Builders should realize that a lockset--doorknob and striker--requires
a metal striker plate in the door jam so when the striker hits the
curved front edge of the plate it retracts into doorknob mechanism and
then springs into the hole in the plate when someone closes a door.
The curved edge serves a purpose: It easily moves the striker and prevents marks on the door jam. In this house, though, the builders installed the same type of striker plate for the locksets and for the deadbolts. Deadbolts don't need a plate with a curved edge because they click into place only after someone closes a door. Why the builders installed the same type of plate for locksets and deadbolts is beyond me. Maybe they had a lot of them and lost all the deadbolt plates. They must have lost some of the plate screws, too, because in places they used drywall screws.
A very professional job all the way around. I mean really.
The curved edge serves a purpose: It easily moves the striker and prevents marks on the door jam. In this house, though, the builders installed the same type of striker plate for the locksets and for the deadbolts. Deadbolts don't need a plate with a curved edge because they click into place only after someone closes a door. Why the builders installed the same type of plate for locksets and deadbolts is beyond me. Maybe they had a lot of them and lost all the deadbolt plates. They must have lost some of the plate screws, too, because in places they used drywall screws.
A very professional job all the way around. I mean really.
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Comments (4)
Actually, using a curved strike plate for the deadbolt is a good idea. In the photo, you can see that with the bolt extended, the bolt can easily damage the inside of the jamb (as happens when the inside is fitted with a throw-knob, as shown) I've seen this many times in new homes; especially jambs that are hung with relatively heavy metal doors like the one shown. One slam or kick to close the door is all it takes...
As for the drywall screws holding the plate in place, they're probably better than the short screws that accompany the original plate. Can't tell you how many times I've had to repair those holes (and the darn hinge screw holes) with glue and toothpicks.
Posted by Mike Kellar | February 10, 2009 6:20 PM
That was exactly what I had in mind Mike, you got there before I did.
Posted by Yufei Ren | February 11, 2009 1:58 PM
Just think how much more exciting it would have been to discover deadbolt plates instead of striker plates!
Posted by Chris | February 11, 2009 2:01 PM
Mike's right, What monkey put this on here, it is a very professional job.
Posted by Ian | February 12, 2009 12:37 AM