Fixing french door locking mechanism replacement glass panels for french doors (Amstrup-mcgrath.federatedjournals.com)

You want to lock your french doors safely. This can be done by choosing the right lock that will keep your door secure without blocking airflow or affecting the appearance of your home.

French door locks typically have a three-point locking system that has flush bolts on the lower and upper edges each door panel and a lockset for the door that can be opened. This lock is extremely hard to break.

Repairing a French Door that won't lock

It could be a major security risk if your doors don't lock or latch properly. It could be a sign of a larger issue like a cracked or broken locking cylinder. But don't despair you can fix the issue with just a few steps.

A door that doesn't latch is usually because of obstructions that block it. This can be something as simple as a piece of dirt that has gotten 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 side of the doors that rests against the frame) It is possible to determine the truth. If there is a tiny metal stub sticking out from the strike plate, gently tap it with a screwdriver until it bends it. This will let the bolt slide in more easily.

A latch that has become stuck is usually due to poor alignment or incorrect installation. Lubricating the latch will allow it work better, but will not fix alignment issues.

If you don't have a strike plate, it is easy to install one. It is necessary to remove the body of the lock from the door (the part that is screwed into the frame of the door) and replace the entire lock with a new one. You'll need a Phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill to do this, but it is not a daunting task.

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 key, then turn it several times until the cylinder is able to move freely.

It is a good idea to invest in double-cylinder deadbolts for your French doors, instead of just a standard one. A simple twist lock on the handle will not be enough to keep intruders out and a standard deadbolt with a thumb-turn on the inside of the door could be defeated by breaking the glass and reaching into the door.

Fixing a French Door that won't latch

The issue is often caused by the latch of the door not engaging properly with the hole of the strike plate. It is usually caused by sliding hinges. However, it could also be due to an issue with the position of the latch or the latch itself. To determine which is the culprit you can use lipstick or a similar marker to determine where the latch makes contact with t to dirt and debris obstructing the mechanism of the lock. The first thing to do is to check that the frame of the door is free of obstructions and that nothing is blocking the mechanism for locking. It could be that the French door frame and the French door are not aligned properly. This can cause the French door to move against the frame, which can result in jamming.

The lock mechanism itself is quite simple - the key rotates a spindle which then moves a bolt back-and-forth on the rail. If the handle is moving but the bolt doesn't there is a problem, then something is not working. It could be that the lock's mechanics are not working properly, or it may just require lubrication. Use a silicone spray. It comes with a nozzle that you can use to spray the lubricant directly into the mechanism. Spray generously and then turn the handle until the lubricant has reached all the parts of the mechanism.

It is also possible to alter the position of the latch on the french doors glass replacement door. It is typically possible to do this from outside. If you're replacing french doors with windows doors are just installed and you are able to fix the latch and handle into the door without 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 frame of the door using a template provided with the lock kit. Then drill the hole for the handle or knob at the correct height (commonly about 36 inches from the floor) and then make a smaller hole along the door's edge for the latch.

After the hole has been drilled, it's important to check that the latch plate is properly placed 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 lever to lock. The latch plate will need to be screwed into the correct position.

Repairing a French Door that won't close

Sometimes, the latch on a French door gets stuck so it won't close, making the doors effectively unusable. This is usually a simple issue to fix, but it could require the removal of one of the doors that are heavy. Most of the time, the latch is not aligned properly with the strike plate, the jamb on the door, or both. It might also be that the dead bolt isn't extended or retracted completely. The misalignment can happen with time, due to weather, or from settlement of the house.

If the latch is stuck, it may be difficult to open, however it's usually simple to fix the issue by loosening the screws that secure the hinge to the frame, and then putting in some shims to make the door a bit higher or lower. This will move the latch closer to the lock mechanism and resolve the problem.

If the latch does not fit into the strike plate hole you can repair it by loosening the screw holding the strike plate, and then using a metal planer or electric file to trim the edge until the latch is able to fit. This might also require removing the strike plate and chiseling out the hole to make it larger should it be it is necessary.

The locks on French doors are often unable to properly engage. This could be due to an issue with the locking cylinder, especially if you have a more recent lock system. You'll need to remove the lock and inspect it for visible obstructions or damage and, if it's functioning properly, you may need to replace it.

Replace the weatherstripping that was installed on the exterior of a door when you feel a draft coming in. This will create a secure seal and prevent the doors from catching. Door sweeps can be used to close any gaps. If you do this, make sure to install the sweeps on both sides of the door and that they overlap at the bottom.