Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
When you lock your french doors, you want to ensure they're safe. You can do this by choosing a lock system that will keep your door secure without obstructing airflow and affecting the appearance of your space.
French door locks are generally a three-point lock system which includes flush bolts at the lower and upper edges of each door panel and a lockset on the operable door. This type of lock can be difficult to penetrate.
Fixing a French Door that isn't Locking
If your doors don't lock or latch correctly, it could be a major safety concern. It could also be an indication of a serious issue like a damaged locking cylinder. Don't worry, the problem is fixable with a few easy steps.
A door that won't latch is usually due to obstructions that block it. It could be as simple as dirt stuck in the latch, or the latch may be defective.
You can determine if this is the case by looking at the strike plate (the metal piece that sits against the frame on the side of the door). If you see a tiny metal tab sticking out of the strike plate, gently tap it using a screwdriver and hammer to bend it slightly to allow the hole to be opened in the plate, allowing bolts can slide into the door more easily.
A seized latch could be the result of improper installation or poor alignment. Lubricating the latch will allow it work better, but it won't solve issues with alignment.
Installing a strike plate is straightforward in case you don't have one. It is necessary to remove the body of the lock from the door (the part that attaches to the frame of the door) and then replace the whole lock assembly with a brand new one. You'll need a Phillips-head screwdriver and an electric drill for this, but it's not a difficult job.
To ensure that the lock works effectively, it is a good practice to lubricate it regularly especially the cylinder. Use a silicone or graphite lubricant for this. Apply the lubricant to the key, then turn it several times slowly until the cylinder moves freely.
It is a good idea to invest in a double-cylinder deadbolt for your French doors, instead of just a standard one. A simple handle twist lock won't be enough to stop intruders from entering, and a standard deadbolt that has an inside-facing thumb-turn of the door could be beaten by breaking the glass and reaching in through it.
How do you fix the problem of a French door that isn't latching
The issue is usually caused by the latch of the door not engaging properly with the hole of the strike plate. It is often caused by the hinges being sagging. However, it could also be due to a problem with the latch position or the latch itself. To determine which is the cause, use a lipstick or similar marker to pinpoint the point where the latch comes into contact with the strike plate hole. This mark will help you determine the cause of the issue. For example when the mark is below the strike plate, then it's likely the hinges. If it's above the strike plate, then it could be the position of the latch.
It is essential to be sure to align the strike plate and latch holes when installing handles or a lock mechanism on the French Door. This is especially true when one door has been closed for a prolonged period of time. During this time, the door may have moved a bit. This is especially common with composite or timber doors as they are prone to expansion or contraction according to the weather and the environment.
To fix this, first remove the lock latch from the door's edge. Then, remove the locking strip from the handle. Using a sharp chisel, the hammer and a chisel make a larger hole for the strike plate in the door frame. This will permit the latch to be put in a more suitable location for the door and when the door is shut and opened it will close smoothly without rubbing or catching the frame.
After the latch hole is enlarged, place the new latch on the strike plate and screw it into. Then, adjust the strike plate with the hammer, screw and nut until it is in the right position. Test the door. Make any adjustments that are needed.
The lock cylinder of external French doors won't turn. This could be due to wear and tear or debris. However, it's generally a simple fix. Most of the time, the lock is blocked, or the pins in the cylinder are worn. It's worth a shot to see if a quick clean will make a difference. If the problem persists it could be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
Fixing a French Door that won't open
If your French door isn't locking because of dirt or debris It is likely that the mechanism is blocked. Verifying that the frame is clear and that there's nothing blocking the locking mechanism is the first thing you need to do. It could be that the French door frame and the French door are not aligned properly. This could cause the French door to move against the frame, which can result in jamming.
The lock mechanism is simple. A key turns a spindle, which then moves the bolt up and down on the rail. If the handle turns but the bolt doesn't move this could mean that something is stuck. There could be an issue with the mechanism of the lock, or it could just need some lubrication. Make use of a silicone spray. It will come with a nozzle can be used to direct lubricant directly into the mechanisms. Spray generously and then rotate the handle until the lubricant has reached all the parts of the mechanism.
You may also need to adjust where the latch is located on the French door. It is usually possible to do this from the outside. If your French doors are just installed, you should be able screw the handle and latch in the door without difficulty. If they're older you'll be required to mark the positions of the holes for the handles on the door and the latch on the door frame using an outline provided by the lock kit. Then, drill the hole for the handle or knob at the proper height (commonly about 36 inches from the floor) and then make a smaller hole along the door's edge to install the latch.
After the hole has been drilled, you need to ensure that the latch plate is correctly set over the strike plate of the door frame. If the latch plate does not fit properly, the deadbolt will not retract into strike plate when you pull the lock lever. The latch plate will have to be screwed in place.
How to fix a French Door That Won't Close
The latch on the latch of a French Door can get stuck and won't close. This can render the doors unusable. There's often a simple solution, but it can involve taking down one of the doors, especially in the case of heavy doors. In most cases the problem is that the latch is not aligned or with the strike plate, or with the jamb of the door or both. It might also be that the dead bolt isn't extended or retracted completely. The misalignment could occur over time because of weather or the settling.
It is sometimes difficult to open a door that is stuck. To solve this issue take off the screws that secure the hinge to the frame, and then add some shims to make the door raised or lowered. This will bring the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and will solve the problem.
In the same way, if the latch isn't able to get into position with the strike plate's hole on the door jamb it is usually possible to solve the issue by loosing the screw that holds the strike plate and using a metal file or electric planer to cut away some of the edge of the plate until the latch is able to fit. This could also mean removing the strike plate, and then chiseling out the hole to make it larger should it be it is necessary.
french door repair on French doors can sometimes fail to latch properly. This could indicate a problem in the locking cylinder, especially if you're using a more recent lock system. If the lock is not functioning properly, you'll need take it off and examine for visible damage.
If you have an older door that has a draft coming in, try replacing the weatherstripping on the outside of the doors. This will give a secure seal and will prevent the doors from sticking or locking improperly. You can also put in door sweeps to ensure that all of the gaps that could be created are sealed. Install the sweeps on top and bottom of the door.