Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
When it comes to locking your french doors, you want to make sure they're safe. You can accomplish this by choosing a lock system that will keep your door secure without blocking airflow or impacting the aesthetic look of your space.
French door locks usually have three-point locking systems that includes flush bolts on the upper and lower edges each door panel and an opening lockset that can be opened. This type of lock isn't easy to crack.
How do you fix the problem of a French door that isn't locking
It can be a significant safety risk in the event that your doors do not latch or lock properly. It could be a sign of a larger issue like a damaged or broken locking cylinder. Don't worry, the problem can be solved by following a few simple steps.
The most common reason for the reason a door won't lock is because there is an obstruction that blocks the latch. It could be as simple as dirt stuck in the latch or the latch could be defective.
If you examine the strike plate, (the metal piece that is on the inside of the doors that rests against the frame) You can determine if it is true. If there is a small metal tab protruding from the strike plate, gently tap it using a screwdriver to bend it. This will allow the bolt to slide in more easily.
A latch that is seized could be the result of improper installation or a poor alignment. Lubricating the latch can help it function better, but it doesn't solve problems with the way it lines up with the strike plate.
If you don't have a strike plate it's easy to install one. It is necessary to remove the lock body from the door (the part that screws into the door frame) and replace the entire lock assembly with a brand new one. You'll require a Phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill for this, but it is not a daunting task.
It is a good idea to lubricate the new lock especially the cylinder regularly to ensure that it functions as efficiently as it can. Utilize a lubricant made of graphite or silicone to do this. Apply the lubricant to the key, and then turn it several times until the cylinder is able to move freely.
It is recommended to get double-cylinder deadbolts for your French doors, rather than simply a standard deadbolt. A simple handle twist lock won't be enough to stop intruders from entering, and a standard deadbolt with an internal thumb-turn of the door can be beaten by breaking the glass and then reaching into the door.
How do fix the problem of a French door that won't latch
Often the issue is caused by the door latch not properly working with the strike plate hole. This is typically caused by sagging hinges but it could also be due to the location of the latch or the latch itself. You can use lipstick, or another similar marker to determine the cause. The location of this mark will help you to identify the cause of the issue For instance, if it makes contact below the strike plate hole, then the hinges are the likely cause, but when it's above, the position of the latch could be the cause.
It is crucial to align the strike plate and latch holes when installing handles or a lock mechanism on the French Door. This is especially the case when one door has been closed for a prolonged period of time. During this period the door might be a bit shifted. This is most common for doors made of timber and composite, because they are prone to contraction or expansion based on the weather conditions or the surrounding environment.
To fix this, remove the lock latch at the edge of the door in use and unscrew it from the handle. Using a sharp chisel, the hammer and a chisel enlarge strike plate hole in the door frame. This allows you to place the latch in a more ideal position for the door. When the door is shut, it will shut without catching the frame.
After the hole in the latch is expanded, insert the new latch on the strike plate and screw it into. Then, adjust the strike plate with the screw, hammer and nut until it is in the right position. Test the door. Make any necessary adjustments.
Another issue that is common to external French Doors is that the lock's cylinder isn't able to turn. This can be caused by dirt or wear and tear, however it is usually easy to fix. Most of the time, the lock is obstructed or the pins inside the cylinder are worn. It's worth a shot to see if a simple clean can result in a change. If the issue continues it might be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
Repairing a French Door That Won't Open
If your French doors aren't locking the way you want, the issue is most likely caused by dirt and debris blocking the mechanism for locking. Checking that the door frame is free of debris and there is nothing blocking the locking system is the first thing you need to do. It is possible that the French door frame and French door are not aligned properly. This could cause the door to drag onto the frame and ultimately cause jamming.
The lock mechanism is straightforward. A key turns the spindle, and then moves the bolt upwards and downwards on a rail. If the handle moves but the bolt does not it means that something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics are faulty, or it may just need lubricating. Try using a silicone spray. It comes with a pipe which you can use to direct the lubricant into the mechanism of the lock. Spray generously, then turn the handle to make sure that all components of the lock mechanism are lubricated.
There is also the possibility of having to adjust the location of the latch on the French door. It is generally possible to do this from outside. If you're French doors are new they will be able to screw the handle and latch in the right position without a problem. If your French doors are older, you'll need to use the templates that comes with the lock kit to mark the location where the holes for the handle on the door and latch on the frame should be. Then, 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 door's edge for the latch.
After drilling the hole, it's important to check that the latch plate is properly placed over the strike plate on the door frame. If this doesn't fit the deadbolt, it may not retract into the strike plate when you push the lever for locking. The latch plate will have to be screwed in place.
How to fix a French door that won't shut
The latch on the latch on a French Door may become 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. The most common cause is that the latch is not aligned or with the strike plate, or with the jamb on the door, or both. It could also be because the dead bolt isn't extended or retracted completely. Misalignment happens in time, as a result of weather conditions or the settlement of the home.
It is sometimes difficult to open doors that are stuck. To resolve this issue take off the screws that secure 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.
If the latch isn't able to fit into the strike plate hole you can solve the issue by loosening the screw holding the strike plate, and then using an electric or a metal file to trim the edges until the latch fits. This might also require removing the strike plate, and then chiseling out the hole to make it bigger if required.
Another common problem with French doors is that the locks do not engage properly. If you have a more recent lock system this could be an indicator of an issue with the locking cylinder. It is necessary to remove the lock and check it for obvious obstructions or damages and, if it's functioning properly, you might require replacing it.
If you have an older door that has a draft coming in, consider replacing the old weatherstripping around the exterior of the door. french door repairs will give a secure seal and prevent the doors from sticking or locking incorrectly. Door sweeps can be used to close any gaps. If you choose to do this, be sure to install the sweeps on both sides of the door and that the sweeps overlap at the bottom.