Hi
There are several advantages to the product over just using longer screws. If you just replace the screws in the strike plate these screws only catch/engage the very edge of the 2x4 frame. They also are only about two inches apart. Imagine putting the screws in the last 1/2 inch of the 2x4 edge. If you check out the web site and look at the Doors are Weak page. http://firstlinehomedefense.com/?page_id=47 This page shows a cut away of standard door construction. With the EZ Armor strike plate the 7ea, 3 1/2 inch screws are set closer to the center of the door frame and engage about 1 1/2 inch of the 2x4 over a four foot area. Just putting longer screws is better than nothing, but not sufficient to keep the frame from breaking loose. The EZ Armor kit comes with door edge guards and hinge shields to strengthen the weak points. Once you strengthen the strike plate, the dead bolt will break through the edge of the door without this additional measure. There is only about 3/8 inch of material keeping the dead bolt from breaking through. Last, the hinges use the same one inch screws as the original strike plate and the smarter criminals will just kick the hinges if the lock side holds. Installation of the hinge shields prevent this.
We did a show not long ago and spoke with a bounty hunter who was impressed with the product and said he didn't think his team would be able to get through the door in any reasonable amount of time.
