Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
When it comes to locking your french doors, you need to ensure they're safe. You can accomplish this by selecting a lock system that will keep your door secure without obstructing airflow and affecting the appearance of your home.
French door locks are generally a three-point lock system which includes flush bolts at the lower and upper edges of each door panel and an operable door. This lockset isn't easy to break into.
How to fix check out the post right here that isn't Locking
It can be a serious safety issue if your doors don't lock or latch properly. It could also be a sign of a larger issue, such as a cracked or broken locking cylinder. Don't worry, the problem is fixable by following a few simple steps.
The majority of the time, doors that don't lock is because there is an obstruction that blocks the latch. This can be something as simple as a piece of dirt that has gotten stuck in the lock, or it could be an issue with the latch itself.
You can confirm whether this is the case by examining the strike plate (the metal piece that is placed against the frame on the inside of the door). If you see a tiny metal tab protruding from the strike plate, tap it gently using a screwdriver, then hammer it to bend it slightly to open the hole in the plate and allow bolts can slide into it more easily.
A seized latch is usually caused by poor alignment or incorrect installation. Lubricating the latch can make it work better, but it doesn't solve the issue of how it lines up with the strike plate.
If you do not have a strike plate, it is easy to install one. You'll need to take the body of the lock from the door (the part that attaches to the frame of the door) and then replace the whole lock assembly with a new one. You'll require a Phillips-head screwdriver and an electric drill for this, but it's not a difficult job.
It is recommended to ensure that the lock is lubricated, especially the cylinder, regularly to make sure it operates as well as it can. Utilize a lubricant made of graphite or silicone to do this. Apply the lubricant to the key, then turn it several times until the cylinder can move freely.
It's a good idea to purchase a double-cylinder deadbolt for your French doors, instead of just a standard one. A simple handle twist lock won't be enough to keep intruders out and a standard deadbolt fitted with an internal thumb-turn of the door can be defeated by breaking the glass and reaching into the door.
Fixing a French Door That Won't Latches
The problem is often caused by the latch of the door not connecting properly with the hole of the strike plate. This is usually caused by sagging hinges but it could also be a problem with 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 determine where the latch is in contact with the strike plate. This mark will help identify the root of the problem. For example If the mark is below the strike plate then it's likely the hinges. If it's higher it could be the latch position.
It is essential to ensure that the strike plate is aligned with the latch holes when installing handles or the lock mechanism on a French Door. This is particularly important in the event that one door was closed for a long amount of time. During this period the door may have moved. This is most common for composite and timber doors, as they are susceptible to expansion or contraction based on the weather or environment.
To fix this issue, remove the latch at the edge of the door that is active and unscrew it from the handle. Utilizing 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 suitable position for the door. When the door is closed it will close without catching on the frame.
Once the hole for the latch has been expanded, insert the new latch inside the strike plate and screw it in. Then, adjust the strike plate using the hammer, screw and nut until it is in the correct position. Test the door. Make any necessary adjustments.
Another issue that is common to external French Doors is that the lock cylinder won't turn. This could be due to dirt or wear and tear, but it's usually simple to resolve. Most of the time, the lock is obstructed or the pins inside the cylinder are worn. It's worth a try to see if a simple clean can help. If the issue continues it might be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How do you fix the problem of a French door that won't let you open
If your French doors do not lock, the problem is most likely caused by dirt and debris blocking the mechanism of the lock. Verifying that the frame is clear and that there is nothing obstructing the locking mechanism is the first thing you need to do. It could be that the French door frame and the French door aren't aligned correctly. This can cause the French door to move against the frame, which can result in jamming.
The mechanism behind the lock is pretty simple - the key rotates a spindle which is then able to move a bolt back and forth on the rail. If the handle moves but the bolt doesn't, then something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics are not working properly, or it may just need lubricating. Use a silicone spray. It comes with a nozzle you can use to direct lubricant directly into the mechanisms. Spray generously and then rotate the handle to ensure the lubricant has gotten to all parts of the mechanism.
You may also need to change the location of the latch on the French door. It is usually possible to do this from outside. If your French doors are just installed, you should be able screw the latch and handle into place with no problem. If your French doors are older, you will need to use the template that comes with the lock kit to mark the locations where the holes for the handle on the door and the latch on the frame should be. Make the hole for the knob/handle at the correct height. It is typically about 36 inches above the floor. Then, drill smaller holes along the edge of the doors for the latch.
After the hole has been drilled, you need to ensure that the latch plate is positioned over the strike plate of the door frame. If it's not, then the deadbolt may not retract into the strike plate when you push the lever to lock. The latch plate will need to be screwed into place.
How do you fix an French door that isn't closing
Sometimes the latch on a French door gets stuck so it can't be closed, rendering the doors ineffective. There's usually a simple solution, but it could require taking down one of the doors, in particular in the case of heavy doors. In the majority of cases the latch isn't aligned correctly with the strike plate, jamb on the door or both. It could also be that the dead bolt isn't fully extended or retracted fully. Misalignment can occur in the course of time due to weather conditions or settlement.
It can be difficult to open the door if it is stuck. To resolve this issue, loosen the screws holding the hinge to the frame and then, add shims that allow the door to be raised or lower. This will move the latch closer to the lock mechanism and resolve the problem.
Similarly, if the latch isn't able to get into position with the strike plate hole in the jamb of the door it is usually possible to fix the issue by loosing a screw that holds the strike plate and using an electric or a metal planer to remove a portion of the edge of the plate until the latch fits. This could also mean removing the strike plate and then chiseling out the hole to make it larger in the event that it is it is necessary.
Another common problem with French doors is that locks don't engage correctly. This could indicate an issue with the cylinder that locks if you have a more recent lock system. If the lock is not functioning properly, you'll need take it off and examine for obvious damage.
Replace the weatherstripping that was installed on the outside of an older door If you notice drafts entering. This will give a secure seal and to keep the doors from sticking or locking incorrectly. You can also install door sweeps to ensure that all the gaps you might encounter are sealed. Install the sweeps on both the top and bottom of the door.