The Infrequently Known Benefits To French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
You want to lock your french doors securely. You can accomplish this by choosing a lock system that will keep your door secure without obstructing airflow and affecting the aesthetic look of your space.
French door locks are usually a three-point lock system which includes flush bolts at the upper and lower edges of each door panel, and an operable door. This lockset is very tough to break.
How to fix a French door that won't lock
It can be a serious security risk when doors don't lock or latch properly. It could be a sign of a bigger issue like a damaged or broken locking cylinder. Don't worry, the problem is fixable with a few easy steps.
The reason a door won't latch is usually because of an obstruction that is blocking it. It could be as simple as dirt getting stuck 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 see whether it's true. If you notice a tiny metal stub sticking out from the strike plate, gently tap it with a screwdriver to bend it. This will allow the bolt to drop in more easily.
A latch that is seized can be caused by incorrect installation or an improper alignment. Lubricating the latch will help it to work better, but will not fix issues with alignment.
If you don't have a strikeplate, it is easy to install one. You will need to remove the lock body from the door (the part that attaches to the frame of the door) and replace the complete lock with a new one. You'll require a Phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill for this, but it's not a daunting task.
To ensure that the lock works as efficiently as possible it is a good practice to lubricate it frequently especially the cylinder. You can use silicone or graphite 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 recommended to get double-cylinder deadbolts for your French doors, rather than simply a standard deadbolt. A simple twist lock on the handle won't be enough to keep intruders out, and a standard deadbolt that has an internal thumb-turn of the door could be defeated by breaking the glass and then reaching into the door.
How to fix the problem of a French door that isn't latching
The issue is often caused by the latch of the door not engaging correctly with the hole in the strike plate. This is typically due to hinges that are sagging, but it could also be a problem with the location of the latch or the latch itself. You can use lipstick, or another similar marker to determine which is the culprit. This mark will help you identify the root of the issue. For example, if the mark is below the strike plate it's most likely to be the hinges. If it's above the strike plate, then it could be the latch position.
It is crucial to ensure that the strike plate is aligned with the latch holes when installing handles or a lock mechanism on the French Door. This is especially true if a door has been closed for an extended period of time. During this time, the door may be a little shifted. This is especially common with wooden and composite doors as they are susceptible to expansion or contraction depending on the weather conditions or the surrounding environment.
To fix this issue, remove the lock latch at the top of the active door and then remove it from the handle. Then with a chisel that is sharp and hammer, increase the strike plate hole in the door frame. replacing glass in french door allows you to place the latch in a more suitable position for the door. When the door is shut, it will shut without catching the frame.
Once the hole for the latch has been enlarged, place the new latch on the strike plate and screw it into. Then, adjust the strike plate using the hammer, screw and nut until it is in the proper position. Test the door. Make any adjustments as required.
Another common problem with external French Doors is that the lock cylinder won't turn. This could be due to obstructions or wear and tear, however it is usually easy to fix. Most of the time, the lock is obstructed or the pins inside the cylinder are worn. A simple clean can make a big difference to the operation of the mechanism, and it's well worth giving this an attempt. If the issue persists, it may be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
Fixing a French Door that isn't opening
If your French door isn't locking due to dirt or debris it's likely that the lock mechanism is blocked. The first thing you should do is to check that the frame of the door is clear of obstructions and that there is nothing blocking the mechanism that locks. It is possible that the French door frame and the French door aren't aligned correctly. This could cause the French door to drag against the frame, which can result in jamming.
The mechanism of the lock is quite simple - the key rotates a spindle, which is then able to move a bolt back and forth on rail. If the handle turns but the bolt doesn't move this could mean that something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics aren't working, or it may just need lubricating. Use a silicone spray. It comes with a nozzle you can use to direct the lubricant directly into the mechanism. Spray generously and then turn the handle to ensure the lubricant is reaching all parts of the mechanism.
It is also possible to alter the position of the latch on the French door. It is generally possible to do this from outside. If your French doors have just been installed they should be able to put the latch and handle in the door without difficulty. If they're older then you'll have to mark the locations of the holes for the handles on the door as well as the latch on the frame of the door with a template included in the lock kit. Then, drill the hole for the handle or knob at the right height (commonly about 36 inches from floor) and then drill a smaller hole on the door's edge to install the latch.
After drilling the hole, it's important to check that the latch plate fits correctly over the strike plate on the door frame. If it doesn't the deadbolt, it may not retract into the strike plate when you pull the lever to lock. Then, you'll have to screw the latch plate in the correct position.
How to fix an French door that isn't closing
Sometimes, the latch on a French door can become stuck, and it can't be closed, rendering the doors unusable. There's usually a simple solution, but it can involve taking down one of the doors, in particular when they're heavy. In most cases the latch isn't aligned properly with the strike plate, jamb of the door or both. The dead bolt may not be fully extended or extended or. The misalignment could occur in the course of time due to weather conditions or the settling.
It is sometimes difficult to open doors that are stuck. To resolve this issue you need to loosen the screws that hold the hinge to the frame and then put in shims that allow the door to be raised or lower. This will move the latch closer to the lock mechanism and solve the problem.
If the latch isn't able to fit in the strike plate hole, you can fix it by loosening up the screw holding the strike plate and using an electric or a metal file to trim the edges until the latch fits. If necessary, you may also have to remove the strike plate in order to make the hole.
Another common problem with French doors is that the locks don't engage properly. This could be a sign of a problem in the locking cylinder if you have a more recent lock system. You'll need to take off the lock and examine it for visible obstructions or damage, and if it's not working properly you may need to replace it.
If you have an older door that has a draft entering, you can replace the weatherstripping on the outside of the doors. This will form a tight seal and prevent the doors from sticking. You can also put in door sweeps to ensure that all the possible gaps are closed. If you do this, make sure that you place the sweeps on both sides of the door, and that the sweeps overlap with each other at the bottom.