Have you ever taken a close look at your door and door frame? If so, you may have noticed a small, rectangular-shaped piece of metal attached to the door frame. This piece of metal is called a strike plate. The strike plate is what the door latch engages with when you close the door. If the strike plate is not properly aligned, the door may not latch properly, which can lead to security issues. Mitering a strike plate is an important step in door installation and replacement.
Mitering a strike plate requires a miter saw or a coping saw. It is important to use a sharp blade in order to get a clean, precise cut. First, place the strike plate on the door frame and mark the position of the screw holes. Then, remove the strike plate and use a drill to create pilot holes for the screws. Next, place the strike plate back on the door frame and secure it with the screws. Finally, use a file or sandpaper to smooth the edges of the strike plate.
Mitering a strike plate is not a difficult task, but it is important to take your time and to do it carefully. A properly installed strike plate will help to ensure that your door latches properly and securely.
Planning the Miter Angles
To achieve a precise mitered fit for the outdoor strike plate, careful planning of the miter angles is essential. The miter angles will vary depending on the thickness of the door and the width of the strike plate. Here is a step-by-step guide to calculating the miter angles:
- Measure the thickness of the door: Using a ruler or measuring tape, measure the thickness of the door from the outer edge to the inner edge.
- Measure the width of the strike plate: Measure the width of the strike plate from the outer edge of the flange to the inner edge.
- Calculate the miter angle: Use the following formula to calculate the miter angle for each side of the strike plate:
Miter Angle = (90° – (Thickness of the door / Width of the strike plate) / 2) For example, if the thickness of the door is 1-3/8 inches and the width of the strike plate is 2-1/2 inches:
Miter Angle = (90° – (1.375 / 2.5) / 2) = 42.3°
| Door Thickness | Strike Plate Width | Miter Angle |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3/8 inches | 2-1/2 inches | 42.3° |
| 1-3/4 inches | 2-3/4 inches | 40.8° |
| 2 inches | 3 inches | 39.2° |
Measuring and Marking the Miter Cuts
Positioning the Strike Plate
Position the strike plate on the jamb facing, ensuring it’s centered vertically and horizontally. Lightly trace the plate’s outline onto the jamb facing using a pencil.
Mitering the Strike Plate
Determine the miter angle by measuring the angle between the jamb facing and the door’s edge. This angle will be half of the angle between the two. Using a protractor or miter gauge, transfer the angle to a miter saw.
| Material | Miter Angle |
|---|---|
| Wood | 45 degrees |
| Metal | 22.5 degrees |
Clamp the strike plate to the miter saw, aligning the traced line with the saw blade. Adjust the saw’s fence to ensure the desired angle is achieved. Make two miter cuts on the plate, one on each side of the center line.
Setting Up the Miter Saw
Before using the miter saw to cut the door strike, it is crucial to set it up correctly to ensure accurate and safe cuts.
1. **Secure the miter saw:** Place the saw on a stable and level surface. Clamp or bolt it down to prevent movement during use.
2. **Adjust the blade:** Ensure that the saw blade is sharp and clean. Adjust the blade angle to 45 degrees. This angle is commonly used for miter cuts.
3. **Set up the fence and miter gauge:** The fence guides the workpiece along the saw blade, while the miter gauge positions it at the desired angle. Adjust the fence to the appropriate width for your door strike and set the miter gauge to 45 degrees to create a 90-degree angle on the cut.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. | Loosen the fence locking mechanism. |
| 2. | Slide the fence to the desired width for the door strike. |
| 3. | Tighten the fence locking mechanism to secure the fence in place. |
| 4. | Loosen the miter gauge locking mechanism. |
| 5. | Adjust the miter gauge to 45 degrees. |
| 6. | Tighten the miter gauge locking mechanism to secure the gauge in place. |
Ensuring Safe and Accurate Cutting
Measure the Strike Plate Accurately
* Use a measuring tape to determine the exact distance between the center of the door hinge pin and the edge of the door frame.
* Mark this measurement along the bottom edge of the strike plate, aligning it with the center of the hinge pin.
* Transfer the same measurement to the strike plate’s top edge, ensuring it remains parallel.
