Fixing french door locking mechanism replacement upvc french doors (read on)

When it comes to locking your french doors, it is important to ensure that they're safe. This can be accomplished by selecting a lock system that will secure your door without blocking airflow or impacting 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 system isn't easy to break into.

How to fix a French Door that won't lock

It could be a major security risk if your doors don't lock or latch correctly. It could also be an indication of a serious problem such as a cracked locking cylinder. But don't worry, the issue is fixable by following a few simple steps.

A door that won't latch is usually because of an obstruction that is blocking it. It could be just as simple as dirt accumulating in the latch or the latch could be defective.

You can determine if this is the situation by looking at the strike plate (the metal piece that sits against the frame on the inside of the door). If you see a tiny metal tab sticking out of the strike plate, gently tap it with a screwdriver and use a hammer to bend it a bit, this will allow the hole to be opened in the plate, allowing bolts can be dropped into the door more easily.

A latch that is seized could be the result of improper installation or an improper alignment. Lubricating the latch can make it work better, but it won't solve problems with the way it lines up with the strike plate.

Installing the strike plate is easy in the event that you don't have 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 difficult job.

It is recommended to ensure that the lock is lubricated especially the cylinder regularly to make sure it functions as efficiently as it can. Use a silicone or graphite lubricant to do this. Apply the lubricant to the cylinder and then turn it slowly several times until the cylinder is moving freely.

It is an excellent idea to purchase a double-cylinder deadbolt for your French doors, rather than simply a standard deadbolt. A simple handle twist lock will not be enough to keep intruders out and a standard deadbolt fitted with a thumb-turn on the inside of the door can be defeated by breaking the glass and then reaching into the door.

Repairing a french doors repair Door That Won't Latches

The issue is usually caused by the door latch not properly connecting to the strike plate hole. It is often caused by sagging hinges. However, it could also be due to an issue with the latch position or the latch itself. You can use lipstick, or a similar marker, to identify which one is responsible. This mark will help you identify the root of the problem. For example when the mark is below the strike plate then it's likely the hinges. If it's above it could be the position of the latch.

When installing handles or a new lock mechanism on an external French Door it's important that the latch and strike plate holes are aligned correctly. This is especially important when a door has been closed for a long period of time. During this time, the door may be a little shifted. This is most common for wooden or composite doors since they are susceptible to expand or contract in response to weather conditions and the surrounding.

To correct this issue, first remove the lock latch from the active door's edge, then remove the locking strip from the handle. Then, using a sharp chisel and hammer, you can increase the strike plate hole on the door frame. This will permit the latch to be placed in a more appropriate position for the door and when the door is opened and closed it will close without rubbing or catching the frame.

Once the hole for the latch has been enlarged, place the new latch inside the strike plate and screw it into. Then adjust the strike plate using the screw, hammer and nut until it is in the correct position. Test the door. Make any necessary adjustments.

Another issue that is common to external french door glass repair Doors is that the lock cylinder won't turn. This could be caused by dirt or wear and tear, but it's usually simple to resolve. The lock may be blocked or the pins of the cylinder worn. A simple cleaning can make a huge difference in the performance of the mechanism, and it's well worth giving this the go-ahead. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.

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

If your French door doesn't lock due to dirt or other debris it's likely that the lock mechanism is blocked. Making sure that the frame is free of debris and there's nothing blocking the locking system is the first thing you need to do. There might also be an issue with the alignment of the French door and its frame. This can cause the French door to move against the frame, resulting in jamming.

The lock mechanism is simple. A key rotates the spindle, and then moves the bolt up and down on a rail. If the handle spins but the bolt does not move it means that something is stuck. There may be something wrong with the mechanics of the lock itself, or it might just need some lubrication. Use a silicone spray. It comes with a nozzle you can use to direct lubricant directly into the mechanisms. Spray liberally, then turn the handle to make sure that all parts of the lock mechanism are well-lubricated.

You might also need to adjust the position of the latch on the French door. This is simple to do and is usually done from the outside of the door. If you're French doors are just installed, you should be able put the handle and latch in the door without difficulty. If your French doors are older, you will need to use the templates that comes with the lock kit to mark the locations where the holes for the handle on the door and latch on the frame must be. Then, drill the hole for the handle/knob at the proper height (commonly approximately 36 inches above the floor) and then make a smaller hole along the edge of the door for the latch.

After the hole has been dug, you must ensure that the latch plate is correctly set over the strike plate of the door frame. If the latch plate does not fit properly the deadbolt won't retract into the strike plate when you pull the lever to lock. Finally, you will need to screw the latch plate in the correct position.

How do fix an French door that won't close

Sometimes, the latch on the latch of a French door gets stuck so it isn't able to close, making the doors ineffective. This is usually a simple issue to fix, however it may require you to remove one of the doors that are heavy. In most cases the problem is that the latch is not aligned either with the strike plate, or with the jamb on the door, or both. It could also be that the dead bolt isn't extended or retracted completely. The misalignment could occur in the course of time due to weather conditions or the settling.

If the latch is stuck, it can be difficult to open, however it's usually easy to solve the issue by loosening the screws that hold the hinge to the frame, and then adding shims to make the door higher or lower. This will make the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and solve the issue.

In the same way, if the latch isn't in position with the strike plate hole in the jamb of the door, you can usually fix it by loosening the screw that is holding the strike plate and using an electric or a metal planer to remove a portion of the edge of the plate until the latch is able to fit. This might also require removing the strike plate and chiseling out the hole to make it larger in the event that it is necessary.

Another common problem with French doors is that the locks don't engage properly. This could be a sign of an issue with the cylinder that locks if you're using a newer lock system. If the lock is not functioning properly, you'll need remove it and look for obvious damage.

Replace the weatherstripping you have on the outside of an older door if you notice a draft coming in. This will create a tight seal and stop the doors from sagging. Door sweeps can be added to fill in any gaps. If you do this, make sure that you place the sweeps on both sides of the door, and ensure that the sweeps overlap at the bottom.