Beefing up closet door where my gun safe is stored. Need suggestions

[CapnMac]

Steel security exterior doors from Lowes start at $90.

Those are likely to be 36x84 and not the 30x80 the closet door might be.
You'll need the frame, too. All of my local Lowe's are showing 36x80 at about $200 (and needing drop shipping).

If you go with a "security door" that will be a glorified storm door which will need hanging over the existing door which is complicated as the door likely swings out, not in, which is not the expected door swing for security doors. Also dropping a security door is once again screaming "break in here." Your house your choice.

Me, I prefer that prying eyes look elsewhere and not scheme against my protections. Having bad people know to bring a three foot prybar or hooligan tool in advance, kind of obviates the protection.

Ok, maybe you install one of these: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gatehouse-...n-x-81-in-Actual-32-125-in-x-81-5-in/50374760 inside the closet, then, maybe.
That assumes the closet, safe, etc. will clear the swing.

 

[P89DCSS]

Those are likely to be 36x84 and not the 30x80 the closet door might be.
You'll need the frame, too. All of my local Lowe's are showing 36x80 at about $200 (and needing drop shipping).

If you go with a "security door" that will be a glorified storm door which will need hanging over the existing door which is complicated as the door likely swings out, not in, which is not the expected door swing for security doors. Also dropping a security door is once again screaming "break in here." Your house your choice.

Me, I prefer that prying eyes look elsewhere and not scheme against my protections. Having bad people know to bring a three foot prybar or hooligan tool in advance, kind of obviates the protection.

Ok, maybe you install one of these: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Gatehouse-...n-x-81-in-Actual-32-125-in-x-81-5-in/50374760 inside the closet, then, maybe.
That assumes the closet, safe, etc. will clear the swing.

I can see from this post and your edits you're slowing figuring it out. Its not a glorified storm door. It includes everything including the frame and extra long security bolts. It does take a modicum of handy man skills to install. Cheapest in-stock steel security door from my local Lowe's is $123. I've install three of these now, they're excellent. If someone is suggesting stronger hinges for an interior door I've got a bridge to sell them. I've never seen an interior door I can't kick in within 10 seconds. Stronger hinges ain't gonna fix that.

 

[Encoreman]

They make exterior doors that open to the outside instead of inside. So kicking in the door is pretty hard as the frame all around the door makes it difficult. Have NO door knob or handle and put about 3 really good deadbolt locks on it. You may also think about putting these type doors on your exterior entry doors. It is a whole lot easier to use a battering ram than to pull a door open without a handle.

 

[FL-NC]

If it is a typical closet, what you are describing won't be very effective except to maybe keep kids out.

 

[bullseye308]

I’d reframe the closet with 4x4’s lag bolted to the original framework. Then I’d build doors from cabinet grade 3/4 plywood using carriage bolts to secure the hinges with a heavy steel locking hasp and hide it all behind a kids curtain and put a sign above the closet making it look like it was kids crafts and art supplies or the like.

 

[lightman]

Lots of good suggestions above.

You are going to be challenged to do much on $100 but there are a few things that come to mind. Replace the knob assembly with a keyed one. Buy one of those decorative plates to reinforce the thin area of the door where the striker is. Replace the hinges or the hinge pins with some that can't be driven out. Replace all of the striker screws and hinge screws with screws long enough to get into the solid wood behind the door frame.

Other ideas would be to install a monitored alarm system in your home. Maybe with a few cameras. I have a few cameras from Arlo that work well and send messages to our phones. They were not terribly expensive.

You could also spread out the cost of beefing up your doors by doing things in stages over time.

Good Luck with whatever you do.

 

[Lo-Profile]

Also I should have mentioned in my OP I'm not looking to buy an expensive vault door or anything like that, just a lil added hassle to open the closet door. $100 and under would be my budget for this endeavor.

Replace the doorknob with a deadbolt lock .... $20
Not going to stop anyone who really wants in, but keeps honest people honest

 

[reloaded_in_pa]

Replace the hinge and strike plate screws with longer construction screws. Running them in long enough to be in the framing will help beef it up.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Also if the door opens outward. Probably is being it's a closet. But they are harder to kick in. I reversed my outside doors and they are steel doors and a steel frame. And i have 2 keyed locks on them. The door to the gun room is also reversed. Things here in the coal regions are getting bad. I put steel bars over my windows too. Im too old to move and start over. Houses here are not worth much more than i paid. And i can not afford a mortgage for a country home. So im in my little fort lol.

 

[zdc1775]

Sounds like this is what you are looking for.

That being said this won't be effective unless the door is solid and the bar is mounted into the studs with long heavy duty screws.

 

[PCparabellum]

Through bolt instead of screws when you can reach the back side. Add a jamb shield and more stuff here: https://theprepared.com/gear/reviews/door-reinforcement/

 

[Steve762us]

If it is a typical closet, what you are describing won't be very effective except to maybe keep kids out.

Consider it less of "here's your TA-50", and more "actions at the objective."

Plenty of low-hanging fruit. Delay, defense in depth, harrass & interdict. Use the brain housing group, GI