How To Install Ring Doorbells On A Narrow Door Frame?
Are you looking to install a Ring doorbell on a narrow door frame but not sure how to go about it? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Ring doorbells are a great addition to any home, providing you with a sense of security and peace of mind knowing who’s at your door even when you’re not home.
Installing a Ring doorbell on a standard door frame is simple. To install a ring doorbell with an existing doorbell, first, remove the existing doorbell button, install the mounting bracket, connect the wires (or install wireless Ring doorbells), and securely tighten the screws. To install a doorbell without an existing doorbell, you can also read our earlier article.
However, installing a ring doorbell on a door with narrow frames can be a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. That being said, with the right tools and patience, you can still install a Ring doorbell on a narrow door frame by following a few extra steps.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the multiple ways of installing a Ring doorbell on a narrow door frame. So, let’s get started!
How To Install Ring Doorbells On A Narrow Door Frame?
If The Door Frame Is Too Narrow, You Can Try Mounting The Ring Doorbell Directly Onto The Door Or Outer Wall If It’s Battery-operated. It’s Important To Use Wedge Or Corner Kits To Ensure A Proper Fit. However, Even With The Right Tools, You May Still Experience Issues With Video Quality If The Camera’s View Is Obstructed. To Improve Camera Visibility In Tight Spaces, Consider Using A Corner Installation Kit Or Wedge Kit. This Will Help To Ensure The Camera Captures A Clear View Of The Area You Want To Monitor. Choosing The Thinnest Model, Like The Ring Pro, Can Also Be Helpful In These Situations.
Why Installing Ring Doorbells On A Narrow Door Frame Can Be A Problem?
Installing Ring Doorbells on a narrow door frame can be problematic for several reasons. Firstly, a narrow door frame may not provide enough space to properly mount the Ring Doorbell, making it more susceptible to damage or theft. Secondly, if the doorbell is placed too close to the sidewall, it can create blind spots that can be exploited by burglars. Additionally, narrow door frames may require custom cutting of the mounting bracket or the use of a third-party bracket, which can be more expensive and time-consuming.
Method to install ring doorbell on narrow door frame:
To avoid the problems discussed, it’s important to follow the methods outlined below to perfectly mount the Ring doorbell on a narrow door frame.
Buy A Corner Kit:
If you’re struggling to install a Ring Doorbell on a narrow door frame, investing in a corner kit can be a great solution. The Ring Corner Kit installation, in particular, allows you to adjust the viewing angle of the doorbell by 15, 30, or 45 degrees, ensuring better motion detection and field-of-view. This is especially useful when dealing with narrow doorframes that only offer partial views due to the position of the wall.
By using the Ring Corner Kit, you can capture a clear view of the outdoors without capturing 40-50% of the sidewall. It also provides a better view of people walking towards your house or up and down your street.
Below is how to install the Ring Corner Kit to your doorframe:
- Note the placement of the doorbell and ensure that the camera captures the majority, at least, the doorway.
- Install the doorbell 4 feet (48 inches) above the ground using the provided level tool.
- Insert the corner mount into the designated spot and use a screwdriver drill bit to secure the top and bottom holes.
- If you’re not happy with the angle, remove the screws and build a second mount on top of the one you currently have to extend the camera’s angle.
- Next, attach the doorbell to the corner mount.
While you can use any type of corner kit, we recommend the Ring Corner Kit as it’s specifically designed for Ring video doorbells.
Purchase A Wedge Kit:
If the corner kit doesn’t work for your narrow doorframe, a wedge kit may be a better solution. The wedge kit allows you to angle the doorbell downwards, pointing the camera at a specific angle. This can be particularly helpful if your door has stairs going up to it or if you have a hard-wired doorbell and the wires are situated above chest level on your door frame.
Similar to the corner kit, the wedge kit comes with three stackable wedges offering camera adjustments of 5, 10, or 15 degrees. Installation is quite similar to the Corner Kit. If you can’t achieve the desired angle, you can stack both kits on top of each other for even greater adjustability.
Install A Ring Doorbell On The Wall Next To Your Door:
In cases where the side of your doorframe measures less than 2.5 inches in width, installing your Ring Doorbell on the wall next to your door might be a better alternative. This is especially true if you’re worried about obscured camera angles or hesitant to drill a hole in your door.
This method is a breeze for those using battery-operated Ring Doorbells since no wiring or complex installations are necessary. However, if you’re using wired doorbells and your wiring isn’t lengthy enough, you might need to engage the services of a professional to run cables through the wall.
