Peepholes are often thought of as a security measure, and while they can provide some peace of mind, they are not foolproof. Burglars have been known to break through doors with peepholes, and children can easily injure themselves if they play too rough around the door.
So, if the peephole on the door needs to be swapped, can you replace the door peephole? Throughout this blog post, we will try to answer your very logical question and elaborate on the reasons and answer more relevant questions so that you get a better idea about the question at hand.
Can you Replace Door Peephole Without Injuring the Door?
The answer is yes, but it depends on the type of door you have. If you have a steel door, you will need to use a drill to make a new hole for the peephole. If you have a wooden door, you can simply remove the old peephole and screw in a new one.
In either case, it is important to be careful when making or removing the hole, as too much force can damage the door. With a little care and patience, it is possible to replace a door peephole, avoiding injuring the door.
Reasons to Replace the Door Peephole
You will be happy to know that replacing the door peephole is a fairly straightforward process. People generally replace traditional peepholes with wide-angle peepholes or other updated models. The reasons are listed below.
Gives You a Wider Field of View:
The average door peephole has a field of view of about 120 degrees. This means that you can only see a small portion of what is happening outside your door. A wide-angle peephole, on the other hand, can have a field of view of up to 180 degrees. This means that you can see almost everything that is happening outside your door, making it easier to identify potential threats.
Can Be Installed at Eye Level:
One of the main problems with door peepholes is that they are often installed too low. This can make it difficult to see through the peephole, especially if you are tall. With a wide-angle peephole, it is easy to install it at eye level, making it much easier to use.
Can be Used With a Security Camera:
If you want to increase your home security, then you may want to consider installing a wide-angle peephole in conjunction with a security camera. This way, you can see who is at your door and also record what is happening.
A Peephole Can Help you Deter Burglars:
Burglars often target homes that do not have visible security measures in place. By installing a wide-angle peephole, you can help to deter burglars as they will know that you are aware of them, and they may be less likely to target your home.
A Peephole Can Give You Peace of Mind:
Knowing that you have a wide-angle peephole installed in your door can provide you peace of mind, knowing that you are able to see who is around your door and identify potential threats before they become an issue.
A Door Peephole Can be Easier to Use:
A conventional door peephole can be difficult to use, especially if you are short or have difficulty bending down. The wide-angle peephole of a door, in contrast, is much easier to use.
You can simply look through the hole without having to bend down or strain your neck. This makes it a great option for people who have difficulty using a regular door peephole.
More Aesthetically Pleasing:
Conventional door peepholes are often considered to be an eyesore. They can be difficult to match with your home’s décor and can stick out like a sore thumb.
A wide-angle door peephole, on the other hand, is much more aesthetically pleasing. The sleek design blends in with most home décor and does not stick out as a traditional door peephole would.
Why Would I Want to Replace My Door Peephole?
There are a few reasons why you might want to replace your door peephole. The most obvious reason is safety. With a peephole, you can see who is outside your door without having to open it and potentially put yourself in danger. Peepholes also offer an element of privacy.
A peephole allows you to observe the outside world without being seen by the outside world. Also, peepholes can be aesthetically pleasing. Depending on the style of your door, a peephole may add a touch of elegance or sophistication.
What Are My Options for Replacing My Door Peephole?
If you’re thinking about replacing your door peephole, you have two main options: replacing the entire door or installing a supplemental peephole. Replacing the entire door is, of course, more expensive and invasive than installing a supplemental peephole, but it offers the added benefit of allowing you to choose a new style for your door.
If cost is not an issue and you’re interested in giving your home a facelift, replacing your door may be the right choice for you.
Installing a supplemental peephole is less expensive and disruptive than replacing your entire door, but it does require that there already be a hole in your door through which to install the peephole. If there is not already a hole in your door, you will need to drill one before proceeding with the installation.
Do Locksmiths Install and Replace Peepholes?
Locksmiths are trained in the installation and replacement of a wide variety of locks, from simple deadbolts to sophisticated electronic security systems. In most cases, locksmiths will also be able to install or replace peepholes.
While many peepholes are relatively simple to install, some may require special tools or expertise. Therefore, it is always best to consult with a locksmith before attempting to install or replace a peephole. A qualified locksmith will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
In some cases, the installation of a new peephole may be as simple as drilling a hole and screwing in the new unit. In other cases, more extensive work may be required. In any case, a locksmith will have the necessary tools and experience to ensure that the job is done correctly.
What is the Standard Peephole Size?
The standard peephole size is 2.375” in diameter, but they can range anywhere from 1.875” to 3”. The size you need depends on the door thickness and how far away from the door you need to be willing to observe.
For example, if you have a thick door, you might need a larger peephole so that you can still see clearly even when the hole is further away from your eye. Conversely, if you don’t need to be able to see very far away, a smaller peephole might suffice.
It’s also worth considering the field of view that you need. A wider field of view might require a slightly larger peephole. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what size peephole will work best for your needs.
How Long Does it Take to Replace a Peephole?
On average, it takes about 20 minutes to replace a peephole. This includes removing the old peephole and installing the new one. The time can vary depending on the type of door and the condition of the hole. If the hole is small, it may only take a few minutes to replace the peephole.
But, if the hole is large or the door is in poor condition, it may take longer. Aside from that, if you are replacing a peephole with a security camera, it may take longer to install the camera and run the wires. Overall, the time it takes to replace a peephole depends on the individual situation.
Would a Camera Work as a Substitute for Your Door Peephole?
There are several potential benefits to using a camera as a door peephole. First, cameras can provide a wider field of view than most door peepholes. This implies that you can see more of what is happening without opening your door.
Also, cameras can be equipped with night vision capabilities, which can be helpful if you need to see who is approaching your door after dark. Also, many modern cameras come with additional features such as motion detection and two-way audio, which can further enhance security.
But, there are also some potential drawbacks associated with using cameras as peepholes. To begin with, cameras can be costly, and you may need to purchase additional equipment, such as a monitor or recording device.
Also, cameras require regular maintenance and care, which can be time-consuming. In closing, it is important to remember that cameras can be hacked, which means that someone could potentially gain access to your home without your knowledge or consent.
Overall, whether or not to use a camera as a substitute for your traditional door peephole is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Peepholes are an important safety feature on doors, allowing you to see who is at the door without opening the door and exposing yourself to potential danger. If your peephole is damaged or broken, it is important to replace it as soon as possible.
Hopefully, after reading the article, you now have a definite answer to your question and are ready to replace your door peephole as it suits your needs. Thanks for reading.
