Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
You'll want to lock your french doors securely. This can be done by choosing the right lock that will keep your door secure while not blocking airflow or affecting the appearance of your home.
French door locks are usually a three-point lock system which includes flush bolts at the lower and upper edges of each door panel and a lockset on the operable door. This system is difficult to break.
How to fix a French Door that isn't Locking
It can be a significant security risk when doors don't lock or latch properly. It could also be a sign of a larger issue like a cracked or damaged locking cylinder. Don't worry you can resolve the issue in just a few simple steps.
The most common reason for doors that don't lock is because there is an obstruction that blocks the latch. This could be like a small piece of dirt stuck in the lock, or it could be an issue with the latch itself.
You can check whether this is the situation by examining the strike plate (the metal piece that is placed against the frame on the inside of the door). If you see a tiny metal tab protruding from the strike plate, tap it gently using a screwdriver and hammer it to bend it slightly and this will open the hole in the plate so that the bolt can drop into the door more easily.
A latch that is seized could be the result of improper installation or a poor alignment. Lubricating the latch will help it work better, but it won't solve alignment issues.
Installing a strike plate is straightforward in case you don't 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. You will need a phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill for this, but it's not a difficult job.
It is a good idea to keep the lock lubricated especially the cylinder regularly to make sure it functions as efficiently as it can. You can use silicone or graphite lubricant for this. Apply the lubricant onto the key, and then turn it several times slowly until the cylinder can move freely.
It is a good idea to purchase double-cylinder deadbolts for your French doors, rather than simply a standard deadbolt. A simple handle twist lock won't be enough to stop intruders from entering, and a standard deadbolt that has an inside-facing thumb-turn of the door could be defeated by breaking the glass and then reaching into the door.
How do you fix the problem of a French door that won't latch
The issue is often caused by the latch of the door not connecting properly with the hole of the strike plate. It is usually caused by sagging hinges. However, it can be caused by an issue with the latch position or the latch itself. To help identify which one is the culprit you can use lipstick or a similar marker to see the point where the latch comes into contact with the strike plate hole. This mark can help you determine the cause of the issue. For example 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.
It is essential to align the strike plate and latch holes when installing handles or the lock mechanism on the French Door. This is especially true if one door has been closed for a long period of time. In this time the door may have moved. This is especially common with timber or composite doors because they are prone to contraction or expansion according to the weather and the conditions.
To fix this, remove the latch that locks on the edge of the door in use and unscrew 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 the latch to be put in a more suitable location for the door and when the door is opened and closed it will close without rubbing or catching the frame.
After the hole in the latch is expanded, insert the new latch on the strike plate and screw it in. Next, re-adjust the strike plate with the hammer and screw until it is sitting in a more appropriate position, and then check the door. Make any adjustments as required.
Another issue that is common to external French Doors is that the lock's cylinder isn't able to turn. This could be caused by dirt or wear and tear, but it's usually simple to fix. The lock could be blocked or the pins of the cylinder worn. A simple clean could make a world of difference in the performance of the mechanism, and it's well worth giving this an attempt. If the issue is not resolved, it's usually required to replace the entire lock cylinder.
How do fix a French door that won't open
If your French doors do not lock the way you want them to, it's most likely caused by dirt and debris obstructing the mechanism for locking. Making sure that the frame is free of debris and there's nothing blocking the locking mechanism is the first thing to do. It could be that the French door frame and the French door aren't aligned properly. This can cause the door to drag onto the frame and ultimately lead to jamming.
The lock mechanism is simple. A key turns the spindle, which moves the bolt up and down on a rail. If the handle moves, but the bolt doesn't, then something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics are faulty, or it may just need lubricating. Try using the silicone spray. It will come with a pipe can be used to direct the lubricant to the mechanisms of the lock. Spray the spray liberally and then rotate the handle to ensure that the lubricant has reached all of the mechanisms.
There is also the possibility of having to adjust the location of the latch on the French door. This is simple to do and is usually done from the outside of the door. If you're French doors are brand new and brand new, you'll be able to screw the latch and handle into place without any problem. If your French doors are older, you'll need 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 handle or knob at the proper height. This is typically around 36 inches above the floor. Then, drill smaller holes along the edge of the doors for the latch.
After drilling the hole it is important to check that the latch plate is properly placed over the strike plate that is on the door frame. If this doesn't fit the deadbolt, it may not retract into the strike plate when you push the lever to lock. In the end, you'll need to screw the latch plate into the correct position.
Repairing a French Door that isn't closing
The latch on the latch of a French Door may become stuck and won't close. This makes the doors unusable. There's usually a simple solution, 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. The dead bolt may not be fully extended or retracted. The misalignment can happen in time, as a result of weather conditions, or due to the settlement of the house.
It can be difficult to open the door if it is stuck. To resolve this issue you need to loosen the screws that hold the hinge to the frame and then add some shims to make the door raised or lowered. This will get the latch closer to the lock mechanism and resolve the problem.
If the latch does not 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 remove some of 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 can sometimes fail to engage properly. If you have a newer lock system, this could be an indicator of a problem with the cylinder that locks. It is necessary to remove the lock and inspect it for visible obstructions or damages and if it's not functioning properly, you might require replacing it.
If you have an older door that has a draught coming in, consider replacing the weatherstripping that was used on the exterior of the door. This will create a secure seal and help to keep the doors from sticking or locking incorrectly. Door sweeps can be used to close any gaps. Install french doors repair on top and bottom of the door.