Installing A Door Lock Plate

Using the technique described in steps 6 and 7 chisel out a mortise as deep as the strike plate is thick.

Installing a door lock plate.

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. So take the time to mark and cut carefully. The mortise needs to be as deep as the strike plate is thick. Two screws are installed inside the strike box to add strength.

Next place the new latch plate on top of the latch slide the latch inside the edge of the door and secure the latch with 2 screws. Refer to this when you buy your new lockset to make sure the hardware is. Drill pilot holes for the strike plate s two screws with a 3 32 inch bit then screw the plate in place. A mortise or recess must be made in the door jamb to accept the strike plate.

The measurement is usually 2 3 8 inches for interior doors and 2 3 4 inches for exterior doors. Install screws in the deadbolt plate and the turn assembly. We opted for a more secure strike box plate that features four screws instead of two. Hold the strike plate over the mortise and score its outline with a utility knife.

Next a hole must be drilled in the jamb to accept the door lock bolt. To install a door strike plate you must first mark the location of the plate on the door jamb. If you re using a paper template use tape to secure it to the door and mark the holes for drilling with a pencil. To install a door knob start by removing the old door knob latch and strike plate if necessary.

Then insert the first half of the doorknob and place the peg through the latch mechanism. Install the strike plate photo by david carmack. If you re installing a lockset in an existing door take out the old lockset and measure the backset the distance from the door edge to the center of the lockset hole. 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.

Knowing how to cut a mortise is essential for installing a deadbolt lock. Install a heavy duty door strike plate lock to strengthen the doorjamb. 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.

For keypads install the screws and tuck. Fortunately cutting out this mortise isn t nearly as difficult as it sounds.