Peepholes, also known as door viewers, are an essential component in a door. They ensure safety as one can know who is on the other side without opening the door. A peephole can be conveniently installed in any door, whether it is made of steel, wood, or fibreglass. The project requires only basic tools. Standard peepholes are inexpensive and easily available at any hardware store.
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What is a peephole or door viewer?
A peephole or door viewer is a component of a door that allows one to view visitors on the other side without opening the door. It comprises a casing or barrel, an eyepiece/viewing scope and a lens installed on the outside.
Door peephole installation: Materials required
- Peephole/door viewer
- Tape measure
- Large nail or centre punch
- Hammer
- Drill
- Putty knife
- Square
- Pencil
- Silicone sealant
- Sandpaper or round file
- Gloves
- Eye protection gear
Door peephole installation: Procedure
Placement of the peephole
Identify the centre of the door using a measuring tape. Mark the spot where the viewer will be installed. Make sure to choose a suitable height, considering the convenience of the inhabitants. Place the viewer on a flat surface larger than the outer diameter of the viewer. Check the placement from both sides before drilling. Typically, peephole installation is done on the door, which has a minimum thickness of 1-3/8 inch. However, a wood panel door has thicker and thinner portions. Install the viewer in a stile (vertical pieces) or rail (horizontal section). The thinner pieces between stile and rail are panels. A panel may not have sufficient thickness for a weathertight fit.
Select the drill bit
Selection of the drill bit will depend on the door material and its diameter will depend on the viewer. Usually, a spade bit is ideal for most wooden doors. Go for twist bit for steel or fiberglass doors. Using a round file, smoothen out the burr around the hole that will be produced during drilling. Use insulating foam to fill in case of steel and fibreglass. When choosing the drill bit size, select the size that will fit the diameter of the hole.
Drill the hole
Start the drilling process with the door closed. It is better to place a warning note on the outer side. Create an indention on the mark with a centre punch or the point of a nail to keep the drill bit from moving. Drill the hole 90 degrees to the door’s face. Avoid drilling a pilot hole with spade bit/auger bit and a lead screw or a Forstner bit. Drill a pilot hole through with the smaller bit and consider this as the starting point in case of a twist bit. Remember to drill from both sides of the door, which will avoid a tear out on the other side.
In case of an auger or spade bit, stop drilling if the lead point starts to break from the other side. Take this as a reference point for the second half of the hole.
After drilling the hole, smoothen the edges with a round file or sandpaper. Clean the dust or debris.
Install the door viewer
A door viewer includes a threaded portion and a barrel. Place the lens end on the door’s exterior. Seal the moisture by applying silicone sealant around the inside of the lens’ lip. Put the barrel into the hole from one side. From the opposite side, insert the threaded portion in the hole and secure the viewer with the screw. Tighten the component or choose a broad, flat tool that will fit like a coin or a putty knife.
When installing the peephole, make sure it stays flush with the door. The outdoor lens and indoor viewfinder must remain tightly secured to the door. Avoid overtightening as it can damage the door viewer.
FAQs
Can you put a peephole in an existing door?
Yes, a peephole can be easily installed in an existing door.
What is a peephole?
A peephole is a small opening on a door, which allows the viewer to see the other side of the door.
How does a peephole work?
A peephole includes a lens that captures light from every angle and focuses it on a small hole region inside the door. This allows the person on the other side to see the outside from a wide range of angles.
Why don’t doors have peepholes?
Most modern doors do not have peepholes as homeowners are opting for other security features, such as front door cameras.
How high should a peephole be?
The height of the peephole should typically be around 56 to 64 inches.
What are the types of door peepholes?
Some of the common types of peepholes are standard front door viewer, hidden peephole viewer, and digital door viewer.
Which lens is used in peepholes?
Convex lenses are used in peepholes.
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