Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
You want to lock your french doors with security. You can accomplish this by choosing a lock system that will secure your door without obstructing airflow or affecting the aesthetic look of your space.
French door locks usually have three-point locking that includes flush bolts on the lower and upper edges each door panel and an opening lockset that can be opened. This lockset is difficult to break into.
Fixing a French Door That Won't Lock
It can be a significant safety risk when doors don't latch or lock properly. This could be a sign of a major issue such as a broken locking cylinder. However, don't panic it is possible to solve the issue by following just a few steps.
The most common reason for a door that won't lock is due to an obstruction that is blocking the latch. It could be as simple as dirt getting stuck in the latch, or the latch may be defective.
If you look at the strike plate, (the metal piece that is on the inside of the doors that rests against the frame), you can see whether it's true. If there is a small metal stub sticking out from the strike plate gently tap it with a screwdriver until it bends it. This will let the bolt slide into the door more easily.
A latch that is seized could be due to improper installation or a poor alignment. Lubricating the latch can make it function better, but it won't solve problems with how it lines up with the strike plate.
If you don't have a strikeplate, it is easy to install one. You will need to remove the lock body from the door (the part that screws into the door frame) and replace the entire lock with a new one. This is a simple job that requires a phillips head screwdriver and power drill.
To ensure that the lock functions as efficiently as it can it is a good practice to regularly lubricate it, particularly the cylinder. Utilize a lubricant made of graphite or silicone for this. Apply the lubricant to the key, then turn it several times slowly until the cylinder can move freely.
It is an excellent idea to invest in double-cylinder deadbolts for your French doors, instead of simply a standard deadbolt. A simple handle twist lock will not be enough to keep intruders out and a standard deadbolt with an inside-facing thumb-turn of the door can be defeated by breaking the glass and gaining access in through it.
Repairing a French Door That Won't Latches
The issue is usually caused by the latch of the door not connecting properly with the hole of the strike plate. It is usually caused by sliding hinges. However, it can also be due to an issue with the latch position or the latch itself. To help determine which is the culprit you can apply a lipstick or similar marker to determine where the latch is in contact with the strike plate hole. This mark will help you determine the cause of the problem. For example, if the mark is below the strike plate then it's probably the hinges. If it's above it could be the position of the latch.
It is important to ensure that the strike plate is aligned with the latch holes when installing handles or a lock mechanism on the French Door. This is particularly true in the event that a door was closed for a long period of time. In this time the door may have moved. This is especially common with composite or timber doors as they are susceptible to expansion or contraction in response to weather conditions and the conditions.
To fix this, take off the lock latch on the edge of the door that is active and remove it from the handle. Using a sharp chisel, with a hammer, expand the strike plate hole within the door frame. This will allow you to put the latch in a better position for the door. When the door is closed it will shut without catching the frame.
After the hole in the latch is increased, insert the new latch inside the strike plate and screw it into. Next, re-adjust the strike plate with the hammer and screw until it is in a more suitable position, and then test the door. Make any adjustments that are needed.
The lock cylinder on the external French doors won't turn. This could be caused by dirt or wear and tear, however it is usually easy to resolve. Most of the time, the lock is blocked, or the pins in the cylinder are worn. A simple clean can make a big difference to the operation of the mechanism, and it's definitely worth giving this the go-ahead. If the issue is not resolved, it's often required to replace the entire lock cylinder.
How do you fix the problem of a French door that won't open
If your French doors aren't locking the way you want them to, it's most likely due to dirt and debris blocking the lock mechanism. The first thing you need to do is check the frame of the door is clear of obstructions and nothing is blocking the mechanism that locks. It could be that the French door frame and the French door are not aligned properly. This can cause the door to drag onto the frame and ultimately lead to jamming.
The mechanism for locking is simple. A key turns the spindle, which moves the bolt upwards and downwards on a rail. If the handle moves but the bolt doesn't, then something is stuck. It could be a problem with the mechanics of the lock itself or it might just need some lubrication. Try using a silicone spray - it comes with a pipe you can use to direct the lubricant into the mechanisms of the lock. Spray generously, then turn the handle to make sure that all components of the lock mechanism are well-lubricated.
It is also possible to adjust the location of the latch on the French door. It is generally possible to do this from the outside. If you're French doors are brand new they will be able to screw the latch and handle in place without any problem. If they are old, you will have to mark the locations of the holes for the handles on the door as well as the latch on the frame of the door using a template provided with the lock kit. french doors repair to install the knob or handle at the appropriate height. This is usually about 36 inches above the floor. Then, drill a smaller hole around the edges of the doors for the latch.
After the hole has been drilled, you need to ensure that the latch plate is correctly placed over the strike plate of the door frame. If this doesn't fit, then the deadbolt may not retract into the strike plate when you pull the lever to lock. The latch plate will require to be screwed into place.
How to fix a French Door that isn't closing
The latch on a French door can become stuck and can't be closed. This renders the doors inoperable. This is usually a straightforward issue to fix, however it could require you to remove one of the heavy doors. In the majority of cases the latch isn't aligned properly with the strike plate, door jamb, or both. It could also be that the dead bolt isn't being extended or retracted completely. Misalignment can occur over time because of weather or settling.
It can be difficult to open a door that is stuck. To resolve this issue take off the screws that secure the hinge to the frame and then add some shims that allow the door to be raised or lowered. This will bring the latch closer to the lock mechanism and solve the issue.
In the same way, if the latch isn't able to get into the strike plate hole in the door jamb, you can usually fix the issue by loosing a screw that holds the strike plate, and using an electric or a metal planer to remove some of the edge of the plate until the latch fits. If you need to, you might have to take off the strike plate to cut out the hole.
The locks on French doors often fail to latch properly. If you have a more recent lock, this could indicate a problem with the cylinder that locks. If the lock isn't functioning properly, you'll need remove it and look for visible damage.
If you have an older door that has a draught entering, you can replace the weatherstripping on the exterior of the door. This will form a tight seal, and prevent the doors from sagging. Door sweeps can be used to close any gaps. If you do this, make sure that the sweeps are placed on both sides of the door, and ensure that the sweeps overlap at the bottom.