Electric Door Strikes – Why Cheap Models Fail and Why Quality Matters

Why electric strikes under $200 break more often

Electric strikes priced under $200 are typically made with lighter internal components. In real-life conditions, doors are often exposed to force (kicking, shoulder impact, or heavy slamming).
Because of this, low-cost strikes tend to break internally, especially the latch keeper (lip).

⚠️ Important:
Most manufacturers of these low-cost electric strikes do NOT provide any warranty against force or kicking. Once the strike is damaged by impact, it is considered misuse, even if it happens during normal building activity.

Higher-quality electric strikes – what’s the difference?

When you invest in higher-quality electric strikes such as RCI or HES, you are paying for:

  • Reinforced internal mechanisms

  • Stronger keeper design

  • Better tolerance to forced entry attempts

In many cases, when a door is kicked, the strike will release (open) instead of breaking.
This means:

  • No broken lip

  • No damaged strike body

  • No frame damage

✅ These manufacturers do offer warranties, including scenarios involving force, depending on the model.

⚠️ Lubrication warning – warranty void risk

DO NOT use WD-40, Jig-A-Loo, or any other lubricant on electric strikes.

  • Electric strikes are electromechanical devices

  • Lubricants can damage internal coils

  • This can cause overheating or electrical failure

❌ Using any lubricant will void the manufacturer’s warranty immediately

Frame modification = higher labor cost

If a different model or size of strike is installed instead of the original one, frame modification is required.

This increases labor costs, especially for:

  • Aluminum frames

  • Wood frames

Cutting, reinforcing, and reshaping the frame takes additional time and precision.

💡 Best solution:
Replacing the strike with the same model (plug & play)

  • Fast installation

  • No frame modification

  • Predictable cost (X amount)

Price range overview

  • Standard plug-and-play strikes: lower cost, faster install

  • Higher-quality strikes: usually double the price or more, depending on model

  • Surface-mounted strikes (exit doors, warehouse doors, main entrances with exit devices):

    • Prices typically start around $500 to $900+

Common electric strikes in Montreal buildings

The following models are very common in older Montreal apartment buildings, duplexes, and some commercial properties:

  • RCI 15BS – Wood frame

  • RCI 15CA – Aluminum frame

  • Alpha Electric Strike

    • Adjustable and convenient

    • Slightly cheaper

    • Downside: breaks faster compared to RCI or HES models

Broken electric strike? Call us

If your electric strike is broken or malfunctioning:

📞 Call us: 514-836-9097
📸 Or send us pictures of the strike and door frame

We have attached real examples of the most common broken electric strikes to help identify your issue quickly and accurately.

Serrurier Shay – Montreal Locksmith
Professional diagnosis. Honest recommendations. Proper installation.