Door Security – Longer Screws in Strike Plate into Stud – Latch Strong.
Using 3–4 inch screws in the strike plate instead of short 3/4 inch ones greatly strengthens a door against kick-ins.
Longer screws anchor the plate into the 2×4 wall stud, not just the thin ¾ inch jamb, not allowing an intruder to break solid framing instead of just trim wood.
This simple, low-cost fix makes the frame stronger than the door itself.
Upgrade steps: 1. Remove strike plate.
2. Replace with #8 or #10 wood/deck screws or drywall screws.
3. Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting.
4. Drive screws snug into stud.
5. Check latch alignment. Upgrade hinge screws, use a reinforced strike plate, or install a box strike for deadbolts.