Mortising out a door strike is a crucial step in ensuring proper functionality and security of your door lock system. This intricate process involves precisely chiseling out a mortise, or recess, within the door frame to accommodate the strike plate of the door lock. When executed correctly, this mortise allows the latch of the door to engage securely with the strike plate, preventing the door from being forced open. Moreover, a well-executed mortise enhances the aesthetic appeal of your door, creating a seamless and professional-looking finish.
To achieve a precise and secure mortise, it is essential to utilize the appropriate tools and techniques. This includes using a sharp chisel and mallet to carefully remove the necessary material from the door frame. Additionally, utilizing a mortising jig or template can greatly assist in maintaining accuracy and ensuring that the mortise is correctly aligned with the strike plate. By following these guidelines and exercising patience and precision, you can successfully mortise out a door strike, ensuring the optimal performance and security of your door lock system.
Measuring and Marking the Strike Plate
1. Determine the Strike Plate Placement:
Accurately positioning the strike plate is crucial for ensuring proper door operation. This entails marking the door jamb in the location where the strike plate will be installed. To do this:
- Close the door and slide a piece of paper between the door and jamb, securing it with painter’s tape.
- Open the door and slide a pencil along the paper to mark the location of the latch on the door jamb.
- Measure the distance from the center of the latch mark to the top edge of the door jamb using a tape measure.
- Transfer this distance to the opposite side of the door jamb and mark it as the top of the strike plate.
Refer to the strike plate manufacturer’s specifications to determine the recommended dimensions and location for the mortise cutout.
2. Mark the Strike Plate Outline:
Using a pencil and square, outline the dimensions of the strike plate mortise cutout on the door jamb, ensuring that it is centered around the previously marked latch mark.
3. Measure Strike Plate Lip Projection:
Determine the appropriate lip projection for the strike plate based on the door jamb thickness. The lip should extend slightly beyond the surface of the jamb to ensure proper door latching. Use a ruler or caliper to measure the jamb thickness and refer to the strike plate manufacturer’s specifications for the recommended lip projection.
| Jamb Thickness | Recommended Lip Projection |
|---|---|
| 1-3/8 inches | 1/8 inch |
| 1-3/4 inches | 1/4 inch |
| 2-1/8 inches | 3/8 inch |
How To Mortise Out Door Strike
Chiseling Out the Mortise
Once the outline has been cut, it’s time to begin chiseling out the mortise. This can be a time-consuming process, but it’s important to take your time and do it carefully. If you rush, you may end up damaging the door frame or the strike plate. Start by using a sharp chisel to score around the outline. Once you have a good score line, start chipping away at the wood. Use short, even strokes and be careful not to go too deep. As you get closer to the bottom of the mortise, switch to a smaller chisel to avoid damaging the edges.
Here are a few tips for chiseling out the mortise:
- Use a sharp chisel.
- Score around the outline first.
- Chip away at the wood in short, even strokes.
- Be careful not to go too deep.
- Switch to a smaller chisel as you get closer to the bottom.
| Common Chisel Sizes: | Recommended for Mortising: |
|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | Small mortises, such as those for door strikes |
| 1/2 inch | Medium-sized mortises, such as those for door hinges |
| 3/4 inch | Large mortises, such as those for door locks |
Verifying the Mortise Dimensions
To ensure a perfect fit for the door strike, it is crucial to verify its mortise dimensions accurately. This involves measuring the following parameters:
1. Mortise Length
The mortise length should be slightly longer than the door strike plate. Measure the length of the strike plate and add approximately 1/8″ for clearance.
2. Mortise Width
The mortise width should be slightly wider than the strike plate. Measure the width of the strike plate and add approximately 1/16″ for clearance.
3. Mortise Depth
The mortise depth is the most critical dimension to verify. It must be deep enough to accommodate the strike plate’s thickness without interfering with the door or frame. To determine the correct depth, follow these steps:
- Place the strike plate on the door frame and align it with the mortise outline.
- Mark the edges of the strike plate around the perimeter of the mortise using a pencil.
- Remove the strike plate and measure the distance from the mark to the surface of the door frame or jamb. This measurement represents the mortise depth.
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Mortise Length | Strike Plate Length + 1/8″ |
| Mortise Width | Strike Plate Width + 1/16″ |
| Mortise Depth | Distance from Mark to Surface of Door Frame |
Installing the Strike Plate
The strike plate is a crucial component that secures the door in its frame. Here are the detailed steps for installing the strike plate:
1. Mark the Strike Plate Position
Close the door and mark the location where the latchbolt fully extends into the jamb. Use a pencil or tape to mark the center of the strike plate at this point.
