Peepholes, or also called door viewers, are observed in most residential homes and condominiums.
They are mostly attached to the front door eye level.
Peepholes are installed to allow residents to take a “peek” outside—to know who is the person on the other side of the door.
These are devices designed to enhance security and guarantee the safety of the occupants.
Installing a peephole will allow you to feel more aware, safe, comfortable, and secured.
For instance, there is someone knocking on your door, but you have no idea who it is.
Would you open it and risk your safety?
Peepholes will provide you an option whether to open it or not because you can see the person who wants to get inside.
It reduces the risks of intrusion, trespassing, and other illegal acts.
While peephole installation can be done by you, we recommend you to call a locksmith for a clean and efficient job.
If you insist on doing it on your own, read along to know what steps to follow on how to install a peephole on your door.
Tools and Materials for Peephole Installation
- Drill
- Drill Bit
- Tape Measure
- Pencil
- Step Ladder (optional)
- Silicone Sealant
- Peephole Kit
Step 1: Measure the door’s thickness
The first step in the peephole installation process is to measure the door’s thickness.
Typical residential doors measure 1 ⅜ inches while commercial doors measure 1 ¾ inches thick.
It is crucial to select a peephole who has the accurate length to your door.
Step 2: Choose a peephole type
We recommend you to choose a peephole that suits your environment best.
It is best to have stainless steel to avoid redoing it once it rusted.
Here are some peephole types you might want to consider:
Door Peephole Types
Standard front door viewer – The standard front door reviewer is the most common and simplest option in the market.
It is the default measurement, a small angle for viewing; hence, you can only see a little of the person’s face outside.
It is the best-seller because it is the cheapest and the easiest to install.
Wide angle projection viewer – If you want a wider angle, the wide angle projection viewer has a fisheye lens that focuses more on the face of the person outside.
Bulletproof peephole – this type is for additional safety, especially in specialized doors.
Digital door viewer – this type is the most advanced among all mentioned.
It has a built-in camera that reflects the view on any screen available.
Interestingly, it can operate without your 24/7 monitoring.
Hidden peephole viewer – For discreteness, consider installing the hidden peephole viewer.
This type of viewer has a microscopic video camera on the outside door and a receiving end inside the house or unit.
Peephole periscope – this type is designed for people with disabilities and children.
It is equipped with an eyepiece, with objective lens on different levels.
The view is obtainable through mirror systems on the casing.
Step 3: Place the peephole accessible to everyone
Decide where to put the peephole.
It should be installed in a place that every family member can access.
Consider a mounting height that will allow everyone to see through it.
After deciding, mark the location with a pencil.
Step 4: Drill a hole
This step is the most critical one.
What you need to do is drill a hole that is similar to the unit’s diameter.
For peepholes that do not have the same diameter across the whole length, follow this method.
Get your bimetal hole saw and search for a unit with a pilot bit or an attached arbor in the center.
It allows you to have smooth and easy cuts using your hole saw.
Afterwards, clean the hole from any rough edges using a metal file.
Step 5: Insert the lens portion
After smoothing the edges, insert the peephole’s lens portion through the exterior hole.
For the interior hole, add the scope version, then twist both of them simultaneously.
Step 6: Caulk around it
Step six revolves caulking around the peephole to ensure that there are no air spaces and the gaps are sealed.
For enhanced security, consider hiring Pick4 Locksmith
Peephole installation is an easy job that you, owners, can do!
However, if you are not confident enough to do it, you can always ask for assistance from us.
Also, if your peephole is malfunctioning, we can also be of help.
A locksmith in Markham like us is always ready to serve you.
