Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
You want to lock your french doors safely. This can be achieved by selecting the right lock that will keep your door secure without blocking airflow or affecting the aesthetics of your room.
French door locks are typically a three-point lock system that has flush bolts on the lower and upper edges of each door panel and an operating door. This lockset is difficult to penetrate.
How to fix a French Door That Won't Lock
It can be a significant safety issue when doors don't lock or latch correctly. This could also be a sign of a serious issue like a damaged locking cylinder. However, don't panic you can solve the issue by following just a few steps.
A door that doesn't latch is usually due to obstructions that block it. It could be just as simple as dirt accumulating in the latch or the latch could be defective.
You can confirm whether this is the case by looking at 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 sticking out of the strike plate, tap it gently with a screwdriver and hammer it to bend it slightly and this will allow the hole to be opened in the plate, allowing bolts can be dropped in more easily.
A latch that is stuck could be the result of improper installation or poor alignment. Lubricating the latch will allow it work better, but will not fix issues with alignment.
Installing the strike plate is easy if you don't already 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. This is a straightforward job that requires a phillips-head screwdriver and power drill.
To ensure that french door handle repairs chippenham works as efficiently as possible it is a good practice to lubricate it regularly, particularly the cylinder. You can use silicone or graphite lubricant to do this. Apply the lubricant on the key, then rotate it several times until the cylinder is able to move freely.
A double-cylinder deadbolt can be more secure than the standard deadbolt when it pertains to French doors. A handle twist lock will not be enough to deter burglars and a door deadbolt with a thumb-turn could be ruined if you break the glass.
How to fix a French door that won't latch
The problem is often caused by the latch of the door not interacting properly with the hole in the strike plate. It is often caused by the hinges being sagging. However, it can be caused by an issue with the latch position or the latch itself. You can use lipstick, or a similar marker, to identify the cause. The location of this mark will help you determine the source of the issue - for example, if it is below the strike plate hole then the hinges are the likely reason, however when it's above, the position of the latch could be the reason.
When installing handles or an entirely new lock mechanism for an external French Door it's important that the strike plate and latch holes are aligned correctly. This is especially the case in the event that one door was closed for a long period of time. During this time the door could have moved a bit. This is particularly common with timber or composite doors because they are susceptible to contraction or expansion according to the weather and the environment.
To fix this, take off the latch that locks at the top of the door in use and then remove it from the handle. Then with a chisel that is sharp and hammer, you can increase the strike plate hole on the door frame. This will allow you to place the latch in a more ideal position for the door. When the door is closed it will shut without catching the frame.
Once the hole for the latch has been increased, insert the new latch on the strike plate and screw it into. Then, adjust the strike plate with the hammer and screw until it is in the correct position, and then check the door. Make any adjustments needed.
The lock cylinder on the external French Doors won't turn. This could 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. It's worth a shot to see if a simple clean can make a difference. If the problem persists it might be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
How do you fix an French door that isn't opening
If your French doors aren't locking the way you want them to, it's most likely due to dirt and debris blocking the mechanism for locking. The first thing you need to do is check the frame of the door is clear of obstructions and that nothing is blocking the locking mechanism. There could also be a problem with the alignment of the French door and its frame. This could cause the door to slide over the frame, which can eventually cause jamming.
The mechanism for locking is simple. A key rotates the spindle, which moves the bolt up and down on a rail. If the handle spins but the bolt doesn't move, this means that 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 which can be used to direct the lubricant to the mechanisms of the lock. Spray generously then turn the handle to ensure that all the parts of the lock mechanism are fully lubricated.
You may also need to change where the latch is located on the French door. It is generally possible to do this from the outside. If you're French doors are new and brand new, you'll be capable of screwing the latch and handle into place without any problem. If your French doors are older, you'll need to use the templates that comes with the lock kit to mark the location where the holes for the handle on the door and the latch on the frame need to be. Then, drill the hole for the handle or knob at the correct height (commonly about 36 inches from the floor) and then drill a smaller hole on the door's edge to install the latch.
Once the hole is dug, you must ensure that the latch plate is correctly placed over the strike plate of the door frame. If the latch plate doesn't fit correctly the deadbolt won't retract into the strike plate if you pull the lock lever. Then, you'll need to screw the latch plate in the correct position.
How to fix the problem of a French door that won't close
The latch on the latch of a French Door can get stuck and won't close. This makes the doors inoperable. This is usually a simple problem to fix, but it could require the removal of one of the doors that are heavy. In the majority of cases the latch isn't aligned correctly with the strike plate, door jamb or both. The dead bolt might not be fully extended or retractable. It is common for the dead bolt to misalign with time, due to weather conditions, or due to the shifting of the house.
It can be difficult to open a door that is stuck. To resolve this issue, loosen the screws holding the hinge to the frame, and then put in shims that allow the door to be raised or lower. This will bring the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and will solve the issue.
In the same way, if the latch isn't able to get into position with the strike plate's hole on the jamb of the door typically, you can fix it by loosening the screw that holds the strike plate, and using an electric or metal planer to remove a portion of the edge of the plate until the latch is able to fit. If necessary, you may also have to remove the strike plate in order to chisel out the hole.
Another common problem with French doors is that the locks do not engage properly. This could be due to a problem in the cylinder that locks if you have a more recent lock system. You'll need to remove the lock and check it for obvious obstructions or damages and, if it's functioning properly, you might need to replace it.
If you have an older door that has a draft coming in, consider replacing the weatherstripping on the exterior of the door. This will create a secure seal and will keep the doors from slipping or locking incorrectly. You can also install door sweeps to ensure that all the possible gaps are closed. If you do this, make sure that the sweeps are placed on both sides of the door and that the sweeps overlap at the bottom.