Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
You want to lock your french doors with security. This can be accomplished by choosing locks that keep your door secure while not restricting airflow or affecting the aesthetics of your room.
French door locks typically have three-point locking systems that includes flush bolts on the upper and lower edges each door panel and a lockset for the door that can be opened. This system is difficult to break.
How to fix a French door that won't lock
If your doors don't lock or latch properly, it could be a serious safety risk. It could be an indication of a larger issue like a damaged or damaged locking cylinder. However, don't panic, you can usually resolve the issue in just a few 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 stuck in the latch, or the latch may be defective.
If you look at the strike plate (the metal piece on the inside of the doors which sits against frame), you can see if it is true. If you notice a tiny tab of metal protruding out from the strike plate, gently tap it with a screwdriver until it bends it. This will allow the bolt to drop into the door more easily.
A seized latch could be due to improper installation or a poor alignment. Lubricating the latch can help it work better, but will not fix issues with alignment.
If you don't have a strike plate it's simple to install one. You will need to remove the body of the lock from the door (the part that screws into the door frame) and replace the complete lock assembly with a brand new one. This is an easy task that requires a phillips-head screwdriver and power drill.
It is a good idea to lubricate the new lock, especially the cylinder, regularly to ensure that it functions as efficiently as it can. Use graphite or silicone lubricant to do this. Apply the lubricant to the key and then slowly turn it several times until the cylinder can move freely.
It is an excellent idea to get a double-cylinder deadbolt for your French doors, rather than just a standard one. A simple twist lock on the handle will not be enough to stop intruders from entering, and a standard deadbolt fitted with a thumb-turn on the inside of the door could be defeated by breaking the glass and reaching into the door.
Fixing a French Door That Won't Latches
Most often, the issue is caused by the door latch not connecting to the strike plate hole. This is usually due to hinges that are sagging, however it can be due to the position of the latch or the latch itself. To help determine which is the culprit you can apply a lipstick or similar marker to determine where the latch makes contact with the strike plate. This mark will help determine the cause of the problem. For example when the mark is below the strike plate, it's most likely to be the hinges. If it's higher the strike plate, then it could be the latch position.
It is essential to be sure to align the strike plate and latch holes when installing handles or a lock mechanism on a French Door. This is especially true if one door has been closed for a prolonged period of time. In this time the door might be a bit shifted. This is most common for wooden and composite doors as they are susceptible to expansion or contraction based on the weather conditions or the surrounding environment.
To fix this, first take the latch from the door's edge. Then, remove the locking strip from the handle. Using a sharp chisel, the hammer and a chisel expand the strike plate hole within the door frame. This will allow you to put the latch in a better position for the door. When the door is closed, it will close without catching on the frame.
After the latch hole is enlarged, place the new latch on the strike plate and screw it into. Then adjust the strike plate using the screw, hammer and nut until it is in the right position. Test the door. Make any adjustments you need to make.
The lock cylinder of external French Doors will not turn. french door glass replacement lambeth could be caused by obstructions or wear and tear, but it's usually simple to resolve. The lock could be blocked or the pins of the cylinder worn. It's worth a try to see if a simple clean will make a difference. If the problem persists it might be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How do you fix the problem of a French door that won't open
If your French door isn't locking due to dirt or other debris, it is likely that the lock mechanism is obstructed. Verifying that the frame is free of debris and there is nothing blocking the locking system is the first thing you need to do. There might also be an issue with the alignment of the French door and its frame. This could cause the door to sway onto the frame and ultimately lead to jamming.
The mechanism for locking is simple. A key rotates the spindle, and then moves the bolt up and down on a rail. If the handle moves, but the bolt does not 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. Make use of a silicone spray. It will come with a nozzle that you can use to direct lubricant directly into the mechanisms. Spray liberally and rotate the handle until the lubricant has reached all parts of the mechanism.
There is also the possibility of having to change the location of the latch on the French door. It is typically possible to do this from the outside. If you're French doors are new they will be in a position to screw the latch and handle into place without difficulty. If your French doors are older, you'll need to use the template that comes with the lock kit to mark where the holes for the handle on the door and latch on the frame should be. Drill the hole for the knob/handle at the correct height. This is usually about 36 inches above the floor. Then, drill a smaller hole on the outside of the doors for the latch.
Once the hole has been made, you must make sure that the latch plate is correctly placed over the strike plate of the door frame. If it doesn't the deadbolt, it may not retract into the strike plate when you push the lever for locking. The latch plate will need to be screwed into place.
How do fix an French door that isn't closing
The latch on the latch on a French Door can get stuck and not close. This makes the doors inoperable. This is usually a simple issue to fix, but it may require removal of one of the heavy doors. Most of the time, the latch is not aligned correctly with the strike plate, jamb of the door or both. It might also be that the dead bolt isn't extended or retracted completely. The misalignment could occur over time because of weather 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 holding the hinge to the frame, and then adding shims to make the door higher or lower. This will bring the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and fix the problem.
If the latch isn't able to fit in the strike plate hole you can solve the issue by loosening the screw that holds the strike plate, and using an electric or a metal file to trim the edges until the latch is able to fit. This might also require removing the strike plate, and then chiseling out the hole to make it larger should it be necessary.
The locks on French doors often fail to properly engage. This could be a sign of a problem in the locking cylinder if you're using a more recent lock system. It is necessary to remove the lock and inspect it for obvious obstructions or damage, and if it's not working properly you may require replacing it.
If you have an older door that has a draught coming in, consider replacing the old weatherstripping around the exterior of the door. This will create a secure seal, and prevent the doors from sagging. Door sweeps can be added to close any gaps. Install the sweeps on top and bottom of the door.