Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
When it comes to locking your french doors, it is important to ensure they're safe. You can do this by selecting a lock system that will keep your door secure without obstructing airflow or affecting the appearance of your home.
French door locks are typically an all-point lock system which includes flush bolts at the upper and lower edges of each door panel and an operating door. This lockset is very hard to break.
How to fix a French Door that isn't Locking
It can be a serious safety issue when doors don't lock or latch correctly. This could be a sign of a major issue such as a cracked locking cylinder. However, don't panic, you can usually fix the issue with just a few steps.
The reason a door won't latch is usually because of an obstruction that is blocking it. It could be as simple as a small piece of dirt that is stuck in the lock or it could be a problem with the latch itself.
If you take a look at the strike plate, (the metal piece on the inside of the doors which rests against the frame) You can determine whether it's true. 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 allow the hole to be opened in the plate, allowing bolts can slide into the door more easily.
A seized latch could be the result of improper installation or a poor alignment. Lubricating the latch may help it function better, but it will not solve problems with how it lines up with the strike plate.
Installing a strike plate is simple in case you don't have one. You will need to remove the lock body from the door (the part that screws into the door frame) and replace the entire lock assembly with a new one. You'll require a Phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill to do this, but it's not a difficult job.
It is recommended to lubricate the new lock, especially the cylinder, frequently to ensure it functions as efficiently as possible. You can use graphite or silicone-based lubricant to do this. Apply the lubricant onto the key, then turn it several times slowly until the cylinder can move freely.
It is a good idea to get a double-cylinder deadbolt for your French doors, rather than simply a standard deadbolt. A simple twist lock on the handle isn't enough to keep intruders out, and a standard deadbolt that has an inside-facing thumb-turn of the door could be beaten by breaking the glass and reaching in through it.
Repairing a French Door That Won't Latches
The problem is often caused by the latch of the door not interacting properly with the hole in the strike plate. This is typically due to sagging hinges, but it could be due to the position of the latch or the latch itself. You could use a marker, such as lipstick, or another similar marker, to identify the cause. This mark can help you determine the cause of the problem. For instance, if the mark is below the strike plate then it's probably the hinges. If it's above the strike plate, then it could be the latch position.
It is important to align the strike plate and latch holes when installing handles or the lock mechanism on the French Door. replace french door glass is particularly important when one door has been closed for a long amount of time. During this time, the door may have moved slightly. This is especially common with composite and timber doors, because they are prone to expansion or contraction depending on the weather or environment.
To fix this, take off the lock latch on the edge of the active door and then remove it from the handle. Then with a chisel that is sharp and hammer, you can increase the strike plate hole on the door frame. This will allow you to place the latch in a more suitable position for the door. When the door is shut, it will shut without catching the frame.
After the latch hole is increased, insert the new latch inside the strike plate and screw it in. Then, adjust the strike plate with the screw and hammer until it is sitting in a more suitable position, and then check the door. Make any necessary adjustments.
Another issue that is common to external French Doors is that the lock's cylinder doesn't turn. This can be due wear and tear or debris. However, it's generally a simple fix. The lock may be blocked or the pins within the cylinder are worn. It's worth a shot to see if a simple cleaning can make a difference. If the issue continues it could be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How to fix an French door that won't let you open
If your French doors won't lock, the problem is most likely caused by debris and dirt blocking the mechanism for locking. The first thing to do is check the frame of the door is free from obstructions and nothing is blocking the locking mechanism. It could be that the French door frame and French door are not aligned properly. This can cause the door to drag over the frame, which can eventually result in jamming.
The mechanism of the lock is pretty simple - the key turns a spindle that is then able to move a bolt back and forth on rail. If the handle moves but the bolt doesn't there is a problem, then something is not working. It could be that the lock's mechanics are not working properly or it might need lubricating. Try using the silicone spray. It will come with a pipe that can be used to direct the lubricant into the mechanisms of the lock. Spray generously, then turn the handle to make sure that all components of the lock mechanism are well-lubricated.
It is also possible to alter the position of the latch on the French door. It is typically possible to do this from the outside. If you're French doors are new, you will most likely be in a position to screw the handle and latch in place without any problem. If they're old then you'll 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 a template included in the lock kit. The hole to install the knob/handle at the correct height. This is usually about 36 inches above the floor. Then, you can drill a smaller hole on the outside of the doors for the latch.
After drilling the hole It is crucial to ensure that the latch plate is positioned correctly over the strike plate on the door frame. If this doesn't fit, then the deadbolt may not retract into the strike plate when you press the lever for locking. The latch plate will have to be screwed in place.
How do fix the problem of a French door that won't shut
Sometimes, the latch on a French door is stuck and it isn't able to close, making the doors ineffective. There's usually a solution, but it can involve removal of one of the doors, particularly when they're heavy. In most cases the problem is that the latch is not aligned either with the strike plate or with the door jamb or both. It might also be that the dead bolt isn't extended or fully retracted. Misalignment can occur as time passes due to weather conditions or the settling.
It can be 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 lowered. This will bring the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and fix the problem.
If the latch isn't in the strike plate hole in the door jamb typically, you can fix it by loosening the screw that holds the strike plate and using a metal file or electric planer to remove some of the edge of the plate until the latch fits. If you need to, you might also need to remove the strike plate to chisel out the hole.
Another issue that is common to French doors is that locks don't engage properly. If you're using a newer lock system this could be an indicator of a problem with the locking cylinder. If the lock isn't working properly, you'll have to remove it and check for obvious damage.
If you have an older door that has a draught coming in, try replacing the old weatherstripping around the outside of the door. This will create a secure seal and prevent the doors from sticking. You can also install door sweeps to ensure that all the gaps that could be created are sealed. Install the sweeps on both the top and bottom of the door.