Choose the Correct Chisel and Mallet
* Select a wood chisel with a blade width that matches the thickness of the door jamb.
* Use a short-handled, heavy-head mallet for optimal control and precision.
Establish a Stable Work Surface
* Position the door in a stable work area, using sawhorses or a sturdy table.
* Secure the door firmly to prevent movement during cutting.
Miter the Strike Plate
* Align the strike plate along the door frame, with the marked measurements facing outward.
* Use a sharp utility knife or a scoring guide to lightly score the door frame along the perimeter of the strike plate.
* Hold the chisel firmly against the scored line, angled slightly inwards.
* Strike the chisel with short, controlled blows, gradually removing thin layers of wood to create a clean, mitered pocket for the strike plate.
* Regularly check the depth and angle of the mortise, ensuring it matches the strike plate’s thickness and fits snugly.
* Once the mortise is cut, carefully remove any excess wood shavings and test the strike plate for a secure fit.
Cutting the First Miter
Once you have outlined the strike plate location on the jamb, you can begin cutting the miter. Here are the detailed steps to follow:
- Set the Bevel Gauge: Position the bevel gauge on the miter box to the angle you measured in Step 2. Usually, exterior door strikes are cut at a 45-degree angle.
- Secure the Jamb: Place the door jamb into the miter box and slide it against the back corner stop. Ensure it is flush against the base and secured tightly.
- Position the Saw: Align the saw with the mark you made in Step 1. Hold the saw firmly and perpendicular to the jamb.
- Cut Slowly and Evenly: Begin cutting by applying steady pressure and moving the saw slowly and evenly through the jamb. Avoid applying too much force, as it can cause the cut to be uneven.
- Double-Check the Cut: Once you have made the cut, remove the jamb from the miter box and place it on a flat surface. Measure the miter to ensure it is at the correct angle. If necessary, adjust the bevel gauge and make another cut.
| Strike Plate Measurement | Bevel Gauge Angle |
|---|---|
| 1-1/8 inches | 45 degrees |
| 1-1/4 inches | 60 degrees |
| 1-3/8 inches | 75 degrees |
Aligning and Clamping the Miter Joints
To ensure precise alignment, use a miter saw or miter box to cut the miters at exactly 45 degrees. Clamp the jambs together tightly using a bar clamp or miter clamps. Make sure the edges of the jambs are flush and align the miters carefully.
Positioning the Strike
Place the strike on the face of the door and mark its outline. The strike should be positioned at the appropriate height, typically at the level of the doorknob or handle. Use a sharp chisel or router to recess the strike into the wood slightly, ensuring it fits flush with the door surface.
To ensure accurate positioning, use a measurement tool such as a ruler or tape measure to align the strike horizontally and vertically. Mark the screw holes and drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting.
Installing the Strike
Insert the screws through the pilot holes and tighten them securely using a screwdriver. Make sure the strike is held firmly in place without any wobble or movement. Check the door latch to ensure it engages smoothly and securely with the strike.
For increased security, consider using longer screws or expanding anchors to prevent the strike from being easily removed or loosened. Refer to the table below for recommended screw sizes and types based on the door material:
| Door Material | Screw Size | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | #8 x 1-1/4 inch | Wood screws |
| Metal | #10 x 1-1/2 inch | Sheet metal screws |
| Composite | #10 x 1-1/2 inch | Coarse-thread composite screws |
Attaching the Strike Plate
Now that the door strike is mitered, it’s time to attach it to the door jamb. Here’s how to do it:
- Position the strike plate: Place the strike plate on the door jamb, making sure that it is flush with the edge of the door and level with the top of the door frame.
- Mark the screw holes: Use a pencil to mark the locations of the screw holes on the door jamb.
- Drill pilot holes: Drill pilot holes into the door jamb at the marked locations. This will help prevent the screws from splitting the wood.
- Countersink the screw holes: Use a countersink bit to countersink the screw holes. This will allow the screws to sit flush with the surface of the door jamb.
- Attach the strike plate: Drive the screws into the pilot holes to secure the strike plate to the door jamb.
