Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
You'll want to lock your french doors with security. This can be accomplished by selecting a lock that will keep your door secure without obstructing airflow or affecting the aesthetic look of your room.
repair french doors have three-point locking systems that has flush bolts on the upper and lower edges of each door panel as well as an opening lockset that can be opened. This system isn't easy to crack.
How do you fix a French door that won't lock
It can be a significant security risk in the event that your doors do not lock or latch properly. It could be a sign of a larger issue like a cracked or damaged locking cylinder. But don't worry about it, the issue is fixable by following a few simple steps.
A door that doesn't latch is usually because of an obstruction blocking it. This could be like a small piece of dirt that is stuck in the lock or it could be a problem with the latch itself.
You can check whether this is the situation by examining the strike plate (the metal piece that is placed against the frame on the inside of the door). If there is a small metal tab sticking out of the strike plate, gently tap it using a screwdriver and use a hammer to bend it a bit to open the hole in the plate so that bolts can be dropped into it more easily.
A latch that is seized is typically caused by a poor alignment or installation. Lubricating the latch will allow it to work better, but it won't solve issues with alignment.
Installing a strike plate is straightforward if you don't already have one. The lock body (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 difficult job.
It is recommended to ensure that the lock is lubricated especially the cylinder frequently to ensure it works as well as possible. You can use graphite or silicone-based oil to do this. Apply the lubricant to the cylinder and then turn it slowly several times until the cylinder is moving freely.
A double-cylinder deadbolt can be more secure than an ordinary deadbolt when pertains to French doors. A handle twist lock is not enough to stop intruders, and a standard door deadbolt with a thumb-turn could be ruined if you break the glass.
How to fix the problem of a French door that isn't latching
The issue is usually caused by the door latch not properly connecting to the strike plate hole. It is often caused by sagging hinges. However, it can be due to a problem with the position of the latch or the latch itself. To help determine which is the cause, use lipstick or a similar marker to determine where the latch is in contact with the strike plate hole. This mark will help you identify the root of the issue. For example when the mark is below the strike plate, it's most likely to be the hinges. If it's higher it could be the position of the latch.
When installing handles or an entirely new lock mechanism for an external French Door it's important that the latch and strike plate holes are properly aligned. This is particularly important in the event that one door was closed for a long amount of time. During this period, the door could be a bit shifted. This is especially common with timber or composite doors because they are prone to contraction or expansion depending on the weather and the conditions.
To correct this issue, first take the latch from the active door's edge, then remove the locking strip from the handle. With a chisel that is sharp, hammer and a chisel, expand the strike plate hole within the door frame. This will allow you to put the latch in a better position for the door. When the door is closed it will close without catching the frame.
After the latch hole is expanded, insert the new latch into the strike plate and screw it in. Then, re-adjust the strike plate using the hammer and screw until it is sitting in the correct position, then test the door. Make any necessary adjustments.
Another issue with external French Doors is that the lock cylinder won't turn. This can be due wear and tear or debris. However, it's usually a simple fix. The lock could be blocked or the pins of the cylinder worn. It's worth trying to see if a quick clean will help. If the issue continues, it may be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How to fix a French Door That Won't Open
If your French door isn't locking because of dirt or debris, it is likely that the lock mechanism is obstructed. Verifying that the frame is clean and there's nothing blocking the locking mechanism is the first thing you need to do. There could be an issue with the alignment of the French door and its frame. This could cause the door to drag on the frame and eventually cause jamming.
The mechanism for locking is simple. A key turns the spindle, and then moves the bolt upwards and downwards on a rail. If the handle spins but the bolt does not move this could mean that something is stuck. It could be a problem with the mechanics of the lock itself or it could just need lubricating. Use a silicone spray. It comes with a nozzle you can use to direct the lubricant directly into the mechanism. Spray the spray liberally and then rotate the handle to ensure the lubricant has reached all parts of the mechanism.
It is also possible to adjust the location of the latch on the French door. It is usually possible to do this from the outside. If you're French doors are new they will be able to screw the latch and handle in place without difficulty. If they're older then you'll have to mark the locations of the holes for the handles on the door and the latch on the frame of the door using an outline provided by 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 on the outside of the doors for the latch.
Once the hole is drilled, it's important to ensure that the latch plate fits correctly over the strike plate that is on the door frame. If the latch plate does not fit properly the deadbolt will not retract into the strike plate when you pull the lock lever. In the end, you'll need to screw the latch plate in place.
How do fix a French door that isn't closing
Sometimes, the latch on the latch on a French door gets stuck so it can't be closed, rendering the doors effectively unusable. There's usually a fix for this but it could require taking down one of the doors, particularly in the case of heavy doors. In most cases, the latch is not aligned correctly with the strike plate, jamb of the door, or both. It could also be because the dead bolt isn't extended or fully retracted. It is common for the dead bolt to misalign over time, due to weather conditions, or due to the settling of the house.
It is sometimes difficult to open doors that are stuck. To solve this issue take off the screws that secure the hinge to the frame and then, add shims to make the door raised or reduced. This will move the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and will solve the issue.
If the latch isn't able to get into position with the strike plate's hole on the jamb of the door, you can usually fix it by loosening the screw that is holding the strike plate and using an electric or a metal planer to cut away some of the edge of the plate until the latch fits. If needed, you may also have to remove the strike plate to make the hole.
Another common problem with French doors is that the locks do not engage correctly. This could be a sign of an issue with the locking cylinder if you're using a more recent lock system. You'll need to take off the lock and inspect it for obvious damage or obstructions, and if it's not functioning properly, you might need to replace it.
If you have an older door that has a draft coming in, consider replacing the weatherstripping on the outside of the door. This will give a secure seal and will to keep the doors from sticking or locking improperly. Door sweeps can be used to fill in any gaps. If you decide to do this, make sure that the sweeps are placed on both sides of the door, and that the sweeps overlap at the bottom.