Which part of a door lock catches and holds the door frame?

The correct answer is the latching device, which plays a crucial role in securing a door in its closed position. A latching device consists of mechanisms like a latch or bolt that engages with a part of the door frame, ensuring that the door remains shut until manually opened. This component is essential for both security and safety, as it prevents unauthorized entry and maintains the integrity of the space behind the door.

The latching device functions by extending into the strike plate, which is a fixed part on the door frame, thereby holding the door in place when closed. When the door is turned or pulled to open, the latching device retracts, allowing the door to swing freely without interference.

In comparison, mortise refers to a cut or hollowed-out area in the door where the lock is installed, but it does not actively catch or hold the door. A shackle typically pertains to locks such as padlocks and is not involved in a fixed door security mechanism. The striker, while related to the door frame where the latching device operates, is merely the point where the latch engages but does not perform the function of holding the door frame itself.

Thus, the latching device is vital in ensuring that a door remains secured within its frame,