Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
When you lock your french doors, you need to ensure that they're safe. This can be achieved by selecting the right lock that will keep your door secure without blocking airflow or affecting the aesthetics of your space.
French door locks usually have 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 lockset is difficult to break into.
Repairing a French Door that isn't Locking
If your doors won't lock or latch correctly, it could be a major safety concern. It could also be a sign of a major issue such as a cracked locking cylinder. Don't worry, you can usually solve the issue by following just a few steps.
A door that doesn't latch is usually because of obstructions that block it. It could be as simple as dirt stuck in the latch, or the latch may be defective.
You can confirm if this is the situation by examining the strike plate (the metal piece that is placed against the frame on the side of the door). If there is a tiny metal tab protruding from the strike plate gently tap it with a screwdriver to bend it. This will allow the bolt to slide into the door more easily.
A latch that is seized is typically caused by a poor alignment or incorrect installation. Lubricating the latch will allow it work better, but won't fix alignment issues.
If you don't have a strike plate it's simple to install one. The body of the lock (the part that screws into the door frame) must be removed from the door, and the lock assembly replaced. You will need a phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill for this, but it is not a major task.
To ensure that the lock works as efficiently as possible it is a great practice to lubricate it frequently especially the cylinder. Utilize a lubricant made of graphite or silicone to do this. Apply the lubricant to the cylinder and then turn it slowly several times until the cylinder is moving freely.
It's recommended to get double-cylinder deadbolts for your French doors, rather than simply a standard deadbolt. A simple twist lock on the handle will not be enough to stop intruders from entering, and a standard deadbolt fitted with an internal thumb-turn of the door can be defeated by breaking the glass and gaining access into the door.
Repairing a French Door that isn't latching
Often the issue is caused by the door latch not engaging with the strike plate hole. It is usually caused by sliding hinges. However, it could be caused by a problem with the position of the latch or the latch itself. To determine which causes the problem, 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 problem. For instance, if the mark is below the strike plate, then it's likely the hinges. If it's above, then it could be the latch position.
It is crucial to be sure to align the strike plate and latch holes when installing handles or the lock mechanism on the French Door. This is especially important in the event that a door was closed for a long period of time. During this time the door might have moved slightly. This is particularly common with composite or timber doors as they are prone to expansion or contraction according to the weather and the surrounding.
To fix this, first remove the lock latch from the active door's edge. Then, remove the locking strip from the handle. Then, using a sharp chisel and hammer, increase the strike plate hole in the door frame. This will allow you to put the latch in a more suitable position for the door. When the door is closed it will close without catching on the frame.
After the hole in the latch is enlarged, place the new latch into the strike plate and screw it in. Then, adjust the strike plate using the hammer, screw and nut until it is in the right position. Test the door. Make any necessary adjustments.
The lock cylinder of external French doors won't turn. This could be due to obstructions or wear and tear, however it's usually simple to resolve. Often the lock is simply obstructed or the pins within the cylinder are worn. It's worth a try to see if a quick clean will result in a change. If RepairMyWindowsAndDoors persists it is often required to replace the entire lock cylinder.
How do fix the problem of a French door that won't open
If your French door isn't locking due to dirt or other debris It is likely that the mechanism is obstructed. The first thing you need to do is check the frame of the door is clear of obstructions and that nothing is blocking the locking mechanism. It is possible that the French door frame and the French door aren't aligned properly. This could cause the door to drag onto the frame and ultimately lead to jamming.
The lock mechanism is simple. A key rotates the spindle, and then moves the bolt up and down on a rail. If the handle spins but the bolt isn't moving it means that something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics are not working properly, or it may just require lubrication. Make use of a silicone spray. It comes with a nozzle can be used to direct lubricant directly into the mechanisms. Spray liberally and then turn the handle to ensure that all the parts of the lock mechanism are lubricated.
You might also need to alter the position of the latch on the French door. It is generally possible to do this from outside. If you're French doors are new, you will most likely be able to screw the handle and latch in place without difficulty. If they're old, you will be required to mark the positions of the holes for the handles on the door as well as 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 correct height (commonly about 36 inches from the floor) and then make a smaller hole along the edge of the door to install the latch.
Once the hole is drilled it is important to check that the latch plate fits correctly over the strike plate on the door frame. If the latch plate does not fit properly the deadbolt won't retract into strike plate when you push the lock lever. Finally, you will need to screw the latch plate into place.
How do fix an French door that won't close
Sometimes the latch on the latch on a French door can become stuck, and it isn't able to close, making the doors effectively unusable. There's usually a simple solution to this, but it can involve removal of one of the doors, particularly if they are heavy. In most cases the problem is that the latch isn't aligned either with the strike plate or with the jamb on the door, or both. It could also be that the dead bolt isn't extended or retracted completely. It is common for the dead bolt to misalign with time, due to 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 add some shims so the door is raised or lowered. This will bring the latch closer to the lock mechanism and solve the problem.
If the latch isn't able to fit inside the strike plate hole, you can repair it by loosening the screw that holds the strike plate, and then using a metal planer or electric file to cut off some of the edges until the latch is able to fit. If needed, you may have to take off the strike plate in order to cut out the hole.
Another common problem with French doors is that the locks do not engage correctly. If you're using a newer lock this could indicate a problem with the locking cylinder itself. If the lock is not functioning properly, you'll need take it off and examine for visible damage.
Replace the weatherstripping that was installed on the exterior of a door that is older If you notice drafts entering. This will create a secure seal and stop the doors from catching. You can also put in door sweeps to ensure that all the possible gaps are closed. If you decide to do this, make sure to install the sweeps on both sides of the door, and that the sweeps overlap with each other at the bottom.