5 French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement Lessons From Professionals
Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
When you lock your french doors, you want to ensure they're secure. This can be achieved by choosing the right lock that will keep your door safe without restricting airflow or affecting the aesthetics of your room.
French door locks usually have a three-point locking system that has flush bolts on the lower and upper edges of each door panel, and a lockset for the door that can be opened. This system is difficult to break into.
Fixing a French Door That Won't Lock
If your doors won't lock or don't latch properly, it can be a major safety issue. It could be an indication of a more serious problem like a cracked or broken locking cylinder. But don't despair you can solve the issue by following a few simple steps.
Most often, doors that don't lock is because there is an obstruction that is blocking the latch. It could be just as simple as dirt accumulating in the latch, or the latch may be defective.
If you look at the strike plate, (the metal piece on the side of the doors that sits against frame) You can determine whether it's true. If you see a tiny metal tab sticking out of the strike plate, gently tap it using a screwdriver, then hammer to bend it slightly and this will allow the hole to be opened in the plate so that bolts can be dropped into it more easily.
A seized latch is usually caused by a poor alignment or installation. Lubricating the latch will allow it work better, but will not fix issues with alignment.
If you do not have a strike plate, it is easy to install one. The lock body (the part that screws in the door frame) must be removed from the door and the lock assembly replaced. This is an easy task that requires a phillips head screwdriver as well as a power drill.
To ensure that the lock functions effectively it is a great practice to lubricate it regularly especially the cylinder. You can use graphite or silicone-based oil to do this. Apply the lubricant onto the key, then rotate it several times until the cylinder moves freely.
It's an excellent idea to get double-cylinder deadbolts for your French doors, instead of simply a standard deadbolt. A simple twist lock on the handle isn't enough to stop intruders from entering, and a standard deadbolt that has an internal thumb-turn of the door can be defeated by breaking the glass and reaching into the door.
How do fix the problem of a French door that isn't latching
Most often, the issue is caused by the door latch not working with the strike plate hole. This is usually caused by sagging hinges but it could also be due to the position of the latch or the latch itself. To determine which causes the problem, apply a lipstick or similar marker to pinpoint where the latch is in contact with the strike plate. This mark can help you identify the root of the problem. For instance when the mark is below the strike plate then it's probably the hinges. If it's above, then it could be the position of the latch.
It is important to align the strike plate and latch holes when installing handles or a lock mechanism on the French Door. This is especially true when a door has been closed for an extended period of time. In this period the door might have moved slightly. This is particularly common with doors made of timber and composite, because they are prone to expansion or contraction depending on the weather or environment.
To correct this issue, first take the latch from the active door's edge, then remove the locking strip from the handle. Using replacing french door glass , the hammer and a chisel make a larger hole for the strike plate in the door frame. This will allow the latch to be put in a more suitable position for the door, and when the door is closed and opened, it will close easily without rubbing or catching the frame.
Once the latch hole has been enlarged, carefully place the new latch in the strike plate hole and screw it into. Then adjust the strike plate with the hammer, screw and nut until it is in the right position. Test the door. Make any adjustments that are needed.
The lock cylinder of external French Doors won't turn. This could be due to wear and tear or debris. However, it is usually an easy fix. Most of the time, the lock is obstructed or the pins within the cylinder are worn. It's worth a try to see if a quick clean will result in a change. If the problem persists it's usually necessary to replace the entire lock cylinder.
How do you fix the problem of a French door that won't open
If your French doors won't lock the way you want them to, it's most likely caused by dirt and debris blocking the lock mechanism. Checking that the door frame is clear and that there is nothing obstructing the locking mechanism is the first thing to do. It is possible that the French frame of the door and the French door aren't aligned properly. This can cause the door to drag over the frame, which can eventually cause jamming.
The lock mechanism is straightforward. A key turns a spindle, which then moves the bolt upwards and downwards on the rail. If the handle moves, but the bolt does not, then something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics are not working properly, or it may just require lubrication. Try using a silicone spray - it comes with a pipe can be used to direct the lubricant into the mechanisms of the lock. Spray liberally, then turn the handle to make sure that all components of the lock mechanism are lubricated.
You may also have to adjust the position of the latch on the French door. It is generally possible to do this from outside. If you're French doors are brand new and brand new, you'll be able to screw the handle and latch in place without any problem. If your French doors are older, you will 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 must be. The hole to install the knob or handle at the appropriate height. It is typically about 36 inches above the floor. Then, drill a smaller hole on the outside of the doors for the latch.
After the hole has been drilled, you need to make sure that the latch plate is correctly placed over the strike plate of the door frame. If it doesn't, then the deadbolt may not retract into the strike plate when you pull the lever for locking. Then, you'll need to screw the latch plate in place.
How do fix an French door that won't close
The latch on a French Door can get stuck and not close. This renders the doors unusable. There's usually a simple solution to this, but it could require taking down one of the doors, particularly if they are heavy. In most cases the problem is that the latch isn't aligned either with the strike plate or with the jamb on the door, or both. It could also be because the dead bolt isn't extended or retracted completely. The misalignment can happen over time, due to weather, or from settlement of the house.
If the latch is stuck, it could be difficult to open, but it's generally easy to fix the problem by loosening the screws that hold the hinge to the frame and then inserting shims to make the door a bit higher or lower. This will move the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and will solve the issue.
If the latch isn't able to fit in the hole of the strike plate, you can fix it by loosening up the screw that holds the strike plate, and then using a metal planer or electric file to trim the edges until the latch fits. If needed, you may also have to remove the strike plate to cut out the hole.
Another common problem with French doors is that the locks do not engage properly. This could be a sign of an issue with the cylinder that locks if you have a more recent lock system. If the lock is not working properly, you'll have to remove it and check for any visible damage.
Replace the weatherstripping you have on the exterior of a door If you notice drafts coming in. This will form a tight seal, and prevent the doors from sagging. Door sweeps can be used to fill in any gaps. Install the sweeps on top and bottom of the door.