Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
You want to lock your french doors with security. This can be accomplished by selecting a lock system that will ensure your door is secure without blocking airflow or impacting the aesthetic look of your room.
French door locks typically come with three-point locking that includes flush bolts on the upper and lower edges each door panel and the door's lockset that can be opened. This system is tough to break.
How do you fix an French door that won't lock
If your doors won't lock or latch correctly, it could be a major safety issue. It could also be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken locking cylinder. Don't worry, you can usually solve the issue by following just a few steps.
The reason a door won't latch is usually because of obstructions that block it. It could be as simple as dirt getting stuck in the latch, or the latch may be defective.
You can check if this is the case by examining the strike plate (the metal piece that is placed against the frame on the side of the door). If you notice a tiny tab of metal protruding out from the strike plate, gently tap it with a screwdriver to bend it. This will allow the bolt to drop into the door more easily.
A latch that is stuck can be caused by incorrect installation or an improper alignment. Lubricating the latch can help it function better, but it doesn't solve issues with the way it lines up with the strike plate.
Installing a strike plate is straightforward in the event that you don't have one. It is necessary to remove the lock body from the door (the part that attaches to the frame of the door) and then replace the whole lock assembly with a new one. This is a straightforward job that requires a Phillips head screwdriver as well as a power drill.
It is a good idea to keep the lock lubricated, especially the cylinder, frequently to ensure it works as well as possible. Use graphite or silicone lubricant to do this. Apply the lubricant on the key, and then turn it several times, slowly until the cylinder can move freely.
A double-cylinder deadbolt is better than a standard deadbolt when it comes to French doors. A handle twist lock is not enough to stop intruders, and a door deadbolt with a thumb-turn could be destroyed if you smash the glass.
How do you fix a French door that won't latch
Often the issue is caused by the door latch not working with the strike plate hole. It is often caused by the hinges being sagging. However, it can also be due to a problem with the latch position or the latch itself. To determine which causes the problem, use lipstick or a similar marker to determine where the latch makes contact with the strike plate. This mark will help you determine the cause of the problem. For instance when the mark is below the strike plate, then it's probably the hinges. If it's higher the strike plate, then it could be the latch position.
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 the case in the event that one door was closed for a long period of time. In this time the door may have moved a little. This is most common for doors made of timber and composite, as they are susceptible to expansion or contraction depending on the weather conditions or the surrounding environment.
To fix this, remove the latch that locks on the edge of the active door and then remove it from the handle. Then with a chisel that is sharp and hammer, increase the strike plate hole on the door frame. This will allow you to place the latch in a more ideal position for the door. When the door is closed, it will close without catching the frame.
Once repair french doors in the latch has been enlarged, carefully insert the new latch inside the strike plate hole and screw it into. Then, re-adjust the strike plate using the screw and hammer until it is in the correct position, and then test the door. Make any adjustments as required.
Another issue with external French Doors is that the lock cylinder won't turn. This can be caused by debris or simply wear and tear, but it's usually easy to fix. Often the lock is simply blocked or the pins inside the cylinder are worn. It's worth a try to see if a quick clean can result in a change. If the issue persists it might be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How do you fix an French door that isn't opening
If your French door doesn't lock due to dirt or other debris, it is likely that the lock mechanism is blocked. The first thing to do is check the frame of the door is free of obstructions and nothing is blocking the mechanism for locking. There might also be a problem with the alignment of the French door and its frame. This can cause the French door to drag against the frame, resulting in jamming.
The mechanism for locking is simple. A key rotates the spindle, which moves the bolt up and down on the 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 might require lubrication. Try using a silicone spray - it comes with a pipe that you can use to direct the lubricant into the mechanisms of the lock. Spray liberally and turn the handle to ensure the lubricant is reaching all parts of the mechanism.
You might also need to alter the position of the latch on the French door. This is easy to do and can usually be done from the outside of the door. If your French doors are brand new and brand new, you'll be able to screw the handle and latch in place without any problem. If they are old, you will need 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, drill the hole for the handle or knob at the correct height (commonly about 36 inches from the floor) and then drill a smaller hole on the edge of the door 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 the latch plate doesn't fit properly, the deadbolt will not retract into the strike plate when you pull the lock lever. The latch plate will require to be screwed into the correct position.
Fixing a French Door that won't close
The latch on a French door can become stuck and can't be closed. This renders the doors unusable. There's often a simple fix for this but it can involve taking down one of the doors, in particular if they are heavy. In most cases the problem is that the latch is misaligned or with the strike plate, or with the jamb on the door, or both. The dead bolt may not be fully extended or retracted. Misalignment can occur as time passes due to weather or the settling.
It can be difficult to open a door that is stuck. To resolve this issue, loosen the screws holding the hinge to the frame, and then, add shims to make the door raised or reduced. This will bring the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and will solve the problem.
Similarly, if the latch isn't getting into the strike plate's hole on the jamb of the door it is usually possible to fix the issue by loosing a screw that is holding the strike plate and using an electric or a metal planer to cut away some of the edge of the plate until the latch fits. This might also require removing 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 don't engage correctly. If you have a more recent lock this could be a sign of an issue with the locking cylinder. If the lock is not functioning properly, you'll need remove it and look for visible damage.
If you have an older door that has a draft coming in, try replacing the old weatherstripping around the outside of the door. This will create a secure seal and keep the doors from slipping or locking improperly. Door sweeps can be added to close any gaps. If you decide to do this, make sure that you place the sweeps on both sides of the door, and that the sweeps overlap with each other at the bottom.