.png){kind=logo}
Hidden Wiring, Better Security: A Friendly Guide to Door Coring
- Durham Regional Locksmiths
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever needed to add access control to an existing door, you’ve probably heard the term “door coring.” It sounds intense — and honestly, it kind of is — but it’s also one of the cleanest, most secure ways to electrify a door.
So what exactly is door coring?
Door coring is the process of drilling a concealed pathway through the inside of a door so that low-voltage wiring can pass from the hinge side to the lock or exit device. Instead of having exposed surface-mounted wire or trying to hide a transfer loop on the outside of the door, the wiring runs internally. When done properly, you’d never know it’s there.
This is commonly done when installing electrified hardware such as a powered lever set, electric latch retraction panic bar, or an electrified mortise lock. Brands like Von Duprin, SARGENT, and Adams Rite all offer electrified options that often require power to travel through the door itself.
Why core a door instead of using an electric strike?
An electric strike (installed in the frame) is often the simplest and most cost-effective way to add access control. You keep the existing mechanical hardware on the door and just swap out the strike in the frame for an electrified version. For many applications, that works perfectly.
But there are situations where door coring — and electrified hardware — is the better choice:
Higher security. With an electric strike, the latch still operates mechanically and releases at the frame. In higher-security applications, electrified hardware (like an electrified mortise lock or panic bar) keeps the locking mechanism fully integrated and often more resistant to tampering.
Fire-rated openings. Some fire-rated doors have strict requirements around listed hardware and modifications. In many cases, using properly listed electrified hardware and concealed wiring maintains compliance more cleanly than heavily modifying the frame for a strike.
Aluminum storefront doors. With narrow stile aluminum doors (common in retail plazas), there may not be enough room in the frame for certain electric strikes. In those cases, coring the door and installing electrified hardware is often the cleaner solution.
Aesthetics. Surface-mounted wire transfers and visible raceways don’t always look great — especially in offices, condos, or higher-end commercial spaces. Door coring keeps everything hidden and professional.
Advanced functionality. Features like electric latch retraction, request-to-exit monitoring, or integrated position switches often require power inside the device itself — meaning the door needs to be cored.
Is door coring safe for the door?
When done correctly, yes. The process requires specialized long drill bits, proper alignment, and a strong understanding of door construction (wood, hollow metal, aluminum, etc.). A mistake can ruin a door — especially a fire-rated one — so this is not a DIY job.
Using an experienced locksmith for this task ensures:
The door’s structural integrity is maintained
Fire labels and ratings are respected
Wiring is protected from pinch points
Hardware is properly aligned and reinforced
The result is a clean, professional access control installation that looks factory-prepped.
Complete Door Coring & Access Control Services
At Durham Regional Locksmiths, door coring is part of our complete commercial locksmith service offering. Whether you’re upgrading to card access, installing electrified panic hardware, or retrofitting an older building for modern access control, we provide clean, code-conscious installations at competitive rates.
From electric strikes to fully electrified hardware, we’ll help you choose the right solution for your security level, door type, and budget — and install it properly the first time.
If you’re planning an access control upgrade and want it done cleanly and professionally, Durham Regional Locksmiths has you covered.
About Us: Durham Regional Locksmiths has been serving Durham Region for over 35 years, we ship throughout Canada and the United States, as well as provide installation services throughout Durham Region and the GTA, contact us today for a supply and installation estimate or shop online.
Areas We Service:
Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, Bowmanville, Port Perry, Courtice, Uxbridge, Toronto, Markham, and Scarborough.
Business Hours:
Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Phone: 905‑728‑9218 24 hour Emergency Locksmith.
497 Simcoe St S, Oshawa, ON L1H 4J9
