Useless fact
What is the metal plate on a door frame called?
The metal plate attached to a door frame where the latch or deadbolt engages is called a strike plate.
A strike plate is a crucial component of a door lock system. It is mounted directly onto the door jamb (the frame) using screws, aligned precisely with the latch or deadbolt of the lock. When the door is closed, the spring-loaded latch or the manually thrown deadbolt extends into the hole of the strike plate. This mechanism prevents the latch from rubbing against or splintering the wooden frame, while also providing a secure metal barrier that makes it much harder to force the door open. Strike plates are typically made of heavy-duty brass, steel, or bronze to withstand significant physical impact. Over time, building standards have dictated specific sizes and shapes for these plates to ensure compatibility across different lock brands, with standard residential plates usually measuring about two and a quarter inches in height.
Why this is true — The term is a standard hardware and locksmithing designation, defined in major dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Cambridge.
Sources
- strike plate Cambridge University Press