Face Mount Strike
As one of the most crucial components of window and sliding door systems, face mount strikes play a crucial role in providing security and stability to the unit. However, identifying the correct face mount strike for your hardware can be challenging without experience or expertise. Therefore, this article will provide a comprehensive guide on identifying, defining, and using face mount strikes for your window and sliding door systems.
What is a Face Mount Strike?
A face mount strike is a piece of hardware used to lock and unlock windows and sliding doors. The strike is the metal plate attached to the window or door frame that receives the latch or bolt when shut. Typically, a face mount strike is mounted on the jamb or frame of the window or door and is responsible for holding the locking mechanism in place.
Face mount strikes play an important role in the overall performance of a window or sliding door system, as they are responsible for ensuring proper sealing and closing of the unit. They are made of various materials, including steel, brass, and aluminum, with different finishes, shapes, and sizes.
How to Identify a Face Mount Strike
Identifying a face mount strike can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with window and sliding door hardware. However, with the right tools and knowledge, you can identify your hardware and select the correct face mount strike for your system. Here are the steps you can follow:
Step 1: Remove the Existing Strike
To identify the correct face mount strike for your hardware, you will need to remove the existing strike from the window or door frame. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the strike in place and remove it carefully.
Step 2: Measure the Strike
Once you have removed the strike, take accurate measurements of its length, width, and height. You can use a ruler or a measuring tape to take the measurements.
Step 3: Identify the Shape of the Strike
The shape of the strike is another crucial factor to consider when identifying your hardware. Most face mount strikes come in different shapes, including rectangular, round, and square. Ensure that you identify the correct shape of your strike.
Step 4: Determine the Required Finish
Lastly, the finish of the face mount strike is another essential factor to consider. Face mount strikes come in various finishes, including brass, chrome, and satin nickel. Ensure that you select the correct finish that matches your existing hardware.
Choosing the Right Face Mount Strike
Once you have identified your existing face mount strike, the next step is to choose the right face mount strike for your window or sliding door system. Here are the factors to consider when selecting a face mount strike:
Material
The material of the face mount strike is an important factor to consider, as it determines the durability and longevity of the unit. Steel, brass, and aluminum are some of the common materials used for face mount strikes.
Shape
As mentioned earlier, face mount strikes come in different shapes, including round, rectangular, and square. When selecting a face mount strike, ensure that you choose a shape that matches your existing hardware.
Finish
The finish of the face mount strike is another crucial factor to consider, as it affects the overall appearance of your window or sliding door system. Choose a finish that matches your existing hardware.
Size
The size of the face mount strike is another essential factor to consider when choosing a strike. Ensure that you select a strike that fits within the existing hole in your window or door frame.
Examples of Face Mount Strikes
Here are some examples of face mount strikes and their usage:
1. Round Face Mount Strike
A round face mount strike is a circular plate that receives the locking bolt of the latch when the window or door is shut. It is commonly used in sliding doors and requires a strike plate with a circular hole.
2. Rectangular Face Mount Strike
A rectangular face mount strike is a plate with a rectangular hole that receives the locking bolt of the latch when the window or door is shut. It is commonly used in windows and sliding doors.
3. Square Face Mount Strike
Similar to rectangular face mount strikes, a square face mount strike has a square hole that receives the locking bolt of the latch when the window or door is shut. It is commonly used in windows and sliding doors.
FAQ
1. What is a face mount strike?
A face mount strike is a piece of hardware used to lock and unlock windows and sliding doors. The strike is the metal plate attached to the window or door frame that receives the latch or bolt when shut.
2. How do I identify a face mount strike?
To identify a face mount strike, you need to remove the existing strike, measure its length, width, and height, identify the shape of the strike and determine the required finish.
3. What factors should I consider when choosing a face mount strike?
When choosing a face mount strike, you should consider the material, shape, finish, and size of the strike.
4. What are the common materials used for face mount strikes?
The common materials used for face mount strikes are steel, brass, and aluminum.
5. What is the difference between a round and rectangular face mount strike?
A round face mount strike has a circular plate, while a rectangular face mount strike has a rectangular plate. They both receive the locking bolt of the latch when the window or door is shut.
6. Can I use any face mount strike for my window or sliding door system?
No, you cannot use any face mount strike for your window or sliding door system. You need to select a strike that matches the shape, size, and finish of your existing hardware.
7. Why is the finish of the face mount strike important?
The finish of the face mount strike is important because it affects the overall appearance of your window or sliding door system.
8. How do I ensure that I select the correct face mount strike?
To ensure that you select the correct face mount strike, you should follow the steps on how to identify a face mount strike and consider the factors when choosing a strike.
9. Can I install a face mount strike myself?
Yes, you can install a face mount strike yourself as long as you have the right tools and knowledge.
10. How do I know if the face mount strike is working correctly?
You can test the face mount strike by shutting the window or door and checking if the strike holds the locking bolt of the latch in place.
In conclusion, face mount strikes play a vital role in the operation, security, and stability of window and sliding door systems. Identifying, defining, and choosing the right face mount strike is crucial to ensure the proper sealing, closing, and functioning of the unit. By following the steps on how to identify a face mount strike and considering the factors when choosing a strike, you can select the correct hardware for your window and sliding door system.