10 French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement Tricks All Experts Recommend
Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
You'll want to lock your french doors safely. This can be accomplished by choosing locks that keep your door secure without restricting airflow or affecting the aesthetics of your space.
French door locks are generally a three-point lock that includes flush bolts at the upper and lower edges of each door panel and a lockset on the operable door. This lockset is very difficult to break.
Repairing a French Door that won't lock
It can be a significant safety risk when doors don't lock or latch correctly. It could also be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken locking cylinder. But don't worry, the issue can be solved with just a few steps.
Most often, a door that won't lock is because there is an obstruction that blocks the latch. It could be as simple as dirt getting stuck in the latch or the latch could be defective.
If you look at the strike plate (the metal piece on the side of the doors that sits against frame), you can see if it is true. If there is a small metal tab protruding from the strike plate gently tap it using a screwdriver to bend it. This will allow the bolt to slide into the door more easily.
A latch that is seized is typically caused by poor alignment or incorrect installation. Lubricating the latch may help it function better, but it will not solve issues with the way it lines up with the strike plate.
If you do not have a strike plate, it is easy to install one. You'll need to take the lock body from the door (the part that is screwed into the frame of the door) and replace the complete lock assembly with a new one. This is a simple job that requires a phillips-head screwdriver and power drill.
To ensure that the lock works as efficiently as possible it is a great practice to regularly lubricate it, particularly the cylinder. Use graphite or silicone lubricant for this. Apply the lubricant to the key and then turn it slowly several times until the cylinder is moving freely.
It is an excellent idea to get a double-cylinder deadbolt for your French doors, instead of simply a standard deadbolt. A simple lock that twists the handle isn't enough to keep intruders out and a standard deadbolt fitted with an internal thumb-turn of the door could be beaten by breaking the glass and gaining access into the door.
Repairing a French Door that won't latch
The problem is often caused by the latch of the door not connecting properly with the hole in the strike plate. This is usually due to sagging hinges, but it could also be a problem with the position of the latch or the latch itself. You could use a marker, such as lipstick, or a similar marker, to identify which one is responsible. This mark will help 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 latch position.
When installing handles or the new lock mechanism on an external French Door it's important that the latch and strike plate holes are aligned correctly. This is particularly true in the event that a door was closed for an extended period of time. In that time the door might have moved. This is particularly common with wooden or composite doors since they are susceptible to expansion or contraction depending on the weather and the surrounding.
To fix this, take off the latch that locks on the edge of the active door and remove it from the handle. Utilizing a sharp chisel the hammer and a chisel make a larger hole for the strike plate in the door frame. This will allow you to put the latch in a more ideal position for the door. When the door is closed it will close without catching the frame.
Once the hole for the latch has been increased, insert the new latch inside the strike plate and screw it in. Then, re-adjust the strike plate with the hammer and screw until it is sitting in a more suitable position, then test the door. Make any necessary adjustments.
Another common problem with external French Doors is that the lock's cylinder doesn't turn. This can be due wear and tear or debris. However, french door repairs near me is usually a simple fix. The lock may be blocked or the pins of the cylinder wear. A simple clean can make a world of difference to the operation of the mechanism, so it's well worth giving this the go-ahead. If the issue persists it might be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How to fix a French Door That Won't Open
If your French door doesn't lock due to dirt or other debris it's likely that the mechanism is blocked. Making sure that the frame is clear and that there is nothing blocking the locking system is the first thing you need to do. It could be that the French door frame and French door aren't aligned correctly. This could cause the French door to slide against the frame, resulting in jamming.
The lock mechanism itself is quite simple - the key turns a spindle that is then able to move a bolt back and forth on a rail. If the handle moves but the bolt doesn't there is a problem, then something is not working. It could be that the lock's mechanics are not working properly or it might require lubrication. Use a silicone spray. It will come with a nozzle you can use to direct the lubricant directly to the mechanism. Spray generously and then turn the handle to ensure that the lubricant is reaching all the parts of the mechanism.
It is also possible to alter the position of the latch on the French door. It is typically possible to do this from outside. If your French doors are new, you will most likely be able to screw the latch and handle into place without any problem. If they are old you'll be required to mark the positions of the holes for the handles on the door as well as the latch on the frame of the door using 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 floor) and then drill a smaller hole on the edge of the door for the latch.
Once the hole is drilled, it's important to check that the latch plate is positioned correctly over the strike plate that is on the door frame. If the latch plate doesn't fit properly, the deadbolt will not retract into the strike plate when you push the lock lever. The latch plate will need to be screwed into the correct position.
How do you fix the problem of a French door that isn't closing
The latch on a French door can become stuck and can't be closed. This makes the doors inoperable. This is usually a straightforward issue to fix, but it may require removal of one of the heavy doors. In most cases the problem is that the latch is misaligned either with the strike plate or with the jamb on the door, or both. The dead bolt may not be fully extended or retractable. It is possible to have misalignment as time passes due to weather conditions or settlement.
If the latch is stuck, it could be difficult to open, however it's typically simple to fix the issue by loosening the screws that hold the hinge to the frame, and then putting in some shims to make the door higher or lower. This will get the latch closer to the lock mechanism and solve the problem.
If the latch isn't getting into the strike plate hole on the door jamb typically, you can fix it by loosening the screw that holds the strike plate, and using a metal file or electric planer to remove some of the edge of the plate until the latch is able to fit. It may also mean taking off the strike plate and chiseling out the hole to make it bigger in the event that it is it is necessary.
Another common problem with French doors is that the locks don't engage correctly. This could be a sign of an issue with the cylinder that locks if you're using a newer lock system. If the lock isn't functioning properly, you'll need to remove it and check for visible damage.
Replace the weatherstripping you have on the outside of a door when you feel a draft coming in. This will give a secure seal and prevent the doors from sticking or locking incorrectly. Door sweeps can be used to close any gaps. If you do this, make sure that you place the sweeps on both sides of the door and that they overlap at the bottom.