 3-inch screw adds another layer of kick-in resistance.

Your home's security is a system, and every component matters. By understanding how they work together, you can make intelligent, impactful upgrades that provide real peace of mind. The humble strike plate may be out of sight, but it should never be out of mind.

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