Door Strikes for Peace of Mind: A Guide to Securing Your Space

When it comes to home security, everything counts. While one immediately thinks of an alarm system and heavy-duty locks, the smaller components, like door strikes, are equally vital. Often overlooked, a well-chosen and correctly installed door strike will significantly affect the security and functionality of your doors. Whether upgrading the present setup or starting anew, understanding the importance of door strikes will help you make informed decisions in securing your space.

What is a Door Strike?

door plate strike
source: asafehome.net

A door strike might not be the fanciest part of the door, but it is quite crucial for the functioning of the door. It is basically the metal plate attached to a door frame and is supposed to work with either a door lock or latch, serving to let the lock’s latch hold the door tightly when closed.

The reliable door plate strike is the backbone of the entire locking mechanism. Without it, one cannot say there is a fully functioning lock. To put it bluntly, it acts like an anchor point for your door lock. Once the door closes, and the latch extends into the strike plate, it ensures it remains shut and prevents a forced entry into the house. This small piece not only secures your door but also serves to keep it aligned, thus allowing smooth opening and closing of the door.

Types

Different types of door strikes are used in various areas; each is used in different purposes and settings. The most used types include standard, electric, and reinforced strikes.

Standard strikes are the simplest kind of strike and usually are found on residential doors. They are pretty simple to install and work well with most standard locks. As such, they offer mere functionality and might not be fit for high-security areas.

Electrical strikes are a higher class, offering greater versatility and convenience. These find great applications in commercial and high-security areas. An electric strike can be installed as part of an access control system that allows doors to be opened and closed remotely. This is quite handy in office buildings or secured facilities.

For those for whom security is a priority, heavy-duty strikes are a great option. Manufactured from robust materials like steel, these strikes are designed to resist force and are well-suited for external doors or areas where attempted break-ins occur. Quite often, reinforced strikes have extra-long screws anchoring the plate deeper into the door frame for added strength.

Adjustable strikes further have the advantage of allowing adjustment for some misalignment between the door and lock. So, it might be handy should your door frame become out of whack over time or if specific alignment is seriously important to you.

Benefits

The advantages of an excellent door plate strike are not confined to simply keeping the door closed. Among the most critical advantages involved is improved security. A solid and well-engineered strike plate reinforces the lock mechanism such that burglars can barely push the door open. This is particularly true for doors or any entry points outside, which illegal access may readily go after.

Another advantage is that the doors will be perfectly aligned. Where the strike is installed correctly, it means the latch fits well into the plate, reducing the wear and tear of the lock and the door over time. This alignment will not only prolong the life of your door hardware but also enhance its functionality, providing a smoother and more reliable locking and unlocking experience.

How to Choose

The choice of strike depends on the application and the environment in which it is to be used. In residential, a standard strike would suffice, but for those doors seeing heavy use or as part of a high-security system, a reinforced or electric strike will serve better.

The material of the strike is just as important, though. Generally speaking, strikes made of steel are more heavy-duty and durable; for interior doors, one could consider a strike made of brass or another aesthetic-pleasing type of metal. Pay attention to the thickness of the metal and the thickness of the construction, because those will determine how the metal will fare over time.

Compatibility with your door lock is critical. Ensure the strike you choose will work with the type of lock you have: deadbolt, latch, or electronic. Incompatible components can lead to functionality issues and compromise security.

How to Install

Installing a door strike can be an overwhelming task; however, it is well-doable with the right tools and a bit of patience. First, ensure you have the correct strike for your door and lock. Measure precariously to align the latch, then mark on the door frame where the strike will mount. Then screw the strike plate in place with screws, being sure they are snug and the plate does not move around when in use.


A well-chosen and correctly installed door strike is a basic ingredient in every decent and functional door system. Be it upgrading your entry points in the house, adding security in a commercial setting, or simply realigning your doors, door strikes provide a reliable solution.