Dead-latch Installation

Keyed knob and lever products from all manufacturers include a special latch called a “dead-latch”. It differs in looks from the usual “spring-latches” used on interior doors. The extra tab or plunger is designed to prevent the latch from being slipped or shimmed with a credit card or similar device from the outside when the door is locked. Unfortunately, many of these latches are installed incorrectly, making them vulnerable to attack.

The extra plunger is designed to rest on the strike when the door is closed. This prevents the rest of the latch bolt from being pushed back. If the strike swallows the entire latch bolt and tab, you have no protection from the latch being slipped. The strike plate will need to be moved slightly toward the exterior in order to align properly with the dead- latching plunger.

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