10 French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement Tricks All Experts Recommend
Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
When you lock your french doors, it is important to make sure they're safe. This can be achieved by selecting locks that keep your door secure without hindering airflow or altering the aesthetics of your room.
replacing glass in french door are typically a three-point lock that has flush bolts on the lower and upper edges of each door panel, and an operating door. This system isn't easy to crack.
Fixing a French Door That Won't Lock
It can be a serious security risk when doors don't lock or latch properly. It could be an indication of a larger issue, such as a cracked or broken locking cylinder. Don't worry, the problem is fixable with a few easy steps.
The reason a door won't latch is usually because of an obstruction blocking it. It could be just as simple as dirt accumulating in the latch or the latch could be defective.
If you examine the strike plate, (the metal piece on the inside of the doors that rests against the frame) You can determine the truth. If you see a tiny metal tab sticking out of the strike plate, tap it gently using a screwdriver and hammer it to bend it slightly to make the hole in the plate so that bolts can slide into the door more easily.
A latch that is seized could be the result of improper installation or an improper alignment. Lubricating the latch can help it to work better, but will not fix alignment issues.
If you don't have a strike plate it's 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. This is an easy task that requires a phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill.
It is recommended to keep the lock lubricated especially the cylinder regularly to ensure that it operates as well as it can. You can use graphite or silicone-based lubricant for this. Apply the lubricant on the key and then slowly turn it several times until the cylinder moves freely.
It is an excellent idea to get double-cylinder deadbolts for your French doors, instead of just a standard one. A simple lock that twists the handle isn't enough to keep intruders out and a standard deadbolt with an internal thumb-turn of the door could be beaten by breaking the glass and then reaching into the door.
Repairing a French Door that won't latch
Often the issue is caused by the door latch not connecting to the strike plate hole. This is usually due to sagging hinges, however it can also be due to the position of the latch or the latch itself. You could use a marker, such as lipstick, or a similar marker to determine which is the culprit. The location of this mark will help you identify the cause of the issue - for example, if it makes contact below the strike plate's hole, the hinges are the likely cause, but If it's above, the latch position may be the cause.
When installing handles or a new lock mechanism on an external French Door it's important that the latch and strike plate holes are properly aligned. This is particularly important if one door has been closed for a long period of time. In that time the door might be a bit shifted. This is most common for wooden or composite doors since they are susceptible to contraction or expansion according to the weather and the environment.
To fix this, take off the latch at the top of the door in use and then remove it 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 ideal position for the door. When the door is shut, it will close without catching 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 screw, hammer and nut until it is in the correct position. Test the door. Make any adjustments as required.
Another issue that is common to external French Doors is that the lock's cylinder doesn't turn. This could be caused by dirt or wear and tear, but it's usually easy to resolve. Often the lock is simply blocked or the pins inside the cylinder are worn. It's worth trying to see if a simple cleaning can make a difference. If the issue persists, it is often required to replace the entire lock cylinder.
How to fix a French Door that won't open
If your French doors do not lock, the problem is most likely due to dirt and debris blocking the lock mechanism. Checking that the door frame is free of debris and there is nothing obstructing the locking system is the first thing you need to do. It is possible that the French door frame and the French door are not aligned properly. This can cause the French door to slide against the frame, resulting in jamming.
The lock mechanism is simple. A key rotates a spindle, which then moves the bolt up and down on a rail. If the handle turns 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 could require lubrication. Try using a silicone spray. It will come with a pipe can be used to direct the lubricant into the mechanism of the lock. Spray generously then turn the handle to make sure that all parts of the lock mechanism are well-lubricated.
It is also possible to alter the position of the latch on the French door. This is simple to do and is usually done from the outside of the door. If your French doors are brand new and brand new, you'll be capable of screwing the handle and latch in place without difficulty. If your French doors are older, you'll need to use the templates included in the lock kit to mark where the holes for the handle on the door and latch on the frame must be. Then, drill the hole for the handle or knob at the right height (commonly about 36 inches from floor) and then make a smaller hole along the edge of the door for the latch.
After the hole has been made, you must ensure that the latch plate is correctly positioned over the strike plate of the door frame. If this doesn't fit the deadbolt, it may not retract into the strike plate when you pull the lever to lock. Finally, you will have to screw the latch plate in the correct position.
How to fix the problem of a French door that won't shut
The latch on the latch on a French door can become stuck and can't be closed. This makes the doors unusable. There's usually a solution to this, but it could require removal of one of the doors, particularly if they are heavy. Most of the time the latch isn't aligned properly with the strike plate, the jamb of the door, or both. It could also be because the dead bolt isn't extended or retracted completely. Misalignment can occur over time because of weather or settlement.
It can be difficult to open the door if it is stuck. To fix this, loosen the screws holding the hinge to the frame and then, add shims so the door is raised or reduced. This will bring the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and fix the problem.
If the latch doesn't fit into the strike plate hole you can solve the issue by loosening the screw holding the strike plate, and using an electric or metal file to remove some of the edges until the latch fits. If needed, you may have to take off the strike plate to cut out the hole.
The locks on French doors can sometimes fail to properly engage. This could be due to an issue with the locking cylinder, especially if you have a more recent lock system. If the lock is not working properly, you'll have to remove it and check for obvious damage.
Replace the weatherstripping that was installed on the exterior of an older door If you notice drafts coming in. This will give a secure seal and help to keep the doors from sticking or locking improperly. Door sweeps can be used to close any gaps. If you choose to do this, be sure that you place the sweeps on both sides of the door and that they overlap at the bottom.