Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
When you lock your french doors, you want to make sure they're safe. You can do this by selecting a lock system that will ensure your door is secure without blocking airflow or impacting the appearance of your room.
French door locks are generally an all-point lock system that has flush bolts on the lower and upper edges of each door panel, and a lockset on the operable door. This type of lock isn't easy to crack.
Repairing a French Door that won't lock
It can be a significant safety issue if your doors don't lock or latch properly. It could also be an indication of a major issue such as a cracked locking cylinder. Don't worry, the problem can be solved with a few easy steps.
A door that 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.
You can confirm whether this is the case by examining the strike plate (the metal piece that is placed against the frame on the inside of the door). If there is a small metal tab protruding from the strike plate, gently tap it with a screwdriver and hammer it to bend it slightly to allow the hole to be opened in the plate, allowing the bolt can drop in more easily.
A latch that has become stuck is usually due to poor alignment or improper installation. Lubricating the latch can help it function better, but it won't solve alignment issues.
Installing the strike plate is easy in case you don't have one. You will need to remove the body of the lock from the door (the part that attaches to the frame of the door) and replace the complete lock with a new one. This is a simple job that requires a Phillips head screwdriver and a power drill.
To ensure that the lock functions as efficiently as it can, it is a good practice to regularly lubricate it, particularly the cylinder. You can use silicone or graphite lubricant for this. Apply the lubricant to the cylinder and then turn it slowly several times until the cylinder moves freely.
A double-cylinder deadbolt is better than the standard deadbolt when it pertains to French doors. A lock that is a twist on the handle is not enough to stop intruders as a standard door deadbolt that has a thumb turn can be destroyed if you smash the glass.
How to fix the problem of a French door that won't latch
The problem is often caused by the latch of the door not connecting properly with the hole of the strike plate. It is usually caused by the hinges being sagging. However, it could be due to an issue with the position of the latch or the latch itself. You can use lipstick, or another similar marker, to determine which one is responsible. The position of the mark will help understand where the problem is If, for instance, it contacts below the strike plate hole then hinges could be the probable reason, however when it's above, the position of the latch could be the reason.
It is crucial to be sure to align the strike plate and latch holes when installing handles or the lock mechanism on the French Door. This is especially true in the event that a door was closed for a long period of time. In this period the door might have moved slightly. This is most common for wooden and composite doors because they are prone to expansion or contraction based on the weather or environment.
To correct this, first remove the lock latch from the active door's edge and unscrew the locking strip from the handle. Then using a sharp chisel and hammer, increase the strike plate hole on the door frame. This will allow you to put the latch in a more ideal position for the door. When the door is shut, it will close without catching on the frame.
After the hole for the latch has been expanded, 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 proper position. Test the door. Make any adjustments as required.
Another issue with external French Doors is that the lock's cylinder doesn't turn. This can be due to damage or wear and tear. However, it's generally a simple fix. The lock may be obstructed or the pins of the cylinder worn. A simple clean could make a huge difference to the operation of the mechanism, so it's well worth giving this the go-ahead. If the issue continues, it may be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How do fix an French door that won't let you open
If your French door doesn't lock because of dirt or debris it's likely that the lock mechanism is blocked. The first thing you should do is check the frame of the door is free of obstructions and that nothing is blocking the locking mechanism. It is possible that the French frame of the door and the French door are not aligned correctly. This could cause the French door to slide against the frame, resulting in jamming.
The mechanism for locking is simple. A key rotates a spindle, which then moves the bolt up and down on a rail. If the handle is moving but the bolt does not there is a problem, then something is not working. It could be a problem with the mechanics of the lock itself or it could just need to be lubricated. Try using a silicone spray. It comes with a pipe that can be used to direct the lubricant to the mechanisms of the lock. Spray generously and then turn the handle to ensure the lubricant is reaching all the parts of the mechanism.
You might also need to alter the position of the latch on the French door. It is typically possible to do this from outside. If your French doors are just installed they should be able to fix the latch and handle in the door without difficulty. If they're old, you will be required to mark the positions of the holes for the handles on the door and the latch on the frame of the door using an outline provided by the lock kit. The hole to install the knob/handle at the correct height. It is typically about 36 inches above the floor. Then, drill smaller holes along the edge of the door to install the latch.
Once the hole is drilled, you need to ensure that the latch plate is correctly set over the strike plate of the door frame. If this doesn't fit then the deadbolt might not retract into the strike plate when you press the lock lever. The latch plate will then have to be screwed in place.
Fixing a French Door that won't close
The latch on a French Door can get stuck and not close. This can render the doors unusable. There's usually a simple solution, but it could require taking down one of the doors, particularly when they're heavy. The most common cause is that the latch is not aligned or with the strike plate, or with the jamb on the door, or both. It might also be that the dead bolt isn't fully extended or retracted completely. Misalignment can occur over time due to weather conditions or settling.
It can be difficult to open the door if it is stuck. To solve this issue, loosen the screws holding the hinge to the frame and then add some shims so the door is raised or lowered. This will bring the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and will solve the issue.
Similarly, if www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk isn't getting into position with the strike plate hole in the jamb of the door typically, you can fix it by loosening the screw that holds the strike plate, and using an electric or a metal planer to remove some of the edge of the plate until the latch fits. If you need to, you might also have to remove the strike plate in order to cut out the hole.
The locks on French doors are often unable to properly engage. If you have a newer lock system, this could indicate a problem with the cylinder that locks. You'll need to take off the lock and examine it for obvious damage or obstructions, and if it's not working properly you may need to replace it.
Replace the weatherstripping you have on the outside of a door If you notice a draft coming in. This will create a secure seal and stop the doors from catching. You can also put in door sweeps to ensure that all of the gaps you might encounter are sealed. If you do this, make sure that the sweeps are placed on both sides of the door and that they overlap at the bottom.