2. Chisel the Mortise
Use a chisel to carve out a rectangular mortise in the door jamb to accommodate the strike plate. The mortise should be slightly larger than the strike plate and about 1/4 inch deep.
3. Test Fit the Strike Plate
Place the strike plate in the mortise and check if it fits snugly. If not, adjust the mortise as needed. Ensure that the strike plate is aligned properly so that the latchbolt engages cleanly when the door is closed.
4. Countersink the Screw Holes and Secure the Strike Plate
- Using a countersink bit, create small countersunk holes in the screw holes of the strike plate.
- Insert the screws into the countersunk holes and tighten them securely using a screwdriver. Ensure that the strike plate is firmly attached to the jamb.
- For additional security, you can reinforce the strike plate with long wood screws or lag bolts. Drill pilot holes for these fasteners and screw them into the jamb, passing through the strike plate.
Aligning and Securing the Strike Plate
Aligning the strike plate with the latch is crucial for proper door operation. The strike plate must be positioned so that the latch fully engages in the opening when the door is closed. To ensure this, follow these steps:
- Mark the center of the latch hole on the door frame using a pencil.
- Hold the strike plate over the marked center and align the hole with the center of the latch.
- Using a drill, create pilot holes through the strike plate into the door frame.
- Insert screws into the pilot holes and tighten them to secure the strike plate.
- Check the latch engagement by closing the door. If the latch does not fully engage in the strike plate, adjust the position of the strike plate and repeat the tightening process.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mark the latch hole center on the door frame. |
| 2 | Align the strike plate and create pilot holes. |
| 3 | Secure the strike plate with screws. |
| 4 | Check latch engagement and adjust as necessary. |
Choosing the Correct Chisel
Selecting the right chisel is crucial for achieving a clean and precise mortise. Consider the following factors when choosing a chisel:
- Blade width: The chisel’s blade width should match the width of the strike plate. A 1-inch chisel is suitable for most residential strike plates.
- Blade thickness: The chisel’s blade thickness determines how deep the mortise will be. A 1/8-inch chisel will create a mortise that is flush with the surface of the jamb. A 1/4-inch chisel will create a mortise that is slightly recessed.
- Chisel type: There are two main types of chisels: cold chisels and mortise chisels. Cold chisels are designed for cutting metal, while mortise chisels are specifically designed for mortising wood. Mortise chisels have a wider blade and a longer bolster, which provides better control and leverage.
- Sharpening: The chisel’s blade must be sharp to ensure clean, precise cuts. Use a whetstone or diamond sharpening stone to sharpen the chisel to a 30-degree bevel.
- Safety: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when mortising to protect yourself from flying wood chips and sharp tools.
| Strike Plate Width | Chisel Blade Width | Chisel Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 1 inch | 1/8 inch |
| 2 inches | 2 inches | 1/4 inch |
| 3 inches | 3 inches | 3/8 inch |
Using a Mortiser
A mortiser is a specialized machine that can cut rectangular holes in wood. It is the preferred method for mortising door strikes, as it provides precise and consistent results.
Step 1: Mark the Mortise
Use a pencil to mark the outline of the strike plate on the door jamb. The mortise should be wide enough to accommodate the strike plate and slightly deeper than its thickness.
Step 2: Set Up the Mortiser
Mount a straight bit into the mortiser that is the appropriate size for the mortise. Adjust the depth gauge to the desired depth of the mortise.
Step 3: Orient the Workpiece
Securely clamp the door jamb to the mortiser’s table. Ensure that the marked outline of the mortise is aligned with the center of the bit.
Step 4: Begin Mortising
Slowly lower the bit into the workpiece, engaging the cutting edges with the wood. Guide the mortiser along the marked outline, ensuring that the cut is straight and clean.
Step 5: Square the Corners
Once the mortise is cut to the full width, use a chisel to square up the corners. This ensures that the strike plate will fit snugly into the mortise.
Step 6: Clean Up the Mortise
Remove any sawdust or debris from the mortise using a vacuum or brush. This will ensure that the strike plate fits securely without any hindrances.
Step 7: Test Fit the Strike Plate
Align the strike plate with the mortise and check for a snug fit. Use shims or adjust the depth of the mortise as necessary to ensure a secure and proper installation.
Drilling Pilot Holes
mark the location of the strike plate on the door jamb. Place the strike plate on the jamb, aligning it carefully with the corresponding strike plate on the door.
