9 / 20

Reinforcing your door’s weak spot, the jamb, with a heavy-duty strike plate and extra-long screws gives it the added strength needed to withstand a burglar trying to kick in your door. If your deadbolt was installed within the last 10 years, it’s probably already reinforced. To check, simply remove the strike plate. If it’s heavy steel with at least 3-inch screws or has a heavy reinforcing plate, you can rest easy.

If not, buy the Defender Security strike plate reinforcing hardware. To install, remove the old strike plate, then hold the new one in place and deeply score around it. Chisel out space for the new plate, then mount it by driving 3-inch screws through predrilled holes. For a little bit of money, you get a lot of peace of mind.

10 / 20

Patio door locks are easy to pick. Fortunately, there’s a way to get the security you need. Andersen’s auxiliary foot lock fastens along the bottom of the door and has a bolt that fits into a grommet to hold the door secure.

A similar lock, the Door Guardian, attaches at the top of the door. Both locks allow the door to open three inches without compromising security. Installation takes about 10 minutes. Screw the bracket containing the pin to the door, then drill holes and insert grommets in the track for the pin to slide into.

11 / 20

“Like a lot of folks, we needed something to secure our sliding patio door. But I wanted it to be a little more stylish than a 2×4 or an ugly metal bar. So I picked up an oak handrail and stained and sealed it. I finished it with an attractive drawer pull. It works great, it’s easy to handle and it gets tons of compliments from everyone who sees it.” — Family Handyman reader Ryan Velthuis. For an easy DIY project, grab a Woodpecker wood dowel from Amazon and keep intruders out.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p63MoqOyoJGjsbq5wKdlnKedZLmqv9NooKedqKWyr7%2FIr5xmr5GuwG7AzmaroZ2WqXqxvs6onWaxn6q%2FbrTOppxo