Strengthen your entry doors with door guards and strike plates that help reinforce common weak points and improve everyday security. The right hardware upgrade spreads impact forces into the framing, helps keep latches and deadbolts seated and brings a clean, finished look to your doorway. Find the door components and hardware for your DIY project at Ace Hardware.
What Are Door Guards and Strike Plates?
Door guards and strike plates are key components for enhancing door security. Door guards provide extra protection against forced entry by reinforcing vulnerable areas of the door. Strike plates, or simply “strikes”, are metal plates installed on the door frame where the latch or deadbolt locks in place. They ensure proper alignment and strengthen the frame to resist kick-ins. For greater security, opt for heavy-duty strike plates with long screws that anchor into wall studs. Together, these hardware pieces help safeguard your home or business from break-ins.
Types of Door Guards and Reinforcements
Use this quick overview to choose the hardware that matches your door, lock style, and security needs.
- Standard latch strikes: Basic replacements that restore worn hardware and improve latch alignment for smoother, more reliable closing.
- Latch guards: Protective plates that cover the latch side of the door to help block forced-entry attempts and conceal exposed gaps.
- Deadbolt security strikes: Heavy-duty plates with deep boxes and multiple screw points that transfer impact into the framing for maximum strength.
- T‑strikes and full‑lip strikes: Specialized shapes designed to fit specific latch faces for a precise fit and a clean, finished look.
- Door reinforcers (wrap plates): U‑shaped sleeves that wrap around the lock area to prevent splitting and add extra durability.
Door Guard Benefits and Key Features
A few targeted upgrades can make a noticeable difference in how solid your door feels and functions day to day.
- Impact resistance: Heavier‑gauge steel plates and deep strike boxes help the frame resist prying and kicking.
- Frame protection: Wider plates spread force across more wood to help reduce splitting around the latch and bolt.
- Multiple mounting points: Added screw locations and included screws increase holding power into framing.
- Fit and finish options: Shapes and finishes match common locksets for a coordinated look across your entry.
Door Guard Materials and Finishes
Selecting durable materials and a coordinated finish helps your upgrade last and look great. Most door guards use steel for strength as stainless steel adds corrosion resistance in coastal or humid areas. Popular finishes include satin nickel, polished brass, oil‑rubbed bronze and matte black to match knobs, levers and deadbolts. When comparing parts, note plate thickness and the depth of any strike box—both contribute to overall durability.
Complementary Door Hardware
Round out your upgrade with related essentials that support performance and convenience. Choose a quality deadbolt to provide more security, then upgrade door hinges to anchor the jamb and door into wall framing for added strength. Add a door viewer to identify visitors before you open the door and install door stops to protect walls and hardware from accidental impacts.
For the garage, consider compatible garage door openers and hardware to improve access, safety features and everyday reliability. Finish the job with matching screws, chisels, drill bits and install templates to make setup smooth and professional.
Shop Door Guards Near You at Ace Hardware
Find door guards, strike plates and reinforcers online and near you at your local Ace. Our helpful team can guide you to the right size, shape and finish, plus related items like deadbolts, hinge screws and install tools to complete the job. Whether you are refreshing tired hardware or strengthening a busy entry, Ace makes it easy to choose the right parts and install them with confidence.
