Schlage Door Reinforcement Kit Review
A comprehensive look at the Schlage Door Reinforcement Kit, designed to strengthen your door frame against forced entry. We break down its specs, installation, and real-world value.
Quick answer
The Schlage Door Reinforcement Kit is a solid upgrade for standard residential doors, but it is not a standalone security solution. It effectively reinforces the strike plate area, yet its plastic latch shield and limited compatibility with deadbolts mean it is best paired with a high-quality deadbolt for true security.
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Research updated June 2026.
Schlage Door Reinforcement Kit
A solid reinforcement for standard doors, best used with a quality deadbolt.
Pros
- Reinforces strike plate area for added security
- Includes a latch shield to protect the latch bolt
- Easy to install with basic tools
Cons
- Latch shield is made of plastic, not metal
- Does not include a deadbolt, only a latch
Who is the Schlage Door Reinforcement Kit For?
This kit is for homeowners who want to improve the security of a standard entry door without replacing the entire lock set. It is designed to work with Schlage keyed entry knobs and levers, but it can be used with other brands that use a standard 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" backset. The kit is not for doors that already have a deadbolt, as it only reinforces the latch area.
Performance and Build Quality
The kit includes a heavy-duty steel strike plate and a plastic latch shield. The strike plate uses 3-inch screws to anchor into the door frame, which is a significant upgrade over the standard 1-inch screws that come with most locks. This makes it harder to kick the door in. The plastic latch shield is a weak point; it protects the latch bolt from being shaved off, but a metal shield would be more durable. Owner reviews on retailer sites are mixed, with many praising the strike plate but criticizing the plastic latch shield.
Installation Process
Installation is straightforward. You remove the existing strike plate and latch shield, then install the new ones using the provided screws. The process takes about 15 minutes with a screwdriver. The kit is compatible with doors that are 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" thick. You may need to drill pilot holes for the 3-inch screws if your door frame is made of hard wood.
Alternatives to the Schlage Door Reinforcement Kit
If you want a metal latch shield, consider the Guardian Security GPN-1 Door Reinforcement Lock. It uses a full metal plate and is more durable. For a complete security upgrade, a Schlage B60N Deadbolt combined with a Schlage Door Reinforcement Kit is a popular choice. The Kwikset 660 Deadbolt is another option that includes a reinforced strike plate.
What to Check Before Buying
Before buying, measure your door's backset (the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the lock hole). The kit works with 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" backsets. Also, check if your door frame is solid wood or hollow. The 3-inch screws will bite into solid wood but may not hold as well in hollow frames. Finally, ensure you are not using a deadbolt, as this kit only works with a latch.
Mistakes to Avoid
Do not install the kit without removing the old strike plate. Simply screwing the new plate over the old one will not provide proper reinforcement. Also, avoid using the included screws if your door frame is made of soft wood; use longer screws that reach the wall stud. Finally, do not expect the plastic latch shield to stop a determined attacker with a crowbar; it is a deterrent, not a fortress.
FAQs
Does the Schlage Door Reinforcement Kit work with a deadbolt?
No, it is designed for a latch only. You need a separate kit for a deadbolt.
Is the latch shield made of metal or plastic?
The latch shield is made of plastic. The strike plate is steel.
What size screws are included?
The kit includes 3-inch screws for the strike plate and 1-inch screws for the latch shield.
Can I install this on a metal door?
Yes, but you may need to use self-tapping screws for the strike plate.
Does it fit all Schlage locks?
It fits Schlage keyed entry knobs and levers with a standard backset.
Will this stop a kick-in attack?
It makes kick-in attacks harder by reinforcing the strike plate area, but it is not a guarantee.
What is the warranty?
Schlage offers a limited lifetime warranty on the kit.
Can I use it with a Kwikset lock?
Yes, it works with any standard latch lock that uses a 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" backset.
Does it include a new latch?
No, it only includes a new strike plate and latch shield. You reuse your existing latch.
Is the kit easy to install?
Yes, it takes about 15 minutes with a screwdriver.
Our verdict
The Schlage Door Reinforcement Kit is a good value for reinforcing the strike plate area of a standard door. It is best used as a complement to a quality deadbolt, not as a standalone solution. For those wanting a metal latch shield, the Guardian Security GPN-1 is a better option.