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Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism replacement locks for upvc french doors (Click4R.Com)

You'll want to lock your french doors safely. You can do this by selecting a lock that will ensure your door is secure without obstructing airflow or affecting the appearance of your room.

French door locks are usually an all-point lock system that has flush bolts on the upper and lower edges of each door panel, and an operable door. This type of lock isn't easy to penetrate.

Repairing a French Door That Won't Lock

If your doors don't lock or latch properly, it could be a major safety issue. It could be a sign of a larger issue, such as a cracked or damaged locking cylinder. But don't worry, the issue is fixable by following a few simple steps.

The reason a door 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 confirm if this is the case by examining the strike plate (the metal piece that rests against the frame on the inside of the door). If there is a small metal tab protruding from the strike plate, tap it gently with a screwdriver and hammer it to bend it slightly, this will open the hole in the plate, allowing bolts can be dropped into it more easily.

A latch that is seized is typically caused by a poor alignment or improper installation. Lubricating the latch may help it to function better, but it will not solve the issue of the way it lines up with the strike plate.

Installing the strike plate is easy in case you don't 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. You will need a phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill for this, but it is not a difficult job.

It is a good idea to keep the lock lubricated especially the cylinder regularly to make sure it works as well as it can. Use a silicone or graphite lubricant for this. Apply the lubricant on the key and then slowly turn it several times until the cylinder is moving freely.

A double-cylinder deadbolt is better than a standard deadbolt when it comes to French doors. A handle twist lock is not enough to deter burglars, and a standard door deadbolt that has a thumb turn can be destroyed if you smash the glass.

Repairing a French Door that isn't latching

The issue is usually caused by the latch of the door not connecting properly with the hole of the strike plate. It is usually caused by sliding hinges. However, it could be due to a problem 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 location of this mark will help identify the cause of the issue - for example, if it is below the strike plate's hole, the hinges are the likely reason, however if it is above then the position of the latch could be the cause.

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 if a door has been closed for a prolonged period of time. In this period the door could have moved slightly. This is especially common with composite and timber doors, because they are prone to expansion or contraction depending on the weather or the environment.

To correct this, first take the latch from the door's edge, then remove the locking strip from the handle. Utilizing a sharp chisel hammer and a chisel, make a larger hole for the strike plate in the door frame. This will allow the latch to be put in a more appropriate position for the door and when the door is closed and opened, it will close smoothly without rubbing or catching the frame.

After the latch hole is increased, insert the new latch on the strike plate and screw it into. Then, adjust the strike plate with the screw, hammer and nut until it is in the right position. Test the door. Make any adjustments that are needed.

Another issue with external French Doors is that the lock cylinder won't turn. This can be due to wear and tear or debris. However, it is usually a simple fix. Often the lock is simply blocked or the pins inside the cylinder are worn. It's worth a shot to see if a simple clean can result in a change. If the issue is not resolved, it's usually necessary to replace bay window with french doors the entire lock cylinder.

How to fix a French Door that won't open

If your French door doesn't lock due to dirt or other debris It is likely that the mechanism is obstructed. The first thing cost to replace sliding door with french doors do is check the frame of the door is clear of obstructions and that nothing is blocking the mechanism for locking. It could be that the French frame of the door and the French door aren't aligned correctly. This can cause the door to sway on the frame and eventually lead to jamming.

The lock mechanism is straightforward. A key turns a spindle, which then moves a bolt up and down on a rail. If the handle moves, but the bolt does not, then something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics are not working properly or it might need lubricating. Use a silicone spray. It will come with a nozzle you can use to direct the lubricant directly to the mechanism. Spray generously, then turn the handle to ensure that all parts of the lock mechanism are lubricated.

You may also need to adjust the location of the latch on the French door. This is a simple task and can usually be done from the outside of the door. If you're French doors were just installed they should be able to screw the latch and handle in place with no problem. If they're older then you'll be required to mark the positions of the holes for the handles on the door and the latch on the door frame using an outline provided by the lock kit. Then drill the hole for the handle or knob at the right height (commonly approximately 36 inches above the floor) and then drill a smaller hole on the edge of the door to install the latch.

Once the hole has been dug, you must make sure that the latch plate is correctly placed over the strike plate of the door frame. If the latch plate does not fit correctly the deadbolt will not retract into the strike plate if you pull the lever to lock. Finally, you will have to screw the latch plate into place.

How to fix a French door that won't close

The latch on the latch on a French Door may become stuck and can't be closed. This makes the doors unusable. This is usually a simple issue to resolve, but it could require removal of one of the heavy doors. In the majority of cases the latch isn't aligned correctly with the strike plate, the jamb of the door, or both. It might also be that the dead bolt isn't fully extended or retracted fully. Misalignment happens in time, as a result of weather conditions, or due to the shifting of the home.

If the latch is stuck, it may be difficult to open, but it's generally easy to solve the issue by loosening the screws holding the hinge to the frame and then adding shims to make the door a bit higher or lower. This will bring the latch closer to the lock mechanism, and fix the problem.

If the latch does not fit in the strike plate hole, you can repair it by loosening the screw that holds the strike plate, and using an electric or a metal file to trim the edges until the latch fits. This could also mean removing the strike plate and then chiseling out the hole to make it bigger in the event that it is necessary.

The locks on French doors are often unable to properly engage. This could be due to a problem in the locking cylinder if you're using a newer lock system. You'll need to remove the lock and examine it for French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement obvious obstructions or damages, and if it's not working properly you may require replacing it.

If you have an older door that has a draught coming in, try replacing the weatherstripping on the outside of the door. This will create a secure seal and help prevent the doors from sticking or locking incorrectly. Door sweeps can be added 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 the sweeps overlap with each other at the bottom.