External door hinges can be secured using safety studs or hinge bolts to prevent unauthorized removal of the door.
To enhance the security of your external door hinges, consider the following method:
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Install Security Studs (or Hinge Bolts): This involves inserting a metal pin or stud into one leaf of the hinge that will then protrude and fit into a corresponding hole in the other leaf when the door is closed. This effectively interlocks the hinge leaves, preventing the door from being removed even if the hinge pin is taken out.
- Pre-Made Security Hinges: You can purchase hinges that already have a security stud built-in. These are a straightforward replacement for existing hinges.
- DIY Security Studs: If your current hinges have screw holes that align when the door is closed, you can install a small metal peg or stud in one of the screw holes to act as the security stud. Ensure the stud fits snugly into the corresponding hole of the other hinge leaf. This requires careful measurement and potentially some modification to the hinge.
By adding a security stud, even if someone removes the visible hinge pins, the door remains secured by the interlocking stud, greatly increasing resistance to forced entry.