How To Install Door Lock Plate

If you are simply replacing a door lock check out our article how to replace a door lock learn to.

How to install door lock 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. We didn t use the strike plate lock that came with the deadbolt. Tape measure pencil flat drill bit for wo. So take the time to mark and cut carefully.

If you install your strike plate and find that it is too far from the latch try adding wooden shims behind the plate to bring it closer to the lock. Drill pilot holes for the strike plate s two screws with a 3 32 inch bit then screw the plate in place. Install the strike plate photo by david carmack. Using the technique described in steps 6 and 7 chisel out a mortise as deep as the strike plate is thick.

Install a heavy duty door strike plate lock to strengthen the doorjamb. The tolerance on doors and locks often is very small. Next a hole must be drilled in the jamb to accept the door lock bolt. If the plate is too close try tightening the door s hinges to provide more clearance on the lock edge of the opening.

The mortise needs to be as deep as the strike plate is thick. See photo 6 mark the center of the old deadbolt strike. 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. Two screws are installed inside the strike box to add strength.

A mortise or recess must be made in the door jamb to accept the 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. To install a door strike plate you must first mark the location of the plate on the door jamb. Tools needed for this job.

This video is about how to fit a door latch and door handle in an interior door. The measurement is usually 2 3 8 inches for interior doors and 2 3 4 inches for exterior doors. We opted for a more secure strike box plate that features four screws instead of two. Installing a door lock can be rather complex but with the right guidance any homeowner can install a door lock.