Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
You'll want to secure your french doors with security. This can be achieved by choosing the right lock that will keep your door secure without restricting airflow or affecting the aesthetics of your space.
French door locks are usually a three-point lock system that includes flush bolts at the lower and upper edges of each door panel, and an operable door. This lockset is very difficult to break.
How do you fix the problem of a French door that isn't locking
It can be a serious safety risk if your doors don't lock or latch correctly. It could also be a sign of a more serious problem like a damaged or broken locking cylinder. But don't worry about it, the issue is fixable with a few easy steps.
A door that won't latch is usually due to obstructions that block it. It could be as simple as dirt stuck in the latch or the latch could be defective.
If you take a look at the strike plate, (the metal piece on the side of the doors that sits against frame) It is possible to determine the truth. If you notice a tiny metal stub sticking out from the strike plate gently tap it with a screwdriver to bend it. This will allow the bolt to slide in more easily.
A seized latch could be due to improper installation or an improper alignment. Lubricating the latch can help it work better, but it will not solve the issue of the way it lines up with the strike plate.
If you don't have a strike plate, it is easy to install one. The body of the lock (the part that screws in the door frame) will need to be removed from the door and the lock assembly replaced. french door hinge repairs will need a phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill for this, but it is not a major task.
To ensure that the lock functions as efficiently as it can it is a great practice to lubricate it regularly, particularly the cylinder. Use a silicone or graphite lubricant to do this. Apply the lubricant on the key, then turn it several times until the cylinder is able to move freely.
It is an excellent idea to get a double-cylinder deadbolt for your French doors, rather than simply a standard deadbolt. A simple handle twist lock won't be enough to keep intruders out, and a standard deadbolt fitted with a thumb-turn on the inside of the door could be defeated by breaking the glass and reaching in through it.
How to fix a French door that won't latch
The issue is usually caused by the latch of the door not connecting properly with the hole of the strike plate. It is often caused by sliding hinges. However, it can be due to a problem with the position of the latch or the latch itself. You could use a marker, such as lipstick, or another similar marker, to identify which one is responsible. 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 above, then 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 strike plate and latch holes are aligned correctly. This is especially true when one door has been closed for a long period of time. In that time the door may have moved. This is most common for composite and timber doors, as they are susceptible to contraction or expansion based on the weather or the environment.
To fix this issue, remove the latch at the top of the active door and remove it from the handle. Then using a sharp chisel and hammer, enlarge the strike plate hole on the door frame. This will permit the latch to be put in a better location for the door and when the door is closed and opened, it will close smoothly without rubbing or catching the frame.
After the hole for the latch has been enlarged, carefully insert the new latch in the strike plate hole and screw it into. Then, adjust the strike plate with the hammer and screw until it is in the correct position, and then check the door. Make any adjustments as required.
The lock cylinder on the external French doors won't turn. This could be caused by debris or simply wear and tear, but it is usually easy to fix. The lock may be obstructed or the pins of the cylinder are worn. A simple cleaning can make a huge difference in the performance of the mechanism, and it's worth giving it the go-ahead. If the issue continues it might be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
Repairing a French Door That Won't Open
If your French doors won't lock the way you want, the issue is most likely due to debris and dirt blocking the mechanism of the lock. The first thing you need to do is check the frame of the door is free of obstructions and nothing is blocking the locking mechanism. It could be that the French door frame and the French door are not aligned properly. This could cause the French door to move against the frame, which can result in jamming.
The mechanism behind the lock is quite simple - the key rotates a spindle which then moves a bolt back and forth on rail. If the handle spins but the bolt does not move, this means that something is stuck. It could be an issue with the mechanism of the lock, or it may just require to be lubricated. Make use of a silicone spray. It comes with a nozzle that you can use to direct lubricant directly into the mechanisms. Spray generously, then turn the handle to make sure that all components of the lock mechanism are fully lubricated.
There is also the possibility of having to adjust the location of the latch on the French door. This is simple to do and is usually done from the outside of the door. If you're French doors are new and brand new, you'll be in a position to screw the latch and handle into place without difficulty. If your French doors are older, you'll need to use the template included in the lock kit to mark the location where the holes for the handle on the door and the latch on the frame need to be. Then drill the hole for the handle/knob at the proper height (commonly about 36 inches from floor) and then drill a smaller hole on the door's edge to install the latch.
Once the hole is drilled it is important to check that the latch plate is properly placed over the strike plate on the door frame. If this doesn't fit then the deadbolt might not retract into the strike plate when you push the lock lever. Then, you'll have to screw the latch plate in place.
How do fix the problem of a French door that won't shut
Sometimes, the latch on the latch of a French door can become stuck, and it can't be closed, rendering the doors effectively unusable. This is usually a simple problem to fix, but it may require the removal of one of the heavy doors. In the majority of cases the latch isn't aligned correctly with the strike plate, the jamb on the door, or both. The dead bolt may not be fully extended or retractable. Misalignment happens over time, due to weather, or from settlement of the house.
It is sometimes difficult to open the door if it is stuck. To resolve this issue take off the screws that secure the hinge to the frame and then, add shims so the door is raised or lowered. This will allow the latch to be closer to the lock mechanism and resolve the issue.
If the latch isn't able to fit in the hole of the strike plate, you can repair it by loosening the screw that holds the strike plate, and using a metal planer or electric file to trim the edge until the latch fits. It may also mean taking off the strike plate, and then chiseling out the hole to make it bigger if necessary.
Another issue that is common to French doors is that the locks do not engage correctly. This could be a sign of a problem in the locking cylinder, especially if you're using a more recent lock system. If the lock isn't working properly, you'll have take it off and examine for any visible damage.
If you have an older door that has a draft coming in, consider replacing the weatherstripping that was used on the outside of the doors. This will create a secure seal, and prevent the doors from sagging. Door sweeps can be added to close any gaps. Install the sweeps on top and bottom of the door.