Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement When you lock your french doors, you need to make sure they're safe. This can be achieved by choosing the right lock that will keep your door secure while not blocking airflow or affecting the appearance of your home. French door locks are generally a three-point lock system that has flush bolts on the lower and upper edges of each door panel and an operating door. This type of lock isn't easy to crack. How to fix a French door that won't lock It could be a major safety issue in the event that your doors do not lock or latch correctly. It could also be a sign of a serious issue like a damaged locking cylinder. But don't worry about it, the issue is fixable by following a few simple steps. The reason a door won't latch is usually due to an obstruction blocking it. It could be as simple as dirt getting stuck in the latch, or the latch may be defective. If you look at the strike plate, (the metal piece that is on the side of the doors that rests against the frame) It is possible to determine whether it's true. If there is a tiny metal tab protruding from the strike plate, gently tap it with a screwdriver until it bends it. This will let the bolt slide into the door more easily. A seized latch is usually due to poor alignment or incorrect installation. Lubricating the latch can help it work better, but it won't solve alignment issues. If you do not have a strike plate, it is easy to install one. The lock body (the part that screws in the door frame) must 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's not a difficult job. To make sure that the lock operates as efficiently as possible it is a great practice to lubricate it regularly, particularly the cylinder. You can use graphite or silicone-based lubricant for this. Apply https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/croydon-french-door-repairs-near-me/ on the key and then turn it slowly several times until the cylinder moves freely. It's an excellent idea to get a double-cylinder deadbolt for your French doors, rather than just a standard one. A lock that is a twist on the handle is not enough to deter intruders as a door deadbolt that has a thumb turn can be defeated if you break the glass. Repairing a French Door that won't latch The problem is often caused by the latch of the door not connecting properly with the hole of the strike plate. It is often caused by the hinges being sagging. However, it could be caused by an issue with the latch position or the latch itself. To help determine which of these is the culprit you can use lipstick or a similar marker to determine where the latch is in contact with the strike plate hole. This mark will help identify the root of the problem. For example, if the mark is below the strike plate then it's likely the hinges. If it's higher the strike plate, then it could be the position of the latch. It is important to ensure that the strike plate is aligned with the latch holes when installing handles or the lock mechanism on the French Door. This is especially true when a door has been closed for a long period of time. In that time the door might be a bit shifted. This is particularly common with composite and timber doors, as they are susceptible to contraction or expansion based on the weather or environment. To correct this, first take the latch from the active door's edge, then remove the locking strip from the handle. Utilizing a sharp chisel the hammer and a chisel make a larger hole for the strike plate in the door frame. This will permit the latch to be put in a more appropriate position for the door and when the door is closed and opened, it will close easily without catching or rubbing on the frame. After the latch hole is enlarged, place the new latch into the strike plate and screw it in. Next, re-adjust the strike plate using the screw and hammer until it is in the correct position, then test the door. Make any adjustments needed. Another common problem with external French Doors is that the lock's cylinder doesn't turn. This could be caused by dirt or wear and tear, however it's usually simple to fix. The lock could be blocked or the pins of the cylinder wear. It's worth trying to see if a simple clean will help. If the issue persists, it's usually required to replace the entire lock cylinder. How to fix an French door that won't let you open 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 of the lock. Checking that the door frame is free of debris and there is nothing blocking the locking system is the first thing you need to do. It could be that the French frame of the door and the French door aren't aligned correctly. This could cause the door to drag on the frame and eventually lead to jamming. The lock mechanism is straightforward. A key turns the spindle, which moves the bolt upwards and downwards on the rail. If the handle is moving but the bolt doesn't it means that something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics aren't working, or it may just require lubrication. Try using the silicone spray. It will come with a pipe can be used to direct the lubricant into the mechanisms of the lock. Spray generously, then turn the handle to make sure that all the parts of the lock mechanism are fully lubricated. You may also have to adjust the position of the latch on the French door. This is easy to do and is typically done from the outside of the door. If you're French doors are just installed, you should be able fix the handle and latch in the right position without any difficulty. If they are old, you will have to mark the locations 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 proper height (commonly approximately 36 inches above the floor) and then drill a smaller hole on the edge of the door to install the latch. After drilling the hole It is crucial to check that the latch plate fits correctly over the strike plate on the door frame. If this doesn't fit the deadbolt, it may not retract into the strike plate when you pull the lock lever. Finally, you will need to screw the latch plate into the correct position. Repairing a French Door that isn't closing Sometimes, the latch on a French door gets stuck so it won't close, making the doors ineffective. This is usually a straightforward issue to fix, but it may require the removal of one of the doors that are heavy. In most cases the problem is that the latch is misaligned or with the strike plate, or with the jamb on the door, or both. The dead bolt may not be fully extended or retractable. Misalignment can occur in the course of time due to weather or settlement. If the latch is stuck, it could be difficult to open, however it's typically easy to solve the issue by loosening the screws that secure the hinge to the frame and then putting in some shims to make the door higher or lower. This will allow the latch to be closer to the lock mechanism, and resolve the issue. In the same way, if the latch isn't getting into position with the strike plate hole on the door jamb it is usually possible to fix the issue by loosing a screw that holds the strike plate and using an electric or metal planer to remove some of the edge of the plate until the latch fits. If needed, you may also need to remove the strike plate to cut out the hole. Another common problem with French doors is that locks don't engage correctly. This could be a sign of an issue with the locking cylinder 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 functioning properly, you might need to replace it. Replace the weatherstripping that was installed on the exterior of a door that is older when you feel a draft coming in. This will create a secure seal and prevent the doors from sticking or locking incorrectly. You can also add door sweeps to ensure that all of the gaps you might encounter are sealed. Install the sweeps on top and bottom of the door.