Adding a peephole or camera viewer to the front door is a good security measure to help you check who is outside without opening it. Depending on the model, you could even magnify the images or get a broader range of view on everything. This means there will be no need to run to the windows and peer through the blinds before approaching the entryway.
Fortunately, this is a simple project which can be done easily and quickly on your own with the help of a few tools. This guide will give you step-by-step instructions on how to install a peephole in a door.
What you will need
Before getting started, you need to prepare the following tools ahead of time to avoid last-minute trips to the local store:
- Silicone
- Peephole
- Gloves and safety goggles
- Drill bit and drill
- A pencil or chalk
- Measuring tape
Steps
1. Choose a peephole
The first step is to choose the right peephole for your house. Most entry doors are often fitted with small units which do not always show who is there. This means the distorted shapes would make you mistake a neighbour for someone else or strangers would hide somewhere out of view.
Thus, it is better to choose a wide-angled product which can provide at least 120 degrees. With this type, you can see directly what is in the front door, on both sides and below the level. But keep in mind that it can be a bit more expensive than standard models.
If your budget is tight, then consider going for inexpensive types with a metal tube and clear glass on both ends. While it is more affordable, the view can be a bit limited.
2. Determine a suitable height for installation
Once you have chosen a suitable peephole for your door. It’s time to measure and figure out the right height that you want to mount the unit.
Basically, this could vary a lot between different households, but the average height should range from 4 to 5.5 feet from the ground. In other words, the peephole should be preferably centred in the stile near your eye level so that everyone in your family would look through it and check who is standing outside.
In case you are planning to sell or rent the house later, make sure to consider and choose the right height for future homeowners.
3. Mark the installation position
After figuring out where you want to install the peephole, use a measuring tape to locate the centre of the door and the desired height. Next, use a pencil or chalk to mark the position. This will be the centre point where you start drilling and putting you peephole
4. Prepare the tools to drill
Next, you need to make a hole which completely goes through the door to install the peephole. This can be done with a drill and bit. Keep in mind that bits are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to choose the right one which can fit the diameter of the unit that you are going to set up.
If you don’t know how to choose the right size of the bit, consider referring to the instructions provided by the drill manufacturer. In most cases, a power drill often fits those with a shaft of around 3/8-inch in diameter.
Whether you have a metal or wooden door, you need to ensure that there will be no metal shards or splinters exposed with the help of a sanding pad. This is important to prevent injuries and make it simpler to install the peephole.
5. Drill the hole
Before drilling the hole for installing the peephole, keep in mind to wear proper safety equipment, including a pair of gloves and goggles. These units will prevent you from facing any injuries caused by shards and splinters.
To start, you need to hold the drill level and straight on the inside of the door. Once the device has been located on the marked position, run it on low speed.
To avoid splintering the exterior veneer, it is necessary to stop the drill frequently and check the other part of the door so that you can know when the pilot bit emerges first.
Finish drilling the hole from the exterior part of the door. After that, sand the completed hole to ensure the drilled edges are all smooth on both sides.
6. Install the peephole
Apply a bead of silicone in the drilled hole, then put in and slide the peephole. Pay attention to the direction in which you place two components to make sure it is installed correctly.
If you install the peephole in a reverse direction, people can see your house from the outside. For fibreglass and metal doors, keep in mind to trim off the spikes to modify the prism cover.
Wait a few hours for the silicone to dry before testing. During this time, avoid knocking or touching it, both accidentally and purposefully. Now you can easily check who is knocking your door and ensure your home’s safety.
These are six simple steps that you can follow to install a peephole on the door of your house. If you want to learn more useful information, watch the following video:
By adding a peephole in your front door, now you can make your home more secure and safer to live.
