Step 1: Verify the Strike Mortise Preparation
Before installing the strike plate, confirm that the frame has a factory-prepared strike mortise in the correct location.
• Locate the strike mortise on the strike jamb. On a CDF frame, the mortise is pre-cut at the factory to match the hardware specified on the order.
• Verify the mortise height. The center of the strike pocket should align with the latch bolt centerline on the door. Standard latch height is 38” to 40” from the finished floor, but this varies by hardware schedule.
• Check that the mortise is clean and free of paint, debris, or burrs that could prevent the strike plate from seating flush.
If the frame was ordered through CDF’s ProBuilder, the strike preparation location and dimensions are specified on the shop drawings included with the shipment.
Step 2: Test-Fit the Strike Plate
Before driving screws, place the strike plate into the mortise to confirm proper fit.
• Set the strike plate into the mortised recess on the strike jamb. The plate should sit flush with the jamb face without rocking or protruding.
• Verify that the screw holes in the strike plate align with the pre-drilled or pre-tapped holes in the frame.
• Confirm that the strike lip (the opening in the plate) faces the correct direction to receive the latch bolt. The lip opening must face the door stop side of the frame.
Step 3: Drive the Screws
With the strike plate properly seated and aligned, secure it to the frame.
• Insert the #3 Phillips bit into your impact driver or compact drill. A #3 bit is required for #12 screws. Using a #2 bit on #12 screws will strip the screw heads and compromise the fastener engagement.
• Start each screw by hand to confirm thread engagement before using the driver. This prevents cross-threading.
• Drive the screws until the screw heads sit flush with the strike plate surface. Do not over-torque. The screw heads should be flush, not countersunk below the plate surface.
• Confirm the strike plate is still flush with the jamb face after tightening. If the plate shifted during fastening, loosen and reseat.
Step 4: Test the Latch Engagement
After securing the strike plate, test the door to verify proper latch operation.
• Close the door slowly and observe the latch bolt entering the strike pocket. The latch should extend fully into the pocket without binding or scraping against the plate edges.
• Check that the door pulls tight against the stop when latched. If there is excessive play between the door face and the frame stop, the strike plate may need to be shimmed or the latch adjusted.
• Open and close the door several times to confirm consistent operation. The latch should retract and extend smoothly each time.
• If the door has a deadbolt, extend the bolt fully into the strike and verify the bolt enters the pocket without resistance. A misaligned deadbolt strike will cause the bolt to hit the plate face rather than entering the pocket.
Step 5: Install Door Silencers
Door silencers (rubber bumpers) are installed in the strike jamb to cushion the door against the frame when closing.
• Locate the pre-drilled silencer holes on the strike jamb. Standard commercial frames have three silencer locations: one above the strike, one below the strike, and one near the top of the jamb.
• Press each silencer into its hole until it seats firmly. Silencers are friction-fit and do not require adhesive or fasteners.
Door silencers prevent metal-to-metal contact between the door and frame, reduce noise, and help the door seal against the stop for consistent latching.
