How To Install Door Lock Strike Plate

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.

How to install door lock strike plate.

Using the technique described in steps 6 and 7 chisel out a mortise as deep as the strike plate is thick. Next a hole must be drilled in the jamb to accept the door lock bolt. What you didn t know you could adjust a door strike. Close and open the door to be sure that the latch is catching properly.

Need to drill a new hole really close to the original one. The mortise needs to be as deep as the strike plate is thick. To allow proper clearance for the lock to operate most strike plates are recessed into the door frame. Install the strike plate photo by david carmack.

Lastly screw the strike plate into place on the doorjamb. But for 10 or less consumer reports says you can buy some a tougher door strike plate and peace of mind. Fortunately cutting out this mortise isn t nearly as difficult as it sounds. Hold the strike plate over the mortise and score its outline with a utility knife.

Tape the strike plate back up to test that the hole is deep enough to receive the latch. So take the time to mark and cut carefully. Then reattach the strike plate. To install a door strike plate you must first mark the location of the plate on the door jamb.

Drill pilot holes for the strike plate s two screws with a 3 32 inch bit then screw the plate in place. Have a door out of alignment due to settling. A mortise or recess must be made in the door jamb to accept the strike plate. Once you have reached the necessary depth remove the tape.

If it s not remove the strike plate and chisel out more wood until it s deep enough. Knowing how to cut a mortise is essential for installing a deadbolt lock. 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. Step 6 mounting the new strike plate.

The strike is installed on the door frame and contains a hole that catches the latch or bolt that extends from the lock. 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.