www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

You will never believe what happened to my back door this weekend - it got kicked in! Its only a cheap door and I want it to be safe in the future so would you recommend fixing it or buying a new one?

Erm, I'm not sure about this one

Errrrr it wasnt a trick question! There is a panel that seems to be made from plywood which was the bit that was kicked in - so I may just hammer another piece over it for now until someone gives me a better answer. Id send you a picture but its raining where I live.

I'd screw your back door rather than nailing it as it is much better.

I got burgled about 10 yrs ago. The tossers kicked thru' the thin panel and climbed thru'. Three hours after returning home I was robbed again, this time by the chippy who charged me £100 to put up another piece of plywood in place of it. :evil:

I ended up buying a new door

Avoiding the double entendres about firming up your back door it will be neceesary to have a good look at the damage. If the door frame and locks have held well then you can make a decision on the door itself. Ply panels are not really strong enough unless they are thick and well fixed.

I would replace the panel with two pieces of ply. One to fill the panel rebates to come flush with the surface of the door and then another one overlaping with enough overlap to scew though to the door face. Glue it in teh channels and together with a strong adhesive, something like Evostick Strong Stuff. Chamfer the edges and paint to suit.

Should be strong enough to stop this happening again but take time to look at your security generally.

DWD

Yeah same as me - the freak climbed in through my back door too. Hope to god it wasnt the same guy. Mine left a big footprint on the kitchen lino having measured it it was a size 8! Believe me when I find the owner of the footprint he will need to be able to run fast cos when I catch him he will never escape my clutches! Ive only got a hand saw so its going to take me all night to cut through the plywood - it always happens when Corrie is on. But I wont let the buggera win!!

here are the facts

98 percent of all burglers go for the back of the building and most go through the back door

WHY? because most houses in this country have cheap back doors fitted with two lever locks which are out of sight from the main road


ive fitted a strong back with a 5 lever mortice lock. consider this when you spend your hard earned money

Get it cut to size at BnQ


DWD