Proper installation includes 3 inch screws that hold the strike plate into the frame of the house and a hole big enough for the bolt to fully extend.

A thicker subfloor takes a 3-inch screw. Advertisement. Article continues below this ad. Use a heavy-duty drill to drive Phillips head wood screws through the subfloor into the floor joists.

The 3 inch screws will secure the strikeplate that holds the door closed into the dimensional lumber underneath, which is much stronger. "So you're getting a screw into a couple of 2x4s," Wade ...

If screwing into a stud, you'll likely only need a 3-inch screw (this gets the screw through 1 inch of plaster wall and 2 inches deep into the stud).

We've tested and reviewed products since 1936. Read CR's review of the Kwikset Obsidian 953 OBN door lock to find out if it's worth it.

Kick-in reinforced: Kick-in reinforced is the same test using an aftermarket Box Strike in place of the included strike or, for surface-mount locks, 3-inch screws; models scoring Excellent as sold ...

Using the 3-inch screws, I remounted the mounting base back to the jamb. The longer screws passed through the door jamb and into the 2x4 framing behind it, ensuring a firm grip against future storms.