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mark the screw holes on the strike plate with a pencil or awl. |
| 2 | Use a drill that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screws to drill pilot holes at the marks. |
| 3 | The pilot holes should be deep enough to accommodate the length of the screws. |
| 4 | Drill pilot holes at a slight angle downward to prevent the screws from pulling out. |
| 5 | Clean out any debris from the pilot holes with a vacuum cleaner or compressed air. |
| 6 | Countersink the pilot holes, if necessary, to allow the screw heads to sit flush with the surface. |
| 7 | Insert the screws into the pilot holes and tighten them securely. |
| 8 | Test the strike plate to ensure that it is properly aligned and functioning correctly. If adjustments are needed, loosen the screws slightly and reposition the strike plate as necessary. Once satisfied with the alignment, tighten the screws completely. |
Using a Template
Using a template is the most precise method to mortise out a door strike. A template is a flat, thin guide that has the exact outline of the strike plate. To use a template:
- Position the template over the door frame where you want to install the strike plate.
- Secure the template in place with clamps or double-sided tape.
- Use a sharp chisel and hammer to cut along the outline of the template. Hold the chisel at a 45-degree angle to the template.
- Chisel the wood out to a depth of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
- Remove the template and check the fit of the strike plate. It should fit snugly into the mortise.
- If the fit is too loose, use a chisel to widen the mortise slightly.
- If the fit is too tight, use a sander or rasp to narrow the mortise slightly.
- Once the strike plate fits snugly, secure it in place with screws.
- Test the door to ensure that it closes and latches properly.
Tips for Using a Template
- Use a sharp chisel and hammer. A dull chisel will tear the wood and make the mortise uneven.
- Hold the chisel at a 45-degree angle to the template. This will help to create a clean, straight mortise.
- Chisel the wood out to a depth of about 1/8 inch (3 mm). This will provide enough clearance for the strike plate.
- Test the fit of the strike plate frequently. This will help you to avoid making the mortise too loose or too tight.
Finishing the Mortise
Once you have made the initial cuts, it’s time to finish the mortise. Use a chisel to carefully remove the remaining wood, working your way slowly and precisely to avoid damaging the surrounding areas.
1. Continue Chiseling
Continue chiseling away the wood, working from the center of the mortise outwards. Keep the chisel square to the surface of the wood and use even, controlled strokes.
2. Check the Depth and Width
As you chisel, frequently check the depth and width of the mortise. Make sure it is deep enough to accommodate the strike plate and wide enough to allow for easy insertion and removal.
3. Square the Corners
Use a sharp chisel to square the corners of the mortise. This will help to ensure a snug fit for the strike plate and prevent any gaps or wobbly connections.
4. Smooth the Surfaces
Once the mortise is cut to the correct size and shape, smooth the surfaces using a fine-grit sandpaper or a scraping tool. This will remove any splinters or imperfections and create a clean, finished appearance.
5. Test the Fit
Insert the strike plate into the mortise to check the fit. It should fit snugly without any play or gaps. If necessary, make minor adjustments to the mortise until you achieve a perfect fit.
6. Apply Wood Filler (Optional)
If there are any small gaps or imperfections in the mortise, you can fill them with wood filler. Apply the filler following the manufacturer’s instructions, and allow it to dry completely before proceeding.
7. Sand and Finish
Once the wood filler is dry, sand the mortised area to smooth out any rough edges or excess filler. You can then apply a finish to the door to protect it from the elements and enhance its appearance.
How to Mortise Out a Door Strike
Mortising out a door strike is a common task in carpentry and home improvement. A strike plate is a metal plate that is installed on the door frame and provides a surface for the latch or deadbolt to engage with. Mortising the strike plate creates a recess in the door frame so that the strike plate is flush with the surface of the frame.
Here are the steps on how to mortise out a door strike:
- Mark the location of the strike plate. Hold the strike plate up to the door frame and mark the outline of the strike plate with a pencil.
- Drill pilot holes. Drill pilot holes at the corners of the strike plate outline. This will make it easier to chisel out the mortise.
- Chisel out the mortise. Use a sharp chisel to carefully chisel out the mortise. Be sure to chisel to the depth of the strike plate.
- Test fit the strike plate. Once the mortise is complete, test fit the strike plate to make sure that it fits snugly. If the strike plate is too loose or too tight, adjust the mortise accordingly.
- Secure the strike plate. Once the strike plate fits properly, secure it to the door frame with screws.
People Also Ask About How To Mortise Out Door Strike
How do I know what size mortise to cut?
The size of the mortise will depend on the size of the strike plate. The strike plate will usually have a template that you can use to mark the size of the mortise.
What type of chisel should I use?
A sharp chisel is best for mortising. A wide chisel will make it easier to remove material, but a narrower chisel will give you more control.
How can I make sure the mortise is straight?
To make sure the mortise is straight, use a framing square to mark the outline of the mortise. You can also use a drill press to drill the pilot holes.
