homebuildy.com A strike plate is a metal plate attached to a door frame that reinforces the latch or deadbolt and ensures secure locking. A keep plate, often used interchangeably, generally refers to the component designed to receive the latch or bolt, with a focus on alignment rather than reinforcement. Understanding the difference helps in selecting the correct hardware for improved door security and functionality.
Table of Comparison
| Feature | Strike Plate | Keep Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Metal plate mounted on door frame to receive the latch or bolt. | Reinforced metal plate installed on the door frame to secure locking bolts, mainly in mortise locks. |
| Function | Aligns latch or bolt, ensures smooth locking action. | Holds the lock bolts firmly in place, enhancing security. |
| Common Use | Used with cylindrical and latch locks. | Typically used with mortise locks and deadbolts. |
| Security Level | Basic security by protecting door frame from latch wear. | Higher security by reinforcing bolt anchoring and resistance to forced entry. |
| Installation Location | Mounted on door jamb at latch or bolt entry point. | Installed deeper in frame where deadbolt locks engage. |
Strike Plate vs Keep Plate: Key Differences
Strike plates, typically made of metal, are mounted on door frames to reinforce latch or bolt engagement, providing security and alignment for door locking mechanisms. Keep plates, on the other hand, function primarily as reinforcement plates around the strike plate area, often designed to absorb impact and prevent frame damage from forced entries. The key differences lie in their roles: strike plates secure the door latch within the frame, while keep plates strengthen the surrounding frame to enhance durability and security.
Functions of Strike Plates and Keep Plates
Strike plates reinforce door frames by providing a solid surface for latch bolts to engage, enhancing security and durability. Keep plates, also known as keeper plates, serve to align and secure the latch or deadbolt, ensuring proper locking mechanics. Together, strike plates and keep plates maintain door integrity by preventing misalignment and wear from repeated use.
Material Comparison: Strike Plate vs Keep Plate
Strike plates are commonly made from hardened steel or stainless steel to withstand repeated impact from door latches, providing durability and security. Keep plates, often constructed from similar metals but sometimes lighter alloys or brass, primarily serve as a housing or guide for the latch, emphasizing alignment over impact resistance. Comparing materials, strike plates prioritize hardness and thickness for force absorption, whereas keep plates focus on corrosion resistance and precision fit.
Installation Process: Strike Plate vs Keep Plate
The installation process of a strike plate involves mortising the door frame to fit the metal plate securely, ensuring proper alignment with the latch bolt for effective door locking. In contrast, installing a keep plate requires precise positioning on the door jamb to receive the latch or bolt, often without extensive mortising, making it generally simpler and faster. Both installations demand accurate measurements for optimal security and functionality, but the strike plate typically requires more detailed chiseling compared to the keep plate.
Durability and Security: Strike Plates vs Keep Plates
Strike plates typically offer higher durability due to their reinforced metal construction, designed to withstand repeated impact from door latches and deadbolts. Keep plates, often less robust, serve primarily as guides or mounts for locking mechanisms and may not provide the same level of security against forced entry. For enhanced security, strike plates with heavy-duty materials and additional reinforcement are preferred over keep plates in most door locking systems.
Applications in Door Hardware: Strike Plate vs Keep Plate
Strike plates and keep plates serve distinct roles in door hardware applications, with strike plates mounted on door frames to receive and secure door latches or bolts, ensuring proper locking and alignment. Keep plates, often found in multipoint locking systems, provide additional reinforcement by capturing locking bolts at various points along the door edge, enhancing security and stability. The choice between strike plate and keep plate depends on the door's security requirements, type of lock system, and installation environment.
Cost Analysis: Strike Plate vs Keep Plate
Strike plates generally cost less than keep plates due to simpler manufacturing processes and widespread use in standard door lock systems. Keep plates, often designed for specialty or enhanced security applications, typically require more durable materials and complex designs, leading to higher prices. Cost analysis reveals that choosing a strike plate can reduce initial installation expenses, while keep plates may offer better long-term value in high-security or commercial environments.
Compatibility with Lock Types: Strike Plate vs Keep Plate
Strike plates are specifically designed to align with the latch or bolt of a lock, ensuring secure engagement and proper locking function, making them compatible with deadbolts, mortise locks, and cylindrical locks. Keep plates, often used in conjunction with rim locks or surface-mounted locks, serve as the receiving component for the latch or bolt but may not provide the precise alignment required for some lock types. Choosing the correct plate depends on the lock mechanism, as strike plates offer broader compatibility with modern lock types, while keep plates are typically suited for traditional or surface-mounted locking systems.
Maintenance and Longevity: Strike Plate vs Keep Plate
Strike plates, designed to reinforce door frames, generally require less frequent maintenance than keep plates due to their durable metal composition and straightforward installation. Keep plates, often used in window or sash assemblies, may experience more wear from constant movement, necessitating regular inspections and occasional adjustments to ensure longevity. Proper upkeep of both components extends their service life, but strike plates typically offer a longer lifespan when properly maintained.
Choosing Between Strike Plate and Keep Plate
Choosing between a strike plate and a keep plate depends on the door hardware and locking mechanism used. Strike plates fit into the door frame to reinforce the latch or bolt, providing security and durability, while keep plates are designed to hold or guide bolts, often used in sliding or recessed locks. Evaluating the type of lock and the door material ensures the optimal choice for security and functionality.
strike plate vs keep plate Infographic
