The Complete Handbook of Door Strikes
A Field Reference for Selecting, Installing, and Servicing Door Strikes for Trade Professionals, Specifiers, and Serious Enthusiasts
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
A practical field guide to door strikes: choosing, fitting, and maintaining the right part for every job.
About this book
The humble door strike is often overlooked, yet it is the critical interface between the door latching mechanism and the frame. Improper selection or installation can lead to binding doors, chronic alignment issues, rattling, and compromised security. The Complete Handbook of Door Strikes provides a deep dive into this essential piece of hardware, offering clear guidance for both the trade professional and the serious enthusiast. Drawing on practical experience, the book demystifies the different types of strikes, explains the material and finish options that truly matter, and breaks down the technical specifications like lip length, spacing, and gauge thickness.
Step-by-step chapters cover the crucial process of matching the correct strike to the door's latch type and frame material, ensuring a perfect fit. The reader will learn the techniques for correct installation and adjustment, alongside a robust routine for maintenance. The book also explores the commercial side of the trade, from selecting reliable suppliers to identifying service-oriented business models. It is designed to be a lasting reference, not a fleeting read, offering practical solutions to common problems and future trends shaping the industry.
Reader Reviews
Margaret Moore
★★★★★I've been fitting doors for fifteen years, and this book filled a surprising number of gaps for me. The chapter on understanding strike dimensions and how they relate to different latch types is something you normally have to learn through years of trial and error. It's written straight, without the usual padding, and the installation chapter alone was worth the price. I've recommended it to two apprentices already.
Donna Robinson
★★★★★It's a solid reference, but I was hoping for a bit more depth on the latest smart lock compatible strikes and electric strikes. The sections on residential hardware are very thorough, but the business opportunity chapter felt a little like common sense to me. Still, the troubleshooting guide for misalignment is really well done and saved me a lot of time on a recent job. A useful handbook, even if it wasn't exactly what I expected.
Steven Adams
★★★★★I bought this as a serious hobbyist doing a full restoration of a 1930s house. It does a great job explaining the different types and why you can't just use any strike you find in a bin. The diagrams and clear explanations on installation are first-rate. It's not the most exciting read, but it is exactly the kind of practical, no-nonsense manual you want when you're stuck on a project.