Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
You'll want to lock your french doors with security. This can be accomplished by selecting the right lock that will keep your door secure without hindering airflow or altering the aesthetics of your space.
French door locks are generally an all-point lock system that includes flush bolts at the lower and upper edges of each door panel and an operable door. This lock is extremely tough to break.
How to fix a French Door That Won't Lock
If your doors aren't locking or latch correctly, it could be a major safety issue. This could be a sign of a serious issue such as a broken locking cylinder. Don't worry, the problem can be solved with a few easy steps.
The most common reason for the reason a door won't close is because of an obstruction that blocks the latch. It could be as simple as dirt getting stuck in the latch or the latch could be defective.
You can determine whether this is the case by examining the strike plate (the metal piece that rests against the frame on the side of the door). If you notice a tiny metal tab protruding 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 seized latch could be due to improper installation or poor alignment. Lubricating the latch can help it function better, but it doesn't solve problems with how it lines up with the strike plate.
Installing a strike plate is simple if you don't already have 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.
To ensure that the lock functions as efficiently as possible it is a good practice to regularly lubricate it, particularly the cylinder. Utilize a lubricant made of graphite or silicone to do this. Apply the lubricant on the key, then turn it several times, slowly until the cylinder can move freely.
A double-cylinder deadbolt can be more secure than a standard deadbolt when it pertains to French doors. french door hinge repairs kingswood won't be enough to keep intruders out, and a standard deadbolt that has an internal thumb-turn of the door can be beaten by breaking the glass and reaching in through it.
How do you fix the problem of a French door that won't latch
The problem 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. To determine which causes the problem, use a lipstick or similar marker to see where the latch makes contact with the strike plate. This mark will help you determine the cause of the issue. For instance, if the mark is below the strike plate then it's probably the hinges. If it's higher it could be the latch position.
When installing handles or an entirely new lock mechanism for an external French Door it's important that the strike plate and latch holes are properly aligned. This is especially important in the event that a door was closed for an extended period of time. In this time the door may be a bit shifted. This is particularly common with wooden and composite doors as they are susceptible to expansion or contraction based on the weather or environment.
To fix this, take off the lock latch on the edge of the door in use and unscrew it from the handle. Utilizing a sharp chisel the hammer and a chisel expand the strike plate hole within the door frame. This will allow the latch to be put in a better position for the door and when the door is shut and opened it will close without catching or rubbing on the frame.
After the latch hole is expanded, insert the new latch on the strike plate and screw it in. Next, re-adjust the strike plate with the screw and hammer until it is sitting in the correct position, then test the door. Make any adjustments needed.
Another common problem with external French Doors is that the lock's cylinder doesn't turn. This could be due to debris or simply wear and tear, however it's usually easy to resolve. The lock may be blocked or the pins within the cylinder are worn. It's worth a shot to see if a simple clean can make a difference. If the problem persists it's usually required to replace the entire lock cylinder.
Fixing a French Door that won't open
If your French doors aren't locking the way you want them to, it's most likely due to dirt and debris obstructing the mechanism of the lock. Making sure that the frame is clear and that there is nothing obstructing the locking mechanism is the first thing you need to do. It could be that the French door frame and French door are not aligned correctly. This can cause the door to slide over the frame, which can eventually result in jamming.
The mechanism for locking is simple. A key rotates the spindle, which moves a bolt up and down on the rail. If the handle spins but the bolt does not move it means that something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics are not working properly or it could need lubricating. Try using the silicone spray. It comes with a pipe can be used to direct the lubricant to the mechanisms of the lock. Spray generously then turn the handle to ensure that all the parts of the lock mechanism are well-lubricated.
It is also possible to alter the position of the latch on the French door. It is typically possible to do this from the outside. If you're French doors have just been installed they should be able to fix the latch and handle into the door without difficulty. If your French doors are older, you'll have to use the template included in the lock kit to mark where the holes for the handle on the door and the latch on the frame need to be. Then, drill the hole for the handle/knob at the correct height (commonly about 36 inches from the floor) and then drill a smaller hole on the door's edge for the latch.
Once the hole is drilled, it's important to ensure that the latch plate is positioned correctly over the strike plate on the door frame. If the latch plate doesn't fit properly the deadbolt will not retract into the strike plate when you pull the lever to lock. The latch plate will require to be screwed into place.
How do fix the problem of a French door that won't close
Sometimes the latch on the latch on a French door is stuck and it isn't able to close, making the doors effectively unusable. There's usually a simple fix for this but it could require removal of one of the doors, particularly in the case of heavy doors. In most cases the latch isn't aligned correctly with the strike plate, the jamb on the door, or both. It could also be because the dead bolt isn't being extended or fully retracted. The misalignment could occur in the course of time due to weather conditions or the settling.
If the latch is stuck, it can be difficult to open, however it's typically easy to fix the problem by loosening the screws that secure the hinge to the frame and then adding shims to make the door a bit higher or lower. This will get the latch closer to the lock mechanism and solve the issue.
If the latch does not fit into the hole of the strike plate, you can solve the issue by loosening the screw holding the strike plate, and using an electric or a metal file to trim the edges until the latch is able to fit. If necessary, you may also have to remove the strike plate to make the hole.
The locks on French doors often fail to properly engage. This could indicate an issue with the locking cylinder if you're using a more recent lock system. If the lock is not functioning properly, you'll need take it off and examine for obvious damage.
Replace the old weatherstripping on the outside of a door that is older If you notice drafts entering. This will provide a tight seal and help to keep the doors from sticking or locking incorrectly. You can also put in door sweeps to ensure that all of the gaps that could be created are sealed. If you do this, make sure that the sweeps are placed on both sides of the door, and ensure that the sweeps overlap at the bottom.