You'll want to secure your french doors securely. This can be achieved by selecting a lock that keeps your door secure without restricting airflow or affecting the aesthetics of your room.
French door locks are generally a three-point lock system that includes flush bolts at the lower and upper edges of each door panel and a lockset on the operable door. This system is tough to break.
How to fix the problem of a French door that isn't locking
If your doors won't lock or latch properly, it can be a major safety issue. It could also be a sign of a more serious problem like a damaged or damaged locking cylinder. But don't worry about it, the issue can be fixed by following a few simple steps.
The majority of the time, doors that don't lock is due to an obstruction that blocks the latch. It could be as simple as dirt getting stuck in the latch or the latch could be defective.
If you look at the strike plate, (the metal piece on the inside of the doors which sits against frame), you can see the truth. If you notice a tiny metal stub sticking out from the strike plate, gently tap it with a screwdriver to bend it. This will let the bolt slide into the door more easily.
A latch that is seized is typically due to poor alignment or improper installation. Lubricating the latch can help it to function better, but it doesn't solve problems with the way it lines up with the strike plate.
If you do not have a strike plate it's simple to install one. The body of the lock (the part that screws in the door frame) must 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 recommended to ensure that the lock is lubricated especially the cylinder frequently to ensure it functions as efficiently as it can. Utilize a lubricant made of graphite or silicone to do this. Apply the lubricant on the key, and then turn it several times until the cylinder is able to move freely.
It's recommended to purchase double-cylinder deadbolts for your French doors, instead of simply a standard deadbolt. A simple twist lock on the handle isn't enough to keep intruders out and a standard deadbolt that has an internal thumb-turn of the door can be beaten by breaking the glass and gaining access in through it.
Fixing a French Door that won't latch
Most often, the issue is caused by the door latch not connecting to the strike plate hole. It is usually caused by sliding hinges. However, it can be due to an issue with the latch position or the latch itself. You could use a marker, such as lipstick, or another similar marker, to identify the cause. The location of the mark will help you to understand where the problem is - for example, if it is below the strike plate hole, then the hinges are the likely reason, however if it is above then the latch position may be the reason.
When installing handles or an entirely new lock mechanism for an external French Door it's important that the latch and strike plate holes are properly aligned. This is especially the case when one door has been closed for a long period of time. In this period the door might be a little shifted. This is especially common with composite or timber doors as they are prone to contraction or expansion according to the weather and the environment.
To fix this issue, remove the lock latch on the edge of the door that is active and then remove it from the handle. Then, using a sharp chisel and hammer, increase the strike plate hole on the door frame. This will permit the latch to be put in a more appropriate position for the door, and when the door is shut and opened it will close smoothly without rubbing or catching the frame.
Once the hole for the latch has been expanded, insert the new latch inside the strike plate and screw it in. Then, adjust the strike plate with the hammer and screw until it is sitting in a more appropriate position, and then test the door. Make any adjustments needed.
The lock cylinder on external French doors won't turn. This could be due to obstructions or wear and tear, but it's usually easy to resolve. Most of the time, the lock is blocked or the pins within the cylinder are worn. A simple clean can make a world of difference to the operation of the mechanism, so it's definitely worth giving this a try. If the issue persists, 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 won't lock due to dirt or other debris it's likely that the lock mechanism is obstructed. Checking that the door frame is free of debris and there's nothing blocking the locking system is the first thing you need to do. It is possible that the French door frame and the French door aren't aligned correctly. This could cause the door to drag on the frame and eventually result in jamming.
The lock mechanism is simple. A key rotates a spindle, which then moves the bolt up and down on the rail. If the handle moves but the bolt does not it means that something is stuck. There could be something wrong replacing window with french doors uk the mechanics of the lock, or it might just need lubricating. Try using the silicone spray. It comes with a pipe you can use to direct the lubricant to the mechanisms of the lock. Spray liberally and turn the handle to ensure that the lubricant has reached all of the mechanisms.
You may also need to change the location of the latch on the French door. This is easy to do and is usually done from the outside of the door. If your repair french doors doors are new, you will most likely be capable of screwing the handle and latch in the right position without a problem. If they're older then you'll need 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. Then, you'll need to drill the hole for the handle or knob at the proper height (commonly about 36 inches from floor) and then make a smaller hole along the door's edge for the latch.
After the hole has been made, you must make sure that the latch plate is correctly positioned over the strike plate of the door frame. If the latch plate doesn't fit correctly, the deadbolt will not retract into the strike plate when you pull the lever to lock. Then, you'll need to screw the latch plate in place.
How to fix an French door that won't shut
The latch on the latch of a French Door may become stuck and won't close. This makes the doors unusable. This is usually a simple problem to fix, but it may require you to remove one of the heavy doors. In most cases the latch isn't aligned correctly with the strike plate, the door jamb or both. The dead bolt might not be fully extended or retractable. It is common for the dead bolt to misalign over time, due to weather conditions or the shifting of the house.
It can be difficult to open a door that is stuck. To fix this, loosen the screws holding the hinge to the frame, and then add some shims so the door is raised or lowered. This will allow the latch to be closer to the lock mechanism and solve the issue.
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 then using an electric or a metal file to cut off some of the edges until the latch is able to fit. If needed, you may also have to remove the strike plate to cut out the hole.
The locks on French doors can sometimes fail to properly engage. If you have a newer lock it could be an indicator of a problem with the locking cylinder. It is necessary to remove the lock and examine it for visible obstructions or damage and if it's not functioning properly, you might need to replace it.
replace sliding glass door with french door the weatherstripping you have on the exterior of a door that is older If you notice drafts coming in. This will create a secure seal and will keep the doors from slipping or locking improperly. Door sweeps can be used to fill in any gaps. If you decide to do this, make sure to install the sweeps on both sides of the door, and that they overlap at the bottom.
Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement
