Why French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement Is Right For You?

Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement

You want to lock your french doors safely. You can do this by choosing a lock system that will keep your door secure without obstructing airflow or affecting the aesthetic look of your space.

French door locks are usually a three-point lock that has flush bolts on the upper and lower edges of each door panel and a lockset on the operable door. This lockset is very tough to break.

How to fix the problem of a French door that won't lock

It can be a serious safety issue in the event that your doors do not lock or latch properly. It could also be a sign of a serious problem like a damaged locking cylinder. But don't worry about it, the issue can be solved with a few easy steps.

The most common reason for doors that don't lock is because there is an obstruction that blocks the latch. It could be just as simple as dirt accumulating in the latch, or the latch may be defective.

If you take a look at the strike plate (the metal piece that is on the side of the doors that sits against frame), you can see whether it's true. If there is a small metal tab sticking out of the strike plate, tap it gently with a screwdriver and use a hammer to bend it a bit to open the hole in the plate, allowing the bolt can drop in more easily.

A latch that is seized is typically caused by poor alignment or incorrect installation. Lubricating the latch will help it to work better, but will not fix issues with alignment.

Installing a strike plate is simple in case you don't have one. The lock body (the part that screws in the door frame) will need to be removed from the door, and the lock assembly replaced. You'll require a Phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill for this, but it is not a difficult job.

It is recommended to keep the lock lubricated, especially the cylinder, frequently to ensure it operates as well as it can. You can use graphite or silicone-based lubricant for this. Apply the lubricant on the key and then slowly turn it several times until the cylinder moves freely.

It's a good idea to purchase 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 inside-facing thumb-turn of the door could be defeated by breaking the glass and gaining access in through it.

How do you fix the problem of a French door that isn't latching

The problem is often caused by the latch of the door not engaging properly with the hole of the strike plate. It is often caused by the hinges being sagging. However, it can be caused by an issue with the position of the latch or the latch itself. To help determine which of these causes the problem, apply a lipstick or similar marker to determine where the latch makes contact with the strike plate. The position of the mark will help you to determine the source of the issue If, for instance, it is below the strike plate's hole, hinges are likely to be the reason, however If it's above, the latch's position could be the cause.

It is important to be sure to align the strike plate and latch holes when installing handles or a lock mechanism on a French Door. This is particularly important when one door has been closed for a long period of time. During this time the door could be a little shifted. This is most common for doors made of timber and composite, as they are susceptible to expansion or contraction depending on the weather conditions or the surrounding environment.

To fix this, remove the latch that locks at the edge of the door in use and remove it from the handle. With a chisel that is sharp, the hammer and a chisel enlarge strike plate hole in the door frame. This will permit the latch to be placed in a more suitable position for the door, and when the door is opened and closed it will close smoothly without catching or rubbing on the frame.

Once the hole for the latch has been enlarged, place the new latch into the strike plate and screw it into. Then, adjust the strike plate using the hammer, screw 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 won't turn. This could be due to wear and tear or debris. However, it is usually an easy fix. The lock could be blocked or the pins of the cylinder are worn. It's worth a try to see if a quick clean can make a difference. If the issue is not resolved, it's usually required to replace the entire lock cylinder.

How to fix an 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 lock mechanism. Checking that the door frame is free of debris and there is nothing obstructing the locking mechanism is the first thing you need to do. It is possible that the French door frame and French door aren't aligned properly. This can cause the French door to slide against the frame, which can result in jamming.

The lock mechanism itself is pretty simple - the key turns a spindle that then moves a bolt back and forth on the 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 could need lubricating. Try using the silicone spray. It comes with a pipe that can be used to direct the lubricant to the mechanisms of the lock. Spray generously then turn the handle to ensure that all parts of the lock mechanism are fully lubricated.

You may also have to alter the position of the latch on the French door. It is usually possible to do this from outside. If you're French doors were just installed they should be able to fix the latch and handle into the right position without any difficulty. 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 latch on the frame must be. Drill the hole for the knob or handle at the appropriate height. It is typically about 36 inches above the floor. Then, you can drill a smaller hole along the edge of the doors for the latch.

After the hole has been dug, you must ensure that the latch plate is placed over the strike plate of the door frame. If this doesn't fit, then the deadbolt may not retract into the strike plate when you pull the lever for locking. The latch plate will then require to be screwed into the correct position.

How to fix a French Door that won't close

Sometimes, the latch on a French door can become stuck, and it can't be closed, rendering the doors ineffective. There's usually a solution to this, however it may require removal of one of the doors, in particular if they are heavy. In most cases the problem is that the latch is misaligned or with the strike plate or with the jamb of the door or both. It could also be because the dead bolt isn't extended or fully retracted. The misalignment could occur as time passes because of weather or settlement.

It can be difficult to open a door that is stuck. To solve this issue you need to loosen the screws that hold the hinge to the frame and then add some shims that allow the door to be raised or lowered.  french door replacement  will get the latch closer to the lock mechanism and solve the issue.

Similarly, if the latch isn't able to get into position with the strike plate hole on the door jamb it is usually possible to fix the issue by loosing a screw that is holding 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. If necessary, you may also need to remove the strike plate to make the hole.

The locks on French doors often fail to engage properly. If you have a more recent lock system this could indicate a problem with the cylinder that locks. If the lock is not functioning properly, you'll need to remove it and check for any visible damage.

Replace the weatherstripping that was installed on the outside of an older door when you feel drafts coming in. This will give a secure seal and keep the doors from slipping or locking improperly. You can also install door sweeps to ensure that all the possible gaps are closed. If you decide to do this, make sure that you place the sweeps on both sides of the door, and that they overlap at the bottom.