10 Unexpected French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement Tips
Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
You'll want to secure your french doors securely. This can be achieved by selecting the right lock that will keep your door secure without hindering airflow or altering the appearance of your home.
French door locks typically have a three-point locking system that includes flush bolts on the upper and lower edges of each door panel as well as an opening lockset that can be opened. This lockset can be difficult to break into.
How to fix the problem of a French door that won't lock
If your doors won't lock or don't latch properly, it could be a major safety issue. It could also be a sign of a bigger issue like a damaged or damaged locking cylinder. But don't despair you can resolve the issue in just a few simple 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 look at the strike plate (the metal piece that is on the side of the doors that rests against the frame) It is possible to determine whether it's true. If there is a small metal tab sticking out of the strike plate, gently tap it using a screwdriver, then use a hammer to bend it a bit and this will open the hole in the plate and allow bolts can be dropped into it more easily.
A latch that is seized could be the result of improper installation or poor alignment. Lubricating the latch can make it to function better, but it doesn't solve issues with the way it lines up with the strike plate.
If you do not have a strike plate it's easy to install one. The lock body (the part that screws in the door frame) will need to be removed from the door and the lock assembly replaced. This is a simple job that requires a Phillips head screwdriver as well as a power drill.
To ensure that the lock functions as efficiently as it can, it is a good practice to regularly lubricate it, particularly the cylinder. You can use silicone or graphite lubricant for this. Apply the lubricant on the key and then slowly turn it several times until the cylinder moves freely.
It is a good idea to purchase double-cylinder deadbolts for your French doors, instead of just a standard one. A simple handle twist lock isn't enough to keep intruders out, and a standard deadbolt fitted with an inside-facing thumb-turn of the door could be defeated by breaking the glass and then reaching in through it.
How do fix an French door that isn't latching
The issue is often caused by the latch of the door not interacting properly with the hole in the strike plate. This is usually due to hinges that are sagging, however it could be due to the position of the latch or the latch itself. To identify which one is the cause, use a lipstick or similar marker to see the point where the latch comes into contact with the strike plate. This mark can help you determine the source of the problem. For example when the mark is below the strike plate then it's likely the hinges. If it's above, then it could be the position of the latch.
When installing handles or an entirely new lock mechanism for an external French Door it's important that the latch and strike plate holes are aligned correctly. replace french door is especially true in the event that a door was closed for a prolonged period of time. In this period, the door may have moved a bit. This is particularly common with composite and timber doors, as they are susceptible to expansion or contraction based on the weather conditions or the surrounding environment.
To correct this, first remove the latch from the door's edge and unscrew the locking strip from the handle. Then, using a sharp chisel and hammer, enlarge the strike plate hole in the door frame. This will allow the latch to be placed in a more appropriate position for the door and when the door is closed and opened, it will close smoothly without rubbing or catching the frame.
After the hole in the latch is enlarged, place the new latch into the strike plate and screw it into. Then, adjust the strike plate using the hammer, screw and nut until it is in the proper position. Test the door. Make any adjustments as required.
Another issue that is common to external French Doors is that the lock's cylinder isn't able to turn. This can be due to damage or wear and tear. However, it is generally a simple fix. The lock could be blocked or the pins of the cylinder wear. It's worth trying to see if a quick clean can result in a change. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How to fix a French Door that won't open
If your French doors won't lock, the problem is most likely caused by dirt and debris blocking the lock mechanism. The first thing to take is to ensure that the frame of the door is clear of obstructions and nothing is blocking the mechanism that locks. It is possible that the French frame of the door and the French door are not aligned properly. This can cause the door to slide over the frame, which can eventually lead to jamming.
The lock mechanism itself is quite simple - the key turns a spindle that then moves a bolt back and forth on a rail. If the handle spins but the bolt isn't moving this could mean that something is stuck. There may be something wrong with the mechanics of the lock itself, or it may just require lubricating. Make use of a silicone spray. It will come with a nozzle you can use to direct the lubricant directly into the mechanism. Spray the spray liberally and then rotate the handle until the lubricant has gotten to all of the mechanisms.
You might also need to adjust the position of the latch on the French door. This is a simple task and is usually done from the outside of the door. If your French doors are brand new they will be capable of screwing 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 and the latch on the frame of the door with a template provided with the lock kit. Then, you'll need to drill the hole for the handle or knob at the correct height (commonly about 36 inches from floor) and then make a smaller hole along the edge of the door for the latch.
Once the hole is drilled it is important to ensure that the latch plate fits 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 press the lock lever. The latch plate will then need to be screwed into place.
How do fix a French door that won't shut
The latch on a French door can become stuck and won't close. This renders the doors inoperable. This is usually a straightforward issue to fix, but it could require you to remove one of the heavy doors. In most cases the problem is that the latch is not aligned or with the strike plate or with the jamb of the door or both. The dead bolt might not be fully extended or retracted. It is possible to have misalignment as time passes because of weather or settlement.
It is sometimes difficult to open a door that is stuck. To fix this you need to loosen the screws that hold the hinge to the frame and then put in shims that allow the door to be raised or lower. This will make the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and fix the problem.
If the latch does not fit inside the hole of the strike plate, you can solve the issue by loosening the screw that holds the strike plate and using a metal planer or electric 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.
Another issue that is common to French doors is that the locks don't engage properly. This could be a sign of a problem in the cylinder that locks if you're using a more recent lock system. It is necessary to remove the lock and examine it for obvious damage or obstructions and if it's not functioning properly, you may need to replace it.
If you have an older door that has a draft coming in, consider replacing the old weatherstripping around the exterior of the door. This will create a secure seal and prevent the doors from sticking. You can also put in door sweeps to ensure that all the gaps you might encounter are sealed. If you decide to do this, make sure that the sweeps are placed on both sides of the door and that the sweeps overlap at the bottom.