What is a Strike Plate?
Definition of Strike Plate in Construction The opposite side of the hinges on a door, window or hinged panel. The strike plate accepts the latching mechanism, in many instances, a bolt that become engaged within the strike plate when the assembly is closed. A strike plate is the actual plate that is installed to accept the latching mechanism and in many cases surrounds a hole or depression within the strike side of the frame. A strike plate can be made of steel, stainless steel, plastic, vinyl or any other product that will allow a rigid and strong contact point for the bolting and latching mechanism to engage. Normally the strike plate is designed to allow a slipping of the locking bolt to push the bolt into the hardware assembly on the door and once beyond the slipping point, snap back into the actual depression or hole to secure the door, window or construction panel that is hinged. The proper adjustment of a strike plate is important to the proper functioning of a hinged assembly. The strike plate must be properly located to allow the bolt mechanism proper clearance to cleanly and smoothly engage. The proper latching and locking of the bolt, into the strike plate is very important for the proper functioning of the entire assembly.