It can be nerve-wracking not knowing who is at your door, and sometimes you just don’t have time to answer it. You may not have the time or energy to deal with an unexpected visitor, but you also don’t want to miss out on important deliveries or guests. If so, then you may want to consider installing a peephole in your door.
Peepholes are relatively easy to install, and they can provide an extra level of security for your home. Prior to beginning the project, keep in mind that peepholes can be installed incorrectly, which can cause problems such as making it difficult to see who is at the door or allowing people to see inside your home.
So, how to install a peephole in a metal door? Read on to find out the easy way to install a peephole in your metal door.
How to Install a Peephole in a Metal Door in Steps?
Have you ever wished you could see who was at your door before opening it? Well, installing a peephole can make that dream come true. Peepholes allow you to see who is at your exterior door without them knowing, giving you the opportunity to make a decision about whether or not to open the entrance door.
Installing a peephole is easy and straightforward, so let’s get started.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A drill
- Peephole drill bit
- Peephole mounting kit
- Tape measure or ruler
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
Step 1: Measure the Distance for Your Peephole
Measuring your peephole’s distance is an important first step in the installation. The measurement will determine the size of the hole you need to drill. It is important to be precise in this step in order to get the best results.
Use a tape measure to find the distance from the top of the entry door to where you want the center of the peephole to be. For most doors, this will be about 8 to 10 inches from the top. Also, this depends on the height of the door and if you want a clear view through it or just around it.
Mark this spot with a pencil. Then, measure the width of the door at this point. This will be your measurement for drilling the hole.
Step 2: Drill the Hole for Your Peephole
Now that you have your measurements, it’s time to do the drilling. Drilling through metal can be tricky, so it’s important to take your time and use the right drill bit. Fortunately, we’ve got a few tips to help you out. First of all, be sure to use a sharp drill bit. Try to use BI-metal drill bits as they will stand up to the metal better.
A dull bit will cause the metal to heat up, making it more difficult to drill through. You should go slow at first. Once you’ve made a few turns, you can increase the speed. Furthermore, be sure to use plenty of lubricants. This will help to keep the drill bit cool and prevent it from breaking.
Try to drill both sides of the door at the same time. This will help you to keep your hole centered. You should also ensure that the holes are straight and do not deviate excessively from straight.
Step 3: Install the Peephole Mounting Kit
Once your holes are drilled, you can start installing the peephole. Take out a hammer and screwdriver and use them to secure your peephole mounting kit in place. To do this, start by placing the inside part of the mount into one of the holes you drilled.
Then, place the outside part of the mount into the other hole and align it so that you can see through it. Secure this in place with a few screws. You can use a silicone sealant around the edges of the kit to make sure it is secure. Some kits may also come with an extra plate to cover the pilot hole you made in the garage door.
Step 4: Install the Peephole
Now, it’s time to install it. Take the peephole and place it into the mount. Make sure that the door scope is facing outward so that you can see out of it, but anyone outside can’t see in. Once everything is secure, you are ready to use your peephole.
Try not to over-tighten the screws too much, as this can damage the peephole or even cause it to break. Congratulations on your newly installed peephole in your steel door. Now you can see who is at your door before you open it, giving you a sense of home security and peace of mind.
Why Install a Peephole in a Metal Door?
The reasons for installing a peephole are numerous. Not only does it give you the ability to see through the door, but it also allows you to do so without opening the door and potentially putting yourself in danger.
It is beneficial to install a peephole in your door, especially if you live in an apartment or condo. Here are some of the top ones:
Increased Safety and Security:
Peepholes let you see who’s outside before opening the door. This helps to reduce the risk of potential danger and gives you a sense of door security.
Improved Privacy:
Peepholes provide additional privacy. You can check who is at the door but still keep your home secure without having to open the door and potentially exposing yourself.
Easy Installation:
Installing a peephole is actually much easier than you may think. You don’t need to be an expert handyman, and with the help of our guide, you can install one in just four steps.
Increased Convenience:
Peepholes are also very convenient. It is possible to peek through your door without opening it and exposing yourself. This saves you time and makes answering the door much easier.
Discourages People From Loitering:
Peepholes can also help to discourage random people from loitering around your door. If they know they can be seen, they are less likely to hang around and wait for you to open the door.
Peace of Mind:
Peepholes in doors provide you with peace of mind. You don’t have to worry about potential danger every time you open your door, as now you can take a quick peek and be reassured of who is outside.
Cost-Effective:
Peepholes are actually quite affordable, making them the perfect way to add a bit of extra security to your home without breaking the bank.
Metal Door Peephole Recommendations
There are a variety of peepholes to choose from, so you can pick one that fits your aesthetic and budget. Without further ado, here are some of our top peephole recommendations for metal doors.
Wide Angle Door Viewer:
This type of peephole has a wider angle 220 degrees wide angle Coverage, so you can see most of what’s outside the door. This is a great option and is adjustable between 1.3 to 8 inches.
Solid Brass 220-degree Door Viewer:
With this door viewer, there’s no chance of anyone peeking in from outside. This eye-catching brass viewer gives you a clear view of who is at your door from 220 degrees. It’s easy to install, and it fits most standard doors.
Solid Brass Anti-Prying Door Viewer:
This heavy-duty door viewer is made of solid brass with a brushed nickel finish, and it features a tamper-resistant design that makes it virtually impossible to pry open. As well as being easy to install, all the components are included.
Large Door Viewer:
This unique door viewer gives you a wide-angle view of your surroundings, so you can see who or what is approaching your door. The clear lenses provide distortion-free viewing, and the durable construction ensures that your peephole viewer will withstand years of use.
Solid Brass HD Glass Lens:
The shape of the solid brass HD glass lens is truly unique. It is designed to be an eyecatcher, with its sleek and elongated look. The material is also different from any other lens on the market. The solid brass makes it very durable, while the HD glass ensures that your vision will not be distorted.
How High Should a Metal Door Peephole Be?
Have you ever wondered why peepholes are placed at a certain height on doors? There is actually a very good reason for this. The average person’s line of sight is about 56 to 64 inches from the ground, which is the typical height for a peephole. For wheelchair users, their line of sight is only about 43 to 51 inches from the ground.
This means that if a peep hole is placed too high on a door, wheelchair users will not be able to see through it. The two peepholes should be placed differently, so they can both be seen.
What Kind of Lens Does a Door Peephole Have?
Most door peepholes use a convex lens, which is curved outward. Convex lenses are commonly used in security cameras and other surveillance equipment because they provide a clear view of objects or people from a distance. The curved surface of the lens helps to magnify the image, making it easier to see detail.
And because convex lenses have a wide field of view, they are ideal for use in peepholes. So next time you take a peek through your door peephole, remember that you’re seeing the world through a convex lens.
Peepholes for Metal Doors: Are They Worth Installing?
It is worth it to install a metal door peephole. From reading above, you now know that peepholes are affordable, come in various styles, and offer extra protection. On top of all that, they give you the peace of mind of being able to quickly identify visitors before letting them in.
So if you’re looking for an easy and cost-effective way to add a layer of security to your home, look no further than a door peephole. Now you know everything you need to know about how to install a peephole in a metal door. So go ahead and get your peephole installed today.