How to Install a Door Peep Hole

A peephole improves the security of any home with an wooden outside door. It allows someone inside to see who is at the door without the person on the other side knowing. This is an easy project that most people can accomplish if they plan carefully and are comfortable using a drill.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Peephole kit
• Power drill (a basic model is fine)
• 1/8 drill bit
• Spade bit (see peephole instructions for size)
• Safety goggles
• Pencil
• Tape measure

Preparation

1. Start by having a look at your door. Note type of finish on the handles, locks and knobs. You will want to purchase a peephole that roughly matches this finish (usually gold or silver). Also decide if you prefer a large peephole or a small one. Most people prefer smaller ones, but if you have vision problems, then you may need one that is larger.

2. Go to your local home improvement store and choose a peephole to your liking. They are generally sold as kits and include inner and outer pieces. These kits usually cost only a few dollars.

3. Read the instructions carefully and note the tools and materials needed. Particularly make note of the drill bit types and sizes required. Purchase whatever tools you do not have.

4. Have another look at the inner side of the door in which you will install the peephole. Think about the height at which you would like it. Unless you live alone, consider the heights of all the individuals you expect to use the peephole. Select a height that is low enough for everyone to use. If there is an extremely large difference, you might even consider installing two peepholes, though it is best to avoid this unless absolutely necessary.

5. Using a pencil, make a light mark at the height you decide on. Then use a tape measure to find the middle point on the door. Make a distinct pencil mark at this point. The will be the center point of the peephole. Have everyone who will use the peephole check one more time to see that they can comfortably place their eyes to this point. Also check the outside of the door and verify that the position you have chosen does not interfere with the door knocker if you have one.

Installation

6. Put on your safety goggles. Using the 1/8 drill bit, drill a narrow hole all the way through the door. This narrow hole is called the pilot hole and will be your guide for making a bigger hole in the next step. Take care to keep the drill level so the hole will be as close to horizontal as possible.

7. Replace the 1/8 bit in your drill with a spade bit. Make sure to use the size recommended in the instructions that came with your peephole kit. Begin on the inside of the door and center the point of the spade bit in the pilot hole. Once more, make sure that the drill is level. Now, drill approximately halfway through the door.

8. Repeat the above step from the opposite side of the door. Once again, use the pilot hole to guide your spade bit. When you are done, there should be a smooth circular hole all the way through the door. Drilling half way from each side prevents the door from splintering when it emerges through the other side.

9. Follow the instructions in the kit to insert the two halves of the peephole into the hole you just drilled. The two pieces will meet in the middle and screw together. Take care not to install the peephole backwards.