Strength

Players Handbook (page 9)

Strength is a measure of muscle, endurance, and stamina combined. For purposes of relating this ability to some reality, assume that a character with a strength of 3 is able to lift a maximum of 30 pounds weight above his or her head in a military press, while a character with 18 strength will be able to press 180 pounds in the same manner. Strength is the forte of fighters, for they must be physically powerful in order to wear armor and wield heavy weapons. Therefore, strength is the major characteristic (or prime requisite) of fighters, and those fighters with strength of 16 or more gain a bonus of 10% of earned experience (explained later). Furthermore, fighters with an 18 strength are entitled to roll percentile dice in order to generate a random number between 01 and 00 (100) to determine exceptional strength; exceptional strength increases hit probability and damage done when attacking, and it also increases the weight the character is able to carry without penalty for encumbrance, as well as increasing the character's ability to force open doors and similar portals. The tables below give complete information regarding the effects of strength.

House Rule

Refers to maximum strengths of races & classes.
Gender limitations do not apply. Use the male maximum as the gender neutral equivalent.
Weight allowance is not strictly enforced, but shouldn't be ignored completely..
Open doors on a should be treated as +{the higher number} to a roll d20 to open a door. The door will be given a DC of 1-20 by the DM. A light door with a simple lock that naturally opens the way the character is trying to open the door will for example have a DC of 3 or 4. A very heavy door with a strong locking enchancement may have a DC of 17-18. Q. Or should this just be the strength modifier? Does that exist in 1e?