Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
When it comes to locking your french door handle replacement doors, you need to ensure they're safe. You can do 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 generally a three-point lock system that includes flush bolts at the upper and lower edges of each door panel and an operable door. This lockset is very hard to break.
How to fix a French door that isn't locking
It can be a significant safety risk when doors don't lock or latch correctly. It could also be an indication of a serious problem like a damaged locking cylinder. Don't worry it is possible to solve the issue by following just a few simple steps.
The most common reason for doors that don't lock is because there is an obstruction blocking the latch. This could be as simple as a piece of dirt that is stuck in the lock, or it could be a problem with the latch itself.
If you examine the strike plate, (the metal piece that is on the inside of the doors that is positioned against the frame), you can see whether it's true. If there is a small metal tab sticking out of the strike plate, gently tap it with a screwdriver and hammer it to bend it slightly to make the hole in the plate, allowing bolts can slide into the door more easily.
A latch that has become stuck is usually due to poor alignment or installation. Lubricating the latch may help it work better, but it will not solve the issue of how it lines up with the strike plate.
If you don't have a strike plate, it is easy to install one. The lock body (the part that screws into the door frame) will need to be removed from the door, and the lock assembly replaced. You'll need a Phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill for this, but it's not a daunting task.
It is a good idea to keep the lock lubricated especially the cylinder frequently to ensure it functions as efficiently as it can. Use graphite or silicone lubricant for this. Apply the lubricant to the key and then slowly turn it several times until the cylinder can move freely.
It is a good idea to purchase double-cylinder deadbolts for your French doors, instead of just a standard one. A simple handle twist lock won't be enough to stop intruders from entering, and a standard deadbolt fitted with an inside-facing thumb-turn of the door can be beaten by breaking the glass and reaching in through it.
Fixing 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. It is usually caused by the hinges being sagging. However, it could be due to an issue with the latch position or the latch itself. To help determine which causes the problem, use lipstick or a similar marker to pinpoint the point where the latch comes into contact with the strike plate hole. This mark can help you identify the root of the problem. For instance If the mark is below the strike plate, it's most likely to be the hinges. If it's higher it could be the position of the latch.
It is essential to align the strike plate and latch holes when installing handles or a lock mechanism on the French Door. This is particularly true when a door has been closed for a long period of time. In this period the door might be a little shifted. This is particularly common with composite or timber doors as they are susceptible to expand or contract depending on the weather and the environment.
To fix this, remove the latch that locks at the top of the door that is active and remove it from the handle. With a chisel that is sharp, with a hammer, enlarge strike plate hole in the door frame. This will permit the latch to be placed in a better position for the door and when the door is opened and closed it will close smoothly without rubbing or catching the frame.
After the hole for the latch has been enlarged, carefully place the new latch inside the strike plate hole and screw it into. Then, adjust the strike plate with the screw and hammer until it is in a more suitable position, and then check the door. Make any necessary adjustments.
Another common problem with external French Doors is that the lock's cylinder doesn't turn. This can be due wear and tear or debris. However, it is generally a simple fix. The lock could be blocked or the pins of the cylinder worn. A simple clean could make a huge difference to the operation of the mechanism, and it's worth giving it the go-ahead. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.
Fixing a French Door that won't open
If your French door won't lock because of dirt or debris It is likely that the mechanism is blocked. Making sure that the frame is clear and that there's nothing blocking the locking system is the first thing to do. It could be that the French door frame and French door are not aligned properly. This can cause the French door to move against the frame, which can result in jamming.
The mechanism behind the lock is quite simple - the key rotates a spindle which is then able to move a bolt back and forth on a rail. If the handle spins but the bolt isn't moving this could mean that something is stuck. It could be an issue with the mechanism of the lock, or it could just need to be lubricated. Make use of a silicone spray. It comes with a nozzle that can be used to direct the lubricant directly into the mechanism. Spray generously, then turn the handle to make sure that all parts of the lock mechanism are well-lubricated.
You may also need to adjust the position of the latch on the French door. This is a simple task and is typically done from the outside of the door. If you're French doors are just installed and you are able to fix the handle and latch in the right position without any difficulty. If they're old, you will be required to mark the positions of the holes for the handles on the door as well as the latch on the door frame using a template provided with the lock kit. Then drill the hole for the handle/knob at the right height (commonly about 36 inches from floor) and then drill a smaller hole on the door's edge for the latch.
Once the hole is drilled it is important to ensure that the latch plate is positioned correctly over the strike plate on the door frame. If the latch plate doesn't fit properly the deadbolt won't retract into the strike plate if you push the lock lever. The latch plate will then need to be screwed into place.
Repairing a French Door that won't close
The latch on a upvc french door lock replacement Door can get stuck and can't be closed. This renders the doors unusable. This is usually a simple problem to fix, but it could require the removal of one of the doors that are heavy. In most cases the latch isn't aligned correctly with the strike plate, the door jamb or both. It could also be because the dead bolt isn't being extended or retracted completely. Misalignment can occur as time passes due to weather or the settling.
It can be difficult to open doors that are stuck. To solve this issue you need to loosen the screws that hold the hinge to the frame, and then, add shims so the door is raised or lowered. This will make the latch closer to the lock mechanism and solve the issue.
If the latch doesn't fit inside the hole of the strike plate, you can repair it by loosening the screw holding the strike plate and using an electric or a metal file to trim 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 required.
The locks on French doors are often unable to engage properly. This could be a sign of a problem in the cylinder that locks if you're using a more recent lock system. It is necessary to remove the lock and inspect it for obvious damage or obstructions and if it's not functioning properly, you might need to replace it.
replace french doors with bifold the old weatherstripping on the exterior of a door if you notice a draft coming in. This will create a secure seal and will prevent the doors from sticking or locking improperly. You can also install door sweeps to ensure that all the gaps you might encounter are sealed. Install the sweeps on both the top and bottom of the door.