Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
When it comes to locking your french doors, it is important to ensure that they're secure. You can do this by selecting a lock that will ensure your door is secure without blocking airflow or impacting the aesthetic look of your space.
French door locks typically come with a three-point locking system, which includes flush bolts on the lower and upper edges of each door panel as well as the door's lockset that can be opened. This system is difficult to crack.
How to fix the problem of a French door that isn't locking
If your doors don't lock or latch correctly, it could be a serious safety risk. It could be an indication of a larger issue like a cracked or damaged locking cylinder. But don't worry, the issue is fixable with a few easy steps.
The reason a door won't latch is usually due to obstructions that block it. It could be just as simple as dirt accumulating in the latch or the latch could be defective.
You can determine whether this is the case by looking at the strike plate (the metal piece that rests against the frame on the inside of the door). If there is a tiny metal stub sticking out from the strike plate gently tap it using a screwdriver to bend it. This will let the bolt slide in more easily.
A latch that has become stuck is usually caused by poor alignment or installation. Lubricating the latch can make it to function better, but it won't solve problems with how it aligns with the strike plate.
Installing a strike plate is simple in case you don't have one. The lock body (the part that screws into the door frame) must be removed from the door and the lock assembly replaced. This is an easy task that requires a phillips head screwdriver as well as a power drill.
To ensure that the lock functions as efficiently as possible, it is a good practice to lubricate it regularly especially the cylinder. You can use silicone or graphite lubricant for this. Apply the lubricant on the key and then slowly turn it several times until the cylinder moves freely.
It's recommended to invest in a double-cylinder deadbolt for your French doors, rather than simply a standard deadbolt. A handle twist lock will not be enough to deter burglars, and a door deadbolt that has a thumb turn can be defeated 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 working with the strike plate hole. This is usually caused by sagging hinges but it could also be due to the location of the latch or the latch itself. To help determine which of these is the cause, apply 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, then it could be the latch position.
It is crucial to ensure that the strike plate is aligned with the latch holes when installing handles or the lock mechanism on the French Door. This is particularly true when a door has been closed for a prolonged period of time. In this period the door could have moved slightly. french doors repair is particularly common with timber or composite doors because they are susceptible to expand or contract depending on the weather and the conditions.
To fix this issue, remove the latch that locks at the edge of the door in use and unscrew it from the handle. Using a sharp chisel, with a hammer, enlarge strike plate hole in the door frame. This will allow the latch to be put in a more suitable position for the door and when the door is closed and opened, it will close easily without catching or rubbing on the frame.
Once the latch hole has been expanded, carefully place the new latch inside the strike plate hole and screw it into. Then adjust the strike plate using the screw, hammer and nut until it is in the correct position. Test the door. Make any adjustments needed.
Another issue that is common to external French Doors is that the lock cylinder won't turn. This can be caused by obstructions or wear and tear, but it is usually easy to fix. The lock may be obstructed or the pins of the cylinder worn. It's worth a shot to see if a quick clean can result in a change. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How to fix a French Door that isn't opening
If your French door isn't locking due to dirt or other debris It is likely that the mechanism is obstructed. The first thing to do is to check that the frame of the door is free from obstructions and that there is nothing blocking the mechanism for locking. It could be that the French door frame and French door aren't aligned properly. This could cause the French door to move against the frame, resulting in jamming.
The lock mechanism is simple. A key rotates the spindle, and then moves the bolt upwards and downwards on a rail. If the handle is turning but the bolt does not move, this means that something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics aren't working or it might need lubricating. Use a silicone spray. It will come with a nozzle that you can use to spray lubricant directly into the mechanisms. Spray liberally then turn the handle to ensure that all components of the lock mechanism are fully lubricated.
You might also need to alter the position of the latch on the French door. This is a simple task and is usually done from the outside of the door. If you're French doors were just installed and you are able to put the latch and handle in the door without difficulty. If they are old then you'll be required to mark the positions of the holes for the handles on the door and the latch on the frame of the door with a template provided with the lock kit. The hole to install the knob/handle at the correct height. It is typically about 36 inches above the floor. Then, you can drill smaller holes around the edges of the door to install the latch.
Once the hole is drilled, you need to make sure that the latch plate is correctly positioned over the strike plate of the door frame. If the latch plate doesn't fit properly the deadbolt won't retract into the strike plate if you pull the lock lever. Finally, you will have to screw the latch plate in place.
How to fix the problem of a French door that isn't closing
Sometimes, the latch on a French door gets stuck so it can't be closed, rendering the doors effectively unusable. This is usually a straightforward issue to fix, but it may require the removal of one of the heavy doors. In the majority of cases, the issue is that the latch is not aligned either with the strike plate or with the jamb on the door, or both. The dead bolt might not be fully extended or extended or. It is common for the dead bolt to misalign over time, due to weather conditions, or due to the shifting of the house.
If the latch is stuck, it may be difficult to open, but it's typically easy to solve the issue by loosening the screws that hold the hinge to the frame and then inserting shims to make the door a bit higher or lower. This will bring the latch closer to the lock mechanism and fix the problem.
If the latch does not fit in the hole of the strike plate, you can fix it by loosening up the screw holding the strike plate, and then using an electric or a metal file to trim the edge until the latch fits. If needed, you may have to take off the strike plate to chisel out the hole.
Another common issue with French doors is that locks don't engage correctly. If you have a more recent lock system it could be an indicator of a problem with the locking cylinder. You'll need to take off the lock and inspect it for visible obstructions or damage, and if it's not working properly you may need to replace it.
If you have an older door that has a draft coming in, try replacing the weatherstripping that was used on the outside of the doors. 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 that the sweeps overlap with each other at the bottom.