Priya Kapoor
A mortise is a pocket, recess, or hole cut through a piece of wood to make space for something else to fit into it. A strike plate is a type of door hardware that covers the mortise and can be used to increase security. When repairing or replacing a strike plate, it may be necessary to fill and repair the wood surrounding the mortise, and to cut a new mortise to ensure a tight fit. Some people choose to paint the mortise of a strike plate to improve the appearance of the door and distinguish their work. This can be done by smoothing the hole with caulk or putty and using spray paint to match the colour of the door hardware.
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What You'll Learn
Filling and mending wood issues
Wood Filler
Wood filler is a common solution for filling cracks, holes, or splits in wood. It comes in a variety of colours and can offer a clean, "wood-like" finish. These fillers are usually stainable, allowing you to match the colour of the wood after staining. However, it's important to be cautious as the colour match may not always be accurate. Wood filler is ideal for larger gaps and can be sanded and painted over for a seamless finish.
Sawdust and Wood Glue
This is an age-old trick that involves mixing sawdust with wood glue to create a paste that can be used to fill cracks and dents in wood. The sawdust should ideally come from a scrap piece of wood that matches the colour of the wood being repaired. After mixing the sawdust and glue in a 50/50 ratio, apply the paste to the affected areas. Once it's dry, sand it down smoothly and, if desired, stain or leave it as is.
Polyester Resin
Polyester resin is a strong and flexible option for repairing split wood. It seeps into the wood fibres, creating a strong bond, and can be worked with most woodworking tools. However, caution is advised when using a chisel as excess resin can create glass-like shards. Polyester resin is suitable for those who want to work on the wood without risking further splitting.
Joint Compound
Joint compound, commonly used by drywallers to fill holes, can also be used to repair wood. While it is initially white, it can be easily spread and painted over. Using a putty knife or a similar tool, apply the compound to the affected areas, let it dry, and then sand it down to the desired smoothness. Joint compound is ideal for those who plan to paint over the repaired area.
Epoxy
Two-part epoxy is a quick-curing solution that can be used to fill and mend wood issues. It is readily available in most hardware stores and is suitable for vertical surfaces. After applying the epoxy, cover it with plastic tape backed by a piece of wood to hold it in place while it cures. Once cured, new holes can be cut or drilled, and the surface can be sanded and painted.
When dealing with wood issues, it's important to address them promptly to prevent further damage. Additionally, consider the size and severity of the issue when choosing a filling or mending solution to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.
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Matching the strike plate colour to the door hardware
When choosing a strike plate, it is important to consider the type of door, the lock mechanism, and the level of security required. Strike plates are available in various materials, including brass, stainless steel, and plastic, with stainless steel being the most durable option.
To ensure a smooth and secure door, the strike plate must fit perfectly into the door frame, and the size and shape of the latch must match. In addition to functionality, the aesthetic appeal of the strike plate is also important. Strike plates are available in various styles, including antique brass, dark bronze, and standard or decorative designs, allowing you to match the existing hardware and enhance the overall look of your door.
For those seeking a common option that is widely available and easy to install, the full-lip strike plate is a popular choice. However, if you have an extra-wide door, an extended lip strike plate would be a better option to ensure a perfect fit.
When installing a strike plate, it is recommended to choose one that matches your existing door hardware. This includes considering the colour and style of the strike plate to achieve a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look.
To achieve a uniform appearance, some people prefer to paint the strike plate a colour similar to the door hardware. This can be done by smoothing the hole in the jamb with fast-drying painter's caulk or putty and creating a mini spray booth with a cardboard box and masking tape for a more precise application of spray paint.
Ultimately, the choice of strike plate should consider both functionality and aesthetics, ensuring that it meets your security needs while also complementing the style of your door hardware.
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Using a chisel to square up the corners
Painting the mortise of a strike plate is not a common practice, but some people do it to distinguish their work and leave a neat finish. The process of mortising involves creating a pocket, recess, or hole in a piece of wood to make space for something else to fit into it. This is often done to install door hardware, such as a standard knob and latch system.
Now, when it comes to using a chisel to square up the corners of a mortise, here are some detailed instructions:
First, mark the location of the mortise on all sides of the door. If the faceplate is removable, you can simply trace around it. If not, invert the latch, press the plunger against the door, and trace around it. You can also cut out a cardboard template for tracing or measure and transfer lines to the door edge.
Next, select the right size chisel for the job. A 1" wide chisel is commonly used, but smaller sizes can also work. Place the flat side of the chisel outward, with the sharp edge on the line you drew. Tap the chisel gently with a mallet or hammer, moving it along the line to make a preliminary cut. Be very careful not to push the chisel towards your body or hand.
If the corners of the mortise are round, you can use a curved chisel or work around the corner with a narrow chisel. Make relief cuts across the area to be cut out. Then, use the chisel to remove wood within the outline until you reach the desired depth. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the door or injuring yourself.
Finally, check that the mortise is uniform in depth. If it isn't deep enough, repeat the process. Put the latch into the mortise and hole, ensuring the beveled face of the plunger is facing the correct direction. Drill pilot holes for the screws, being careful not to over-tighten them.
With these steps, you can use a chisel to square up the corners of a mortise for a strike plate, ensuring a precise and secure fit for your door hardware.
