How To Install Door Lock Strike Plate
Knowing how to cut a mortise is essential for installing a deadbolt lock.
How to install door lock strike plate. The stripped hole repair kit from king s original ha. The mortise needs to be as deep as the strike plate is thick. Close and open the door to be sure that the latch is catching properly. A mortise or recess must be made in the door jamb to accept the strike plate.
Many smart locks have a flaw that makes them vulnerable to break ins. Then reattach the strike plate. Tape the strike plate back up to test that the hole is deep enough to receive the latch. Fortunately cutting out this mortise isn t nearly as difficult as it sounds.
To allow proper clearance for the lock to operate most strike plates are recessed into the door frame. Using the technique described in steps 6 and 7 chisel out a mortise as deep as the strike plate is thick. You ll need to cut a mortise a small shallow recess in the wood of the door and doorjamb for the latchbolt and strike plate to rest. If it s not remove the strike plate and chisel out more wood until it s deep enough.
Hold the strike plate over the mortise and score its outline with a utility knife. The strike will hold the bolt in place keeping the door locked until the bolt is retracted using a key or thumb turn. Drill pilot holes for the strike plate s two screws with a 3 32 inch bit then screw the plate in place. Once you have reached the necessary depth remove the tape.
Have a door out of alignment due to settling. So take the time to mark and cut carefully. Need to drill a new hole really close to the original one. The strike is installed on the door frame and contains a hole that catches the latch or bolt that extends from the lock.
Install the strike plate and test that the deadbolt is working properly and that the hole in the door jamb is deep enough to accept the entire bolt. But for 10 or less consumer reports says you can buy some a tougher door strike plate and peace of mind. Whether you re installing a lock plate also called a strike plate for a deadbolt lock or a standard lockset you first must install the lock or lockset onto the door following the manufacturer s instructions. Step 6 mounting the new strike plate.
Install the strike plate photo by david carmack. Lastly screw the strike plate into place on the doorjamb.