How To Install Door Lock Strike Plate

Hold the strike plate over the mortise and score its outline with a utility knife.

How to install door lock strike plate.

To allow proper clearance for the lock to operate most strike plates are recessed into the door frame. 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. The strike is installed on the door frame and contains a hole that catches the latch or bolt that extends from the lock. Lastly screw the strike plate into place on the doorjamb.

Step 6 mounting the new strike plate. Once you have reached the necessary depth remove the tape. What you didn t know you could adjust a door strike. A mortise or recess must be made in the door jamb to accept the strike plate.

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. If it s not remove the strike plate and chisel out more wood until it s deep enough. Using the technique described in steps 6 and 7 chisel out a mortise as deep as the strike plate is thick. The stripped hole repair kit from king s original ha.

To install a door strike plate you must first mark the location of the plate on the door jamb. But for 10 or less consumer reports says you can buy some a tougher door strike plate and peace of mind. Next a hole must be drilled in the jamb to accept the door lock bolt. Close and open the door to be sure that the latch is catching properly.

So take the time to mark and cut carefully. The strike will hold the bolt in place keeping the door locked until the bolt is retracted using a key or thumb turn. Knowing how to cut a mortise is essential for installing a deadbolt lock. Fortunately cutting out this mortise isn t nearly as difficult as it sounds.

The mortise needs to be as deep as the strike plate is thick. Drill pilot holes for the strike plate s two screws with a 3 32 inch bit then screw the plate in place. Many smart locks have a flaw that makes them vulnerable to break ins. Have a door out of alignment due to settling.

Install the strike plate photo by david carmack. Tape the strike plate back up to test that the hole is deep enough to receive the latch.