- Test the strike plate: Close the door and check that the latch engages with the strike plate properly. If it doesn’t, adjust the strike plate as necessary.
- Strike Plate Hole Dimensions
The following table provides the recommended hole dimensions for different types of strike plates:
Strike Plate Type Screw Size Hole Diameter Countersink Diameter Standard Strike Plate #8 1/16″ 13/64″ Radius Strike Plate #10 3/16″ 15/64″ Heavy-Duty Strike Plate 1/4″ 5/16″ 17/64″
Reinforcing the Strike Plate (Optional)
If the strike plate is installed on a softwood frame, it’s recommended to reinforce it with a metal strike plate for added durability and security. To do this:
- Remove the existing strike plate.
- Mark the outline of the new metal strike plate on the door jamb.
- Chisel out a shallow recess to accommodate the strike plate.
- Insert the metal strike plate and secure it with screws.
Additional Steps for Reinforcing the Strike Plate:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 5 | Install a 3-inch screw through the center of the strike plate and into the door jamb. |
| 6 | Add two 2-inch screws to secure the top and bottom of the strike plate. |
| 7 | Countersink the screws slightly below the surface of the wood. |
| 8 | Test the fit of the door by closing and opening it. If any adjustments are needed, make them and ensure that the door latch engages the strike plate securely. |
Testing the Mitered Strike
Once the strike is mitered, it’s important to test it to ensure a proper fit. Follow these steps to do so:
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Install the strike into the door frame: Place the strike in its designated position on the frame and secure it with screws.
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Close the door: Close the door fully to check if it shuts smoothly and securely.
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Check for misalignment: If the door doesn’t close properly, examine the strike for any misalignment. Adjust the strike as needed by loosening the screws, shifting it slightly, and re-tightening the screws.
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Test the latch: Remove the strike and insert the latch into the hole. The latch should engage smoothly and securely with the strike.
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Lubricate: Apply a small amount of lubricant to the latch and strike surfaces to ensure smooth operation.
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Conduct multiple tests: Repeat steps 2-5 several times to ensure consistent performance.
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Inspect the mortise: Examine the mortise where the latch plate sits. It should be clean and free of any obstructions that could hinder the latch’s movement.
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Check for binding: Open and close the door multiple times to check if there is any binding or resistance. If you experience any issues, adjust the strike’s position accordingly.
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Fine-tune the strike: Once the strike is functioning properly, you may need to make minor adjustments to ensure optimal alignment and operation.
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Additional considerations:
- Use a mortise gauge to ensure the strike is recessed at the correct depth.
- Check the strike’s compatibility with the latch type and door thickness.
- Test the strike with the door fully opened to ensure there’s no interference with the door stop.
How to Miter Outdoor Strike
To make a miter joint in an outdoor strike, you’ll need the following materials:
- Two pieces of 1-inch x 6-inch cedar
- A miter saw
- A tape measure
- A pencil
- A hammer
- Two 2-inch galvanized nails
Follow these steps to make your miter joint:
1. Measure the length of the door jamb and cut two pieces of cedar to that length.
2. Place the two pieces of cedar together at a 45-degree angle, and mark the point where they intersect.
3. Use a miter saw to cut the two pieces of cedar at the 45-degree angle.
4. Place the two pieces of cedar back together at the 45-degree angle, and nail them together with two 2-inch galvanized nails.
5. Your miter joint is now complete.
What is strike plate?
Function of strike plate on the door jamb
The strike plate is a metal plate that is attached to the door jamb. It is designed to receive the latch bolt when the door is closed. The strike plate helps to protect the door jamb from damage and also helps to keep the door securely closed.
Types of strike plates
There are several different types of strike plates available, including:
- Round strike plates are the most common type of strike plate. They are typically made of steel or brass and are installed with two screws.
- Square strike plates are similar to round strike plates, but they are square instead of round. They are also typically made of steel or brass and are installed with two screws.
- Lip strike plates have a lip that extends around the edge of the plate. This lip helps to keep the door securely closed and also helps to protect the door jamb from damage.
- Deadbolt strike plates are designed to work with deadbolts. They are typically made of steel or brass and are installed with four screws.
