DIY Network

House Call: Installing a Strike Plate From "Complete Fix-It" episode CFI-111

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Figure A Figure B

DIY's Complete Fix-It host Brad Staggs instructs a homeowner on how to install a strike plate on his doorjamb. This will cover the hole that already exists there and improve the strength of the deadbolt.

Materials:

Pencil
Strike-plate kit
Wood chisel
Hammer
Drill bit
Power drill

1. If you need to drill a hole for the deadbolt, this is an easy way to locate the exact spot on the doorjamb: Simply rub some lipstick onto the deadbolt, close the door and turn the bolt. The lipstick will leave a mark where the hole should be drilled.

2. Center the strike plate over the hole and trace around it with the pencil to mark the area to be mortised out.

3. Use the chisel flat side out to score the perimeter of the outlined area just inside the pencil marks. It is important not to cut into the wood any deeper than the thickness of the strike plate. In order to avoid cutting too deeply, use a piece of tape at the end of the chisel to mark the depth of the strike plate and to serve as a guide while chiseling.

4. Once the perimeter is finished, make a series of horizontal scores about a quarter-inch apart within the area (figure A).

5. Follow with vertical scores the same distance apart.

6. Now turn the chisel so the beveled edge faces down, and mortise out the wood in very thin layers (figure B). Remember that in a project such as this, you can always remove more material but you can't put it back.

7. When the mortise work is complete, fit the strike plate into place and predrill holes for the screws. The plate should be flush with the doorjamb if the proper depth was maintained.

8. Screw the strike plate into the doorjamb, using long screws for best results. In this homeowner's case, the doorjamb would allow only enough room for one-inch nails.

RESOURCES :

HGTV's Complete Fix-It
Author: HGTV