Enhancing your home's security doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. At Ace Hardware, we offer a comprehensive selection of door peepholes and viewers that help provide peace of mind with just a simple installation. These essential security devices let you safely identify visitors before opening your door, a smart precaution that takes minutes to install but provides years of use.
Why Are Door Peepholes Useful?
A door peephole is a small optical device installed through your entry door that features a wide-angle lens. This clever design allows you to see visitors clearly while preventing them from seeing inside your home. Modern door viewers use fish-eye lenses that provide viewing angles ranging from 130 to 200 degrees, letting you see not just who's directly in front of your door but also anyone standing to the side. Unlike electronic security systems, a quality door viewer works reliably without any ongoing costs, making it an essential piece of door hardware.
Practical Enhanced Home Security
If you don’t have a home security system, door viewers serve as your first checkpoint for home security. They work perfectly with other security measures like door chains and deadbolts. For apartment dwellers with just one entry point, a peephole for your door becomes even more critical. You should consider installing peepholes for doors throughout your home, including back doors, side entrances and basement doors with exterior access. While upgrading your door security, consider adding quality door pulls and doorstops for your entryway.
Choosing the Right Door Eye Hole
Selecting the proper door viewer depends on your specific needs:
- For narrow entryways, a 130- to 160-degree peephole provides adequate coverage
- Larger entryways benefit from 180- to 200-degree viewers that capture more area
- Find an eye hole appropriate for your door thickness
How Do You Install a Front Door Peephole?
Installing a peephole is a straightforward DIY project requiring basic tools like power drills with the correct drill bits, tape measuring tools, screwdrivers, and silicone sealant. Follow these simple tips for installing your peephole.
- Determine the right height: Choose a height on the door that's at eye-level for you and your family. Use a tape measure find the center of your door and mark the spot where you plan to install the door viewer with a pencil.
- Drill a pilot door peephole: To identify the correct spade bit, read the installation instructions that come with your door viewer. Using the appropriate spade bit, begin drilling slowly from the exterior side of the door to create a pilot hole. Stop drilling the pilot hole when the tip of the bit emerges through the interior surface of the door.
- Install the door viewer: Peepholes typically consist of a lens and a barrel. Starting at the exterior of the door, insert the lens into the hole. Then, from the interior side of the door, complete the installation of the door viewer by inserting the barrel into the hole and hand-threading both sides together.
- Apply a bead of silicone sealant: To help seal out moisture, apply a bead of silicone sealant around the perimeter of the lens. Then, tighten the barrel with the appropriate tool. The door peephole should be mounted flush with the door.
Maintaining Your Door Peephole
Door viewers require minimal maintenance. Clean both lens surfaces periodically with glass cleaner. Check sealant annually and reapply if needed. If condensation develops between lenses, it's time for replacement. For a complete door upgrade, browse our door hinges and other hardware essentials.
Shop Peepholes for Doors Near You at Ace
Your home's security starts at the door, and Ace Hardware makes it easy to add this essential protection. Browse our selection of door peepholes online or visit your local Ace for personalized assistance. Our knowledgeable staff can help you select the proper size, viewing angle and style for your needs. Find door viewers and peepholes near you at Ace Hardware today.
