Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
You'll want to lock your french doors with security. This can be accomplished by choosing locks that keep your door secure while not blocking airflow or affecting the aesthetics of your space.
French door locks usually have three-point locking that has flush bolts on the upper and lower edges of each door panel, and the door's lockset that can be opened. This system can be difficult to crack.
Fixing a French Door that won't lock
If your doors don't lock or don't latch correctly, it could be a major safety issue. It could be an indication of a larger issue like a cracked or broken locking cylinder. Don't worry, you can usually resolve the issue in just a few simple steps.
Most often, a door that won't lock is because there is an obstruction that is blocking the latch. This could be as simple as a small piece of dirt that has gotten stuck in the lock or it could be an issue with the latch itself.
If you look at the strike plate, (the metal piece on the side of the doors that is positioned against the frame) It is possible to determine the truth. If there is a small metal tab sticking out of the strike plate, gently tap it using a screwdriver and hammer it to bend it slightly and this will open the hole in the plate so that bolts can slide into the door more easily.
A seized latch could be the result of improper installation or poor alignment. Lubricating the latch can help it function better, but it won't solve the issue of how it aligns with the strike plate.
Installing a strike plate is simple if you don't already have one. The body of the lock (the part that screws into the door frame) must be removed from the door and the lock assembly replaced. You'll require a Phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill to do this, but it is not a daunting task.
It is recommended to keep the lock lubricated particularly the cylinder frequently to ensure it functions as efficiently as it can. You can use graphite or silicone-based 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.
A double-cylinder deadbolt can be more secure than the standard deadbolt when it comes to French doors. A handle twist lock is not enough to stop intruders, and a door deadbolt that has a thumb-turn can be ruined if you break the glass.
How do you fix the problem of a French door that won't latch
Often the issue is caused by the door latch not engaging with the strike plate hole. It is usually caused by sliding hinges. However, it could also be due to an issue with the position of the latch or the latch itself. To help determine which of these causes the problem, use a lipstick or similar marker to see where the latch is in contact with the strike plate hole. This mark can help you identify the root of the problem. For instance If the mark is below the strike plate then it's probably the hinges. If it's higher the strike plate, then it could be the latch position.
When installing handles or the new lock mechanism on an external French Door it's important that the latch and strike plate holes are properly aligned. This is particularly important when one door has been closed for a prolonged period of time. In that time, the door could have moved a little. This is most common for composite and timber doors, because they are prone to expansion or contraction based on the weather or the environment.
To fix this, remove the lock latch at the edge of the active door and then remove it from the handle. Utilizing a sharp chisel hammer and a chisel, enlarge strike plate hole in the door frame. This will allow you to put the latch in a more suitable position for the door. When the door is closed, it will close without catching the frame.
Once the hole in the latch has been enlarged, carefully insert the new latch inside the strike plate hole and screw it in. Then, adjust the strike plate using the hammer, screw and nut until it is in the correct position. Test the door. Make any adjustments needed.
The lock cylinder of external French Doors won't turn. french door repairs could be due to debris or wear and tear. However, it is usually an easy fix. The lock may be blocked or the pins of the cylinder wear. A simple clean could make a world of difference to the operation of the mechanism, and it's worth giving it a try. If the issue persists it could be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How to fix the problem of a French door that isn't opening
If your French doors aren't locking, the problem is most likely caused by dirt and debris obstructing the lock mechanism. Making sure that the frame is clean and there is nothing blocking the locking mechanism is the first thing you need to do. It could be that the French door frame and French door are not aligned correctly. This can cause the French door to move against the frame, which can result in jamming.
The lock mechanism is simple. A key rotates a spindle, which then moves a bolt up and down on the rail. If the handle is turning but the bolt does not move, this means that something is stuck. There may be something wrong with the mechanics of the lock itself, or it could just need some lubrication. Use a silicone spray. It will come with a nozzle that you can use to direct the lubricant directly to the mechanism. Spray generously and then turn the handle until the lubricant is reaching all of the mechanisms.
It is also possible to adjust the position of the latch on the French door. It is generally possible to do this from outside. If you're French doors were just installed, you should be able put the handle and latch in place with no problem. If your French doors are older, you will need to use the templates included in the lock kit to mark the locations where the holes for the handle on the door and latch on the frame need to be. Then, you'll need to drill the hole for the handle/knob at the correct height (commonly about 36 inches from floor) and then make a smaller hole along the edge of the door for the latch.
Once the hole is drilled, you need to make sure that the latch plate is positioned over the strike plate of the door frame. If it's not, then the deadbolt may not retract into the strike plate when you press the lever to lock. In the end, you'll have to screw the latch plate in place.
How to fix an French door that won't shut
Sometimes the latch on the latch on a French door gets stuck so it can't be closed, rendering the doors unusable. There's usually a simple solution to this, but it can involve taking down one of the doors, especially if they are heavy. Most of the time the latch isn't aligned correctly with the strike plate, jamb on the door or both. The dead bolt might not be fully extended or retractable. It is common for the dead bolt to misalign in time, as a result of weather, or from settlement of the house.
It is sometimes difficult to open doors that are stuck. To solve this issue, loosen the screws holding 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 lock mechanism and fix the problem.
If the latch doesn't fit inside the strike plate hole, you can repair it by loosening the screw that holds the strike plate, and then using an electric or a metal file to trim the edge until the latch fits. It may also mean taking off the strike plate, and then chiseling out the hole to make it bigger in the event that it is required.
The locks on French doors often fail to properly engage. This could indicate an issue with the locking cylinder, especially if you're using a newer lock system. If the lock is not working properly, you'll have remove it and look for obvious damage.
If you have an older door with a draft entering, you can replace the old weatherstripping around the exterior of the door. This will create a secure seal and keep the doors from slipping or locking incorrectly. Door sweeps can be added to close any gaps. Install the sweeps on top and bottom of the door.