Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
You'll want to secure your french doors securely. This can be accomplished by selecting locks that keep your door safe without blocking airflow or affecting the aesthetics of your space.
French door locks usually have three-point locking systems that has flush bolts on the lower and upper edges of each door panel, and a lockset for the door that can be opened. This system is hard to break.
Fixing a French Door That Won't Lock
It can be a serious safety issue if your doors don't latch or lock properly. This could be a sign of a serious issue such as a cracked locking cylinder. Don't worry it is possible to solve the issue by following just a few simple steps.
The reason a door won't latch is usually because of an obstruction blocking it. This can be something as simple as a small piece of dirt that is stuck in the lock or it could be a problem with the latch itself.
You can confirm whether this is the situation by looking at the strike plate (the metal piece that sits against the frame on the side of the door). If there is a small metal tab protruding from the strike plate, gently tap it using a screwdriver and use a hammer to bend it a bit, this will allow the hole to be opened in the plate so that 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 can help it to function better, but it won't solve problems with how it lines up with the strike plate.
If you do not have a strike plate it's easy to install one. You will need to remove the lock body from the door (the part that attaches to the frame of the door) and replace the entire lock assembly with a brand new one. You'll require a Phillips-head screwdriver and an electric drill for this, but it is not a difficult job.
It is recommended to ensure that the lock is lubricated especially the cylinder frequently to ensure it functions as efficiently as it can. You can use graphite or silicone-based lubricant for this. Apply the lubricant to the key and then turn it slowly several times until the cylinder can move freely.
A double-cylinder deadbolt is more secure than a standard deadbolt when it pertains to French doors. A handle twist lock is not enough to deter intruders and the standard deadbolt for doors that has a thumb-turn can be defeated if you break the glass.
How to fix the problem of a French door that won't latch
The issue is often caused by the latch of the door not engaging properly with the hole of the strike plate. This is usually due to sagging hinges, however it can be due to the location of the latch or the latch itself. To determine which of these causes the problem, apply a lipstick or similar marker to pinpoint the point where the latch comes into contact with the strike plate hole. This mark can help you identify the root of the issue. For instance If the mark is below the strike plate, then it's likely the hinges. If it's higher it could be the position of the latch.
When installing handles or the new lock mechanism on an external French Door it's important that the latch and strike plate hole locations are correctly aligned. This is especially important if a door has been closed for a prolonged period of time. During this time the door could be a little shifted. This is most common for doors made of timber and composite, as they are susceptible to contraction or expansion based on the weather or environment.
To fix this issue, remove the latch that locks at the top of the door in use and unscrew it from the handle. Using a sharp chisel, hammer and a chisel, expand the strike plate hole within the door frame. This will allow you to place the latch in a more ideal position for the door. When the door is closed, it will shut without catching the frame.
After the hole in the latch is expanded, insert the new latch into the strike plate and screw it into. Then, adjust the strike plate using the hammer and screw until it is sitting in the correct position, and then check the door. Make any adjustments as required.
The lock cylinder on external French Doors won't turn. This could be due to debris or simply wear and tear, but it's usually easy to fix. The lock may be obstructed, or the pins in the cylinder are worn. A simple clean can make a big difference to the operation of the mechanism, and it's definitely worth giving this a try. If the issue persists it might be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How do you fix an French door that isn't opening
If your French doors do not lock, the problem is most likely due to dirt and debris blocking the mechanism of the lock. The first thing to do is to check that the frame of the door is clear of obstructions and that nothing is blocking the mechanism for locking. replace window with french doors repairmywindowsanddoors is possible that the French door frame and French door are not aligned correctly. This can cause the door to drag over the frame, which can eventually result in jamming.
The mechanism behind the lock is pretty simple - the key turns a spindle that then moves a bolt back and forth on the rail. If the handle is turning but the bolt doesn't move this could mean that something is stuck. There may be an issue with the mechanism of the lock itself, or it might just need to be lubricated. Try using a silicone spray. It will come with a pipe that can be used to direct the lubricant into the mechanism of the lock. Spray the spray liberally and then turn the handle to ensure that the lubricant has reached all of the mechanisms.
It is also possible to adjust the position of the latch on the French door. This is easy to do and can usually be done from the outside of the door. If your French doors have just been installed, you should be able fix the latch and handle into place with no problem. If your French doors are older, you will need to use the template included in the lock kit to mark where the holes for the handle on the door and latch on the frame need to be. Drill the hole for the knob/handle at the correct height. This is usually about 36 inches above the floor. Then, drill a smaller hole around the edges of the door for the latch.
Once the hole is dug, you must make sure that the latch plate is positioned over the strike plate of the door frame. If the latch plate doesn't fit properly the deadbolt will not retract into strike plate when you push the lock lever. The latch plate will need to be screwed into the correct position.
Repairing a French Door that won't close
Sometimes the latch on the latch on a French door gets stuck so it isn't able to close, making the doors unusable. This is usually a straightforward issue to fix, however it could require you to remove one of the doors that are heavy. In the majority of cases 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 extended or. The misalignment can happen over time, due to weather conditions, or due to the settlement of the house.
If the latch is stuck, it could be difficult to open, but it's generally easy to fix the problem by loosening the screws that secure the hinge to the frame, and then putting in some shims to make the door higher or lower. This will move the latch closer to the lock mechanism and solve the problem.
If the latch doesn't fit into the hole of the strike plate, you can fix it by loosening up the screw that holds the strike plate and using an electric or metal file to remove some of the edges until the latch fits. If needed, you may have to take off the strike plate to cut out the hole.
The locks on French doors are often unable to latch properly. If you have a newer lock system this could be an indicator of an issue with the cylinder that locks. If the lock isn't working properly, you'll have take it off and examine for visible damage.
Replace the weatherstripping that was installed on the exterior of a door when you feel drafts entering. This will create a secure seal and help to keep the doors from sticking or locking incorrectly. Door sweeps can be added to close any gaps. Install the sweeps on top and bottom of the door.