When you can install the doorbell, ensure that it’s as near to the door as feasible to capture the best footage of your visitors. Additionally, make sure that it’s noticeable enough to be seen by anyone coming to your doorstep.
Install A Ring Doorbell On Your Door:
When it comes to mounting a doorbell, most people opt for the door frame. If you have a battery-powered Ring Doorbell 1 or Doorbell 2, mounting the doorbell on your door is an option worth considering. However, this option may not work for wired doorbells due to the risk of the cables getting tangled or damaged.
By mounting the doorbell in the middle of your door, you not only get a clear front view of your doorway but also add a touch of elegance to your home. If you’re not comfortable mounting the doorbell on your door, you can still make it work by chiseling out the raised section of the doorframe’s molding to fit the doorbell. However, keep in mind that this is a permanent modification and cannot be easily reversed.
Invest In Ring Peephole Camera:
Looking for a solution that’s specifically designed for narrow doors and peepholes? Consider the Ring Peephole Cam. This compact device measures just 2.26 in. x 4.40 in. x 1.16 in., making it an excellent option for those with limited space.
Despite its small size, the Peephole Cam doesn’t skimp on features. It offers the same high-quality 1080p HD camera as other Ring doorbells, along with infrared night vision and two-way audio communication. Plus, with a 155-degree horizontal field of view and a 90-degree vertical field of view, you’ll have a clear picture of anyone standing at your door.
One of the biggest differences between the Peephole Cam and traditional doorbell cameras is that the Peephole Cam is installed inside your home. When someone knocks on your door, the impact sensor will immediately notify you so you can see who’s there without opening the door. And if you opt for a Peephole Cam with a Ring Chime, you’ll get real-time notifications when someone presses the doorbell button.
Buy The Ring Doorbell Pro (1 or 2)
If you’re not a fan of the Ring Peephole Cam, there are other options available that may suit your preferences better. The Ring Doorbell Pro (1 or 2) and the Ring Doorbell Wired are both slimmer than the Doorbell 1 and 2, which measure roughly 5 in. x 2.5 in. x 1 in. Whereas, the Pro is only 4.5 in. x 1.8 in. x 0.8 in. While this may not seem like a significant difference at first glance, the distinction becomes quite noticeable when you compare all three products side-by-side.
What’s more, the Pro is 35% less bulky than the Doorbell 1 and 2, making it an ideal option for doors with narrow frames that can’t accommodate a larger device.
In addition to its compact design, the Doorbell Pro is often referred to as an upgraded version of the Doorbell 1 and 2. It has a slightly wider field of view at 160 degrees, as opposed to the regular 155. It also features LED lighting for enhanced night vision and customizable alerts that you won’t find on the standard Doorbell. Plus, it has a more reliable motion sensor.
It’s worth noting that unlike Doorbells 1 and 2, which operate on batteries, the Pro must be hard-wired to external wiring. However, this is generally considered an advantage, as hard-wired equipment is typically more dependable than battery-operated devices.
Conclusion:
To conclude, choosing the right Ring doorbell for your home requires considering several factors such as the size of your doorframe, and whether you want a battery-powered or hard-wired doorbell. I trust that you have gained insight into installing a Ring Doorbell on a narrow doorframe. The most straightforward option is to get a Corner or Wedge doorframe add-on by Ring, which is affordable at approximately $20 for the whole package. Alternatively, you can mount the doorbell in the middle of your door on the main wall. If you have limited space, the Ring Peephole Cam or Ring Doorbell Pro may be better suited for your needs. Ultimately, the Ring doorbell you choose should provide you with a clear view of your front porch and reliable security for your home.
FAQ:
Q : Where Can I Get The Finest Ring Doorbell Installation Products For A Narrow Doorframe?
A : One option is to buy directly from the Ring website, where you can find a range of products including the Corner Kit and Wedge Kit designed specifically for narrow doorframes. You can also find Ring doorbell mounting products on popular online marketplaces such as Amazon. Before purchasing any mounting products, make sure to double-check the compatibility with your Ring doorbell model to ensure a proper fit.
Q : What Is The Best Location To Install A Ring Doorbell?
A : Ring recommends mounting the doorbell about 4 feet or 48 inches above the ground and flat against the door, doorframe, or wall. In case of an uneven surface, mounting kits and angle brackets can be used to adjust the doorbell’s angle by tilting the camera from 5 to 15 degrees with the Wedge Kit or 15 to 55 degrees using the Corner Kit.
