What I install
- Viewers in thick solid-wood and plank doors
- Steel and fiberglass doors drilled cleanly
- Old brass viewers replaced with clearer lenses
- Second viewers at a lower height
- Viewer covers for privacy
- Chain guards and secondary latches
Thick doors on older homes
San Gabriel has many homes over 60 years old, 52.3 percent by the city’s count, and some still have heavy original doors well over two inches thick. Standard viewers won’t reach through, so I measure first and use an extended viewer when needed.
On doors with carved panels I place the viewer on a flat rail so the lens sits flush.
How I fit it
Measure
Door thickness and the right height.
Drill
From both faces to avoid splintering.
Install
Viewer threaded together tight.
Check
You look through before I leave.
When a viewer won’t work
Doors with glass panels or decorative metalwork may not take one. A video doorbell can fill in.
On the same San Gabriel visit, people also tend to ask about lock and door hardware replacement, doorbell and video doorbell installation, sticking door repair or mailbox installation.
Send me
A photo of the door from inside and a measurement of its thickness if you can.
Peephole questions
Can you put a peephole in a thick old door?
Yes, with an extended viewer made for thicker doors.
Can a peephole be added to a steel door?
Yes, drilled with the right bit.
Do you replace old brass peepholes?
Yes, with a clearer wide-angle viewer.
How much does it cost to install a peephole?
It depends on the door. Text a photo for a free estimate.
Can you add a viewer at child height?
Yes, a second lower viewer works well.
Can I have a peephole and a doorbell camera?
Yes, they work fine together.
Door guides
- Keeping vintage door hardware workingHow we repair, adjust and replace old mortise locks, glass knobs and skeleton-key hardware on the heavy doors in older San Gabriel homes.
- Video doorbells on older homesHow we install video doorbells on stucco and old wood door frames in San Gabriel, using existing doorbell wiring or battery models.
We’re a handyman in San Gabriel for small repairs like this one, with an upfront price by text.
This job sits in our doors, cabinets and hardware group. For other repairs, see the services overview, or start with the repair guide for San Gabriel’s older homes.