Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
When it comes to locking your french doors, you need to ensure they're safe. You can accomplish this by selecting a lock that will keep your door secure without obstructing airflow or affecting the aesthetic look of your room.
French door locks typically have a three-point locking system that has flush bolts on the lower and upper edges of each door panel, and an opening lockset that can be opened. This system can be difficult to break into.
How to fix a French Door That Won't Lock
It can be a significant safety risk when doors don't lock or latch properly. It could also be a sign of a major issue such as a cracked locking cylinder. But don't worry, the issue can be fixed with just a few steps.
The most common reason for a door that won't lock is because there is an obstruction that is blocking the latch. This could be as simple as a piece of dirt stuck in the lock, or it could be an issue with the latch itself.
If you examine the strike plate, (the metal piece that is on the side of the doors that sits against frame) It is possible to determine if it is true. If there is a small metal tab sticking out of the strike plate, tap it gently using a screwdriver, then hammer it to bend it slightly to allow the hole to be opened in the plate, allowing the bolt can drop in more easily.
A latch that is seized could be the result of improper installation or a poor alignment. Lubricating the latch will allow it to work better, but it won't solve alignment issues.
Installing a strike plate is straightforward if you don't already have one. The body of the lock (the part that screws into the door frame) will need to be removed from the door, and the lock assembly replaced. This is a simple job that requires a phillips-head screwdriver and power drill.
It is a good idea to ensure that the lock is lubricated, especially the cylinder, regularly to make sure it works as well as it can. Use a silicone or graphite lubricant to do this. Apply the lubricant onto the key, and then turn it several times, slowly until the cylinder is able to move freely.
It is an excellent idea to invest in a double-cylinder deadbolt for your French doors, rather than just a standard one. A handle twist lock is not enough to deter intruders as a door deadbolt that has a thumb turn can be destroyed if you smash the glass.
How to fix an French door that won't latch
Often the issue is caused by the door latch not properly working with the strike plate hole. It is usually caused by sliding hinges. However, it can also be due to a problem with the latch position or the latch itself. You can use lipstick, or a similar marker, to determine which is the culprit. This mark can help you determine the cause of the problem. For instance If the mark is below the strike plate it's most likely to be the hinges. If it's above, then it could be the position of the latch.
When installing handles or a new lock mechanism on an external French Door it's important that the strike plate and latch holes are properly aligned. This is particularly true in the event that a door was closed for an extended period of time. In this period the door could be a little shifted. This is especially common with composite and timber doors, because they are prone to expansion or contraction depending on the weather conditions or the surrounding environment.
To fix this, remove the latch that locks at the edge of the door that is active and remove it from the handle. Utilizing a sharp chisel with a hammer, enlarge strike plate hole in the door frame. This will permit the latch to be placed in a more appropriate position for the door and when the door is shut and opened it will close smoothly without catching or rubbing on the frame.
After the hole in the latch is enlarged, place the new latch inside the strike plate and screw it into. Then, re-adjust the strike plate using the hammer and screw until it is in the correct position, then test the door. Make any necessary adjustments.
The lock cylinder on the external French Doors will not turn. This can be due damage or wear and tear. However, it's usually a simple fix. Most of the time, the lock is blocked or the pins inside the cylinder are worn. A simple clean could make a big difference to the functioning of the mechanism, so it's definitely worth giving this an attempt. If the issue persists it could be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How to fix a French Door That Won't Open
If your French door doesn't lock due to dirt or debris It is likely that the lock mechanism is obstructed. The first thing you should do is to check that the frame of the door is free from obstructions and that there is nothing blocking the mechanism that locks. There could be an issue with the alignment of the French door and its frame. replace french door can cause the door to slide onto the frame and ultimately cause jamming.
The lock mechanism is simple. A key rotates the spindle, which moves a bolt up and down on the rail. If the handle is turning but the bolt doesn't move it means that something is stuck. There may be an issue with the mechanism of the lock itself, or it could just need to be lubricated. Make use of a silicone spray. It will come with a nozzle can be used to direct the lubricant directly into the mechanism. Spray liberally, then turn the handle to ensure that all components of the lock mechanism are lubricated.
You might also need to alter the position of the latch on the French door. It is generally possible to do this from outside. If you're French doors are brand new, you will most likely be able to screw the handle and latch in place without any problem. If they're older then you'll be required to mark the positions of the holes for the handles on the door as well as the latch on the frame of the door with a template included in the lock kit. Then, drill the hole for the handle/knob at the proper height (commonly approximately 36 inches above the floor) and then make a smaller hole along the door's edge for the latch.
Once the hole is dug, you must ensure that the latch plate is correctly set over the strike plate of the door frame. If it's not then the deadbolt might not retract into the strike plate when you press the lever for locking. The latch plate will need to be screwed into the correct position.
How to fix the problem of a French door that won't close
The latch on the latch of a French Door can get stuck and won't close. This makes the doors inoperable. This is usually a simple problem to fix, however it may require you to remove one of the doors that are heavy. Most of the time the latch isn't aligned correctly with the strike plate, the jamb of the door, or both. It could also be that the dead bolt isn't fully extended or retracted fully. It is possible to have misalignment over time because of weather or settlement.
It can be difficult to open the door if it is stuck. To fix this, loosen the screws holding the hinge to the frame, and then put in shims so the door is raised or lowered. This will make the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and fix the problem.
Similarly, if the latch isn't able to get into position with the strike plate hole on the door jamb, you can usually solve the issue by loosing the screw that holds the strike plate, and using an electric or metal planer to remove a portion of the edge of the plate until the latch is able to fit. This might also require removing the strike plate and then chiseling out the hole to make it larger in the event that it is it is necessary.
The locks on French doors often fail to latch properly. This could indicate an issue with the locking cylinder if you're using a newer lock system. If the lock is not functioning properly, you'll need to remove it and check for obvious damage.
Replace the old weatherstripping on the exterior of a door when you feel drafts entering. This will create a secure seal, and prevent the doors from sagging. Door sweeps can be used to fill in any gaps. If you choose to do this, be sure that the sweeps are placed on both sides of the door and ensure that the sweeps overlap at the bottom.