French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement Tips From The Best In The Business
Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
When you lock your french doors, you need to make sure they're secure. This can be achieved by choosing locks that keep your door secure without hindering airflow or altering the appearance of your home.
French door locks typically come with a three-point locking system, which includes flush bolts on the upper and lower edges of each door panel as well as an opening lockset that can be opened. This system is tough to break.
How to fix an French door that won't lock
If your doors aren't locking or don't latch properly, it can be a major safety issue. It could also be a sign of a major issue like a damaged locking cylinder. But don't worry about it, the issue can be solved by following a few simple steps.
The reason a door won't latch is usually because of obstructions that block 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.
You can confirm if 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 sticking out of the strike plate, tap it gently using a screwdriver, then hammer to bend it slightly, this will make the hole in the plate so that the bolt can drop into it more easily.
A seized latch can be caused by incorrect installation or poor alignment. Lubricating the latch will help it function better, but it won't solve issues with alignment.
Installing the strike plate is easy if you don't already have one. The lock body (the part that screws into the door frame) will need to be removed from the door and the lock assembly replaced. This is a straightforward job that requires a phillips-head screwdriver and power drill.
It is a good idea to ensure that the lock is lubricated especially the cylinder regularly to make sure it operates as well as possible. You can use graphite or silicone-based lubricant to do this. Apply the lubricant on the key and then slowly turn it several times until the cylinder can move freely.
It's recommended to invest in a double-cylinder deadbolt for your French doors, rather than just a standard one. A simple twist lock on the handle will not be enough to stop intruders from entering, and a standard deadbolt with an internal thumb-turn of the door can be defeated by breaking the glass and reaching into the door.
How to fix an French door that isn't latching
The issue is often caused by the latch of the door not engaging properly with the hole in the strike plate. This is typically caused by sagging hinges but it could also be a problem with the location of the latch or the latch itself. You can use lipstick, or a similar marker, to identify which one is responsible. french door repair of this mark will help you determine the source of the issue If, for instance, it is below the strike plate hole then hinges could be the probable reason, however when it's above, the latch's position could be the reason.
When installing handles or an entirely new lock mechanism for an external French Door it's important that the latch and strike plate hole locations are correctly aligned. This is especially important if a door has been closed for a prolonged period of time. In that time the door might be a bit shifted. This is especially common with wooden and composite doors as they are susceptible to expansion or contraction based on the weather conditions or the surrounding environment.
To correct this, first take the latch from the active door's edge, then remove the locking strip from the handle. Utilizing a sharp chisel hammer and a chisel, make a larger hole for the strike plate in the door frame. This will allow the latch to be placed in a more suitable location for the door and when the door is closed and opened, it will close without catching or rubbing on the frame.
Once the hole in the latch has been expanded, carefully place the new latch in the strike plate hole and screw it into. Then, adjust the strike plate using the screw, hammer and nut until it is in the proper position. Test the door. Make any adjustments that are needed.
The lock cylinder of external French Doors will not turn. This can be due damage or wear and tear. However, it is usually an easy fix. The lock may be obstructed or the pins of the cylinder worn. A simple clean could make a world of difference in the performance of the mechanism, so it's well worth giving this a try. If the problem persists it could be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How do fix the problem of a French door that won't let you open
If your French doors won't lock the way you want them to, it's most likely caused by dirt and debris obstructing the mechanism for locking. Making sure that the frame is clean and there is nothing obstructing the locking mechanism is the first thing to do. It is possible that the French frame of the door and the French door aren't aligned correctly. This can cause the door to drag on the frame and eventually cause jamming.
The mechanism of the lock is fairly simple. The key rotates a spindle, which then moves a bolt back-and-forth on a rail. If the handle moves but the bolt doesn't, then something is stuck. There may be an issue with the mechanism of the lock itself or it could just need some lubrication. Try using a silicone spray. It will come with a pipe can be used to direct the lubricant into the mechanisms of the lock. Spray generously then turn the handle to ensure that all parts of the lock mechanism are well-lubricated.
There is also the possibility of having to change the location of the latch on the French door. This is a simple task and is usually done from the outside of the door. If you're French doors were just installed, you should be able fix the latch and handle in place with no problem. If they are old you'll need 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, you'll need to drill the hole for the handle/knob at the correct height (commonly about 36 inches from the floor) and then make a smaller hole along the door's edge to install the latch.
Once the hole is drilled It is crucial to make sure that the latch plate is positioned correctly over the strike plate that is on the door frame. If this doesn't fit then the deadbolt might not retract into the strike plate when you pull the lever for locking. The latch plate will then need to be screwed into the correct position.
How to fix a French Door That Won't Close
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 however it may require taking down one of the doors, in particular if they are heavy. Most of the time the latch isn't aligned correctly with the strike plate, jamb of the door or both. The dead bolt might not be fully extended or extended or. It is possible to have misalignment in the course of time due to weather or the settling.
It is sometimes difficult to open the door if it is stuck. To resolve this issue you need to loosen the screws that hold the hinge to the frame, and then add some shims that allow the door to be raised or lowered. This will move the latch closer to the lock mechanism and resolve the issue.
Similarly, if the latch isn't able to get into the strike plate hole in the jamb of the door, you can usually solve the issue by loosing the screw that holds the strike plate and using an electric or metal planer to remove a portion of the edge of the plate until the latch is able to fit. It may also mean taking off the strike plate, and then chiseling out the hole to make it larger should it be necessary.
Another common issue with French doors is that the locks don't engage properly. If you're using a newer lock, 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 visible damage.
If you have an older door that has a draft coming in, try replacing the weatherstripping on the exterior of the door. This will give a secure seal and keep the doors from slipping or locking improperly. Door sweeps can be used to close any gaps. Install the sweeps on the top and bottom of the door.