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Repairing a strike plate mortise and hole
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Before beginning any repair work, it is important to understand the extent of the damage. Inspect the strike plate mortise and identify any issues such as misalignment, cracks in the wood, or screw holes that are too close to the mortise. Understanding the specific issues will help guide your repair strategy.
Step 2: Prepare the Area
If the strike plate needs to be removed, start by taking it off carefully. If the faceplate is not removable, you can invert the latch and press the plunger against the door. Hold it in place and trace around it. You can also create a template by measuring and transferring lines to the door edge or cutting out a cardboard template for tracing. This will help guide your repairs and ensure accuracy.
Step 3: Repairing the Mortise and Screw Holes
To repair the mortise and screw holes, you can use a quick-curing epoxy, such as a two-part epoxy available at most hardware stores. Apply the epoxy mix to fill and mend the damaged areas. On vertical surfaces, use plastic taps backed with a piece of wood to hold the epoxy in place while it cures. Once cured, you can sand and paint the area to match the surrounding surface.
If the screw holes are cracked and unable to hold screws, you can try gluing plugs or dowel rods into the holes. Cut the dowel rod to size, glue it in place, and pare down any excess with a sharp wood chisel. This will provide a secure anchor for the screws.
Step 4: Adjusting the Latch Hole
If the issue is with the latch hole alignment, you can make adjustments without removing the strike plate. Use a spade bit to drill out the existing latch hole and create a new one in the desired location. Alternatively, you can glue a plug into the latch hole and drill out new screw holes with a 1/4" bit, filling them with glued dowel plugs. This will give you a blank slate to relocate the strike plate as needed.
Step 5: Reinstall the Strike Plate
Once the repairs are complete and the epoxy has cured, you can reinstall the strike plate. Place the strike plate over the repaired mortise and screw it in place. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can strip the wood or cause other issues.
By following these steps and adapting them to your specific situation, you can effectively repair a strike plate mortise and hole, ensuring a secure and properly functioning door latch assembly.
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Cutting a door latch mortise
A mortise is a pocket, recess, or hole cut through a piece of wood to make space for something else to fit into it. Many new slab doors, especially interior doors, do not come with pre-cut mortises for door hardware. This is because installations and hardware vary.
If the door hardware to be installed includes a standard knob and latch system, it is better to cut them before the mortise. This can be done freehand, but a jig makes this job easier. The kit will come with instructions, but here are some general guidelines:
- Measure the height of the lockset from the floor and make an appropriate mark on the door.
- Select the setback on the jig to match your hardware.
- Clamp the jig onto the door.
- Chuck the large hole saw into the drill and cut the hole for the knob.
- Chuck the small hole saw into the drill and cut the hole for the latch.
- Choose the square or round cornered scoring tool and place it in the tool holder.
- Align the cutter with the hole for the latch barrel and strike the tool with a hammer.
- Hold the latch plate chisel in the hole for the latch barrel and tap it with the hammer, removing half the wood from the mortise.
If the face plate of the latch is removable, remove it, put it in place, and trace around it. If the faceplate isn't removable, invert the latch and press the plunger against the door. Hold it in place and trace around it. If neither of these work, cut out a cardboard template for tracing, or measure and transfer lines to the door edge. This job is best suited to a 1” wide chisel, but any smaller size will work. Note that a chisel should never be pushed toward any part of your body, including the support hand. Mark the location of the mortise on all sides. Begin by placing the flat side of the chisel facing outward, with the sharp edge on the line. Tap the chisel with a mallet or hammer, then move around the line to make the preliminary cut. If the corners are round, a curved chisel will help, or you can work around the corner with a narrow chisel. Within the outline, make relief cuts across the area to be cut out. Work slowly and carefully so that you don’t lose control of the chisel and damage the door or cut yourself. Work until all chips are removed and the mortise is a uniform depth. If the mortise isn’t deep enough, repeat the process.
Put the latch into the mortise and hole. Be sure the beveled face of the plunger is facing the correct direction. Use a self-centering drill bit to drill pilot holes for the screws. Being careful not to over-tighten, drive the screws. If you accidentally over-tighten and strip the wood in the door, apply wood glue to a golf tee or several toothpicks and drive them into the hole. Allow the glue to dry, then cut flush and drill the pilot hole again.
In a high-production environment, a router and jig would be the fastest choice. However, there are many ways to cut these mortises, and your method will depend on how many doors you need to install and what tools are available.
Regarding the question of whether to paint the mortise of a strike plate, one source suggests filling and painting the mortise to distinguish your work from others. They recommend smoothing the hole in the jamb with fast-drying painter’s caulk or putty, creating a mini spray booth out of a cardboard box and masking tape, and spraying the hole with spray paint.
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Frequently asked questions
A mortise is a pocket, recess, or hole cut through a piece of wood to make space for something else to fit into it.
A strike plate is a type of door hardware that covers the mortise and may also increase security.
First, smooth the hole in the jamb with fast-drying painter's caulk or putty. Then, create a mini spray booth out of a cardboard box and masking tape and spray paint the hole.
Painting the mortise of a strike plate can help to distinguish your work and improve the overall appearance by covering up unsightly mortises and cracked or split wood.
