Video: Spring loaded storm door strike plate keeps opening
#1
10-16-17, 01:44 PM
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 5
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Video: Spring loaded storm door strike plate keeps opening
For some reason the spring loaded strike plate opens when I push the storm door open. Here's a video I posted of the problem:
https://youtu.be/AsT-rJvigA4
What is the purpose of the spring loaded latch?
https://youtu.be/AsT-rJvigA4
What is the purpose of the spring loaded latch?
Last edited by thisisallonewor; 10-16-17 at 01:50 PM. Reason: Typo
#2
10-16-17, 03:00 PM
Group Moderator
It helps prevent damage to the latch or door. If someone walks up and gives the handle a good pull or push when the door is locked the spring latch will let go before anything breaks. With rigid strike plates I frequently see the latch or handle get broken.
#3
10-16-17, 04:04 PM
Super Moderator
And on some handles...the curved part does not push in. It has to be turned up or down to unlatch, but when closing, the spring loaded latch gives way and then snaps in to position to secure the door. You could use a regular 90 degree simple bent piece of metal with your handle and it would work fine. Not so with those handles that don't have the spring loaded "nose".
Here's one that does not have the spring loaded nose....http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pro...5855e_1000.jpg
Here's one that does not have the spring loaded nose....http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pro...5855e_1000.jpg
#4
10-16-17, 05:21 PM
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 5
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the replies. I guess I was surprised why have a latch if it doesn't latch. I readjusted it so it latches better. But the storm door still opens with a moderate push from my hand.
#5
10-16-17, 05:24 PM
Group Moderator
Those go right in the trash if they come with a door handle. The stiff L-shaped or angled ones are far superior.
#6
10-16-17, 05:45 PM
Super Moderator
In the OP's case, I think he should follow that advise. Heck, I've used Simpson 90 degree reinforcement brackets, bent my own, and stuff in my junks boxes that I don't know what they were, to make my own.
#7
10-17-17, 04:04 PM
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: USA
Posts: 5
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
I would guess a spring loaded latch is more expensive/complicated to manufacture than a simple bent bracket. So there must be a good reason why it is sold. I am not sure I agree that it's because so you can yank the door open and not break it. Perhaps it has something to do with storms?
#8
10-17-17, 04:32 PM
Group Moderator
It was originally made probably 50 years ago to work with THIS style of storm door handle.
https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Pr.../dp/B000BDB7E4
It doesn't work well with the newer style of handle, period.
https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Pr.../dp/B000BDB7E4
It doesn't work well with the newer style of handle, period.
