Simple updates can increase front door’s security

A standard door lock may keep some people from getting into your home, but if you want to add some extra security to your doors, there are some inexpensive and easy ways to do so. Here are some ideas you can try.

Sometimes, just upgrading your existing door lock can add security. Many times, you can just change your standard lock to a deadbolt system without a lot of additional work.

You may have to drill the doorjamb a little deeper, but that is the extent of the “construction” required.

You also can add a deadbolt just over your existing doorknob or lock, if you don’t already have one.

Another simple thing you can do is to remove a screw from a couple of your hinges, as well as the strike plate on the door frame, and replace these with longer screws that will reach into the door frame.

Another option is to reinforce your existing lock with a metal strike box. It will be less likely to split than a regular doorjamb. Manufacturers also make other metal parts that can be added to your knobs, locks or door edges to give them an extra layer of protection.

To add extra security from the inside of the door is even easier. Check your hardware store or home center to see what they have.

A slide bolt can be added to just about any door, and usually just requires installing a few screws. These can be placed at the top, bottom or along the side, and work quite well.

The older chain locks still work well to allow you to open the door, but still prevent entry.

You can add a metal flip lock. These are easy to install with just a couple of screws, and when flipped over the door edge, it makes entry much harder.

Since they don’t fit into a strike plate or other device, metal flip locks can be used on doors that don’t fit as perfectly as they should.

Add a peephole to your door, and it will allow you to see who is there without ever turning your lock at all.

Baking soda uses

Baking soda isn’t just for baking. As a matter of fact, it can be used for all sorts of things in the shop and home. Baking soda doesn’t cost very much, and just about everybody has a box or two in the house, so why not use it to its full potential?

We have put together a list of some of our favorite uses, some of which you might be surprised to know about. If you would like a copy of our list “Get Cooking with Baking Soda,” just send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to The Super Handyman in care of the newspaper, and we’ll get a copy out to you right away. You also can find this, along with tons of other cool stuff, on our website - www.thesuperhandyman.com.

Dear Kelly: I’m on a tight budget, but I wanted to have a cute metal border around my front flower garden. I bought some very inexpensive metal wire fencing and then painted it copper. It looks really cute, and I’ve even noticed that it is starting to “age” and turn green in some areas. It’s so cool-looking, and it really was inexpensive to do. —V.D.

Q

: Here’s my question. We are going to be putting in a wooden deck this fall. I’ve decided to use standard lumber, and have heard from someone that it makes a difference which way the boards are set onto the framework. Do you know about this “rule”? Which side goes up, and how can you tell the difference? — R.C.

A : If you look at the end of the wood, you can see that the “rings” of the tree are still evident. They will curve just a little in one direction. You want to see the upper part of the curve at the top of the deck surface. This also is known as the “bark side.” This will prevent some of the warping that naturally will occur in the wood.

A super HandyMom tip — I installed a heavyduty hook into the end of my wooden mop handle. It makes it easy to hang it up in the utility room, but it’s also great for getting to my hanging baskets when I want to move them. I can put a duster on the end so I can reach the cobwebs around my ceiling fixtures that are in the tall entryway of our house. I also use it to hang my bird feeders higher in the trees.

A super hint — If you’ve never washed your bed pillows, do it today. You need to do it once a month. Put them in the washer with detergent and a little bleach, two at a time for a balanced load. Air-dry or line-dry afterward.

Got a question or a tip? Send it to The Super Handyman in care of the Houston Chronicle, or visit our website at www.thesuperhandyman. com. Those of general interest will be used in future columns.