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The Reason Why French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement Is The Most Sought-After Topic In 2024
Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement

You'll want to lock your french doors securely. This can be done by choosing locks that keep your door secure without blocking airflow or affecting the aesthetics of your room.

French door locks are typically a three-point lock system which includes flush bolts at the upper and lower edges of each door panel and an operating door. This lockset is very difficult to break.

How do you fix a French door that won't lock

If your doors won't lock or don't latch properly, it could be a major safety concern. It could be an indication of a bigger issue like a cracked or damaged locking cylinder. But don't despair, you can usually fix the issue with just a few simple steps.

A door that won't latch is usually due to an obstruction blocking it. It could be as simple as dirt stuck in the latch or the latch could be defective.

If you examine the strike plate, (the metal piece that is on the side of the doors that sits against frame) It is possible to determine if it is true. If there is a small metal tab sticking out of the strike plate, tap it gently with a screwdriver and hammer to bend it slightly, this will allow the hole to be opened in the plate and allow the bolt can drop into it more easily.

A seized latch could be due to improper installation or a poor alignment. Lubricating the latch may help it function better, but it doesn't solve issues with how it lines up with the strike plate.

If you don't have a strikeplate, it is easy to install one. The lock body (the part that screws in the door frame) will need to be removed from the door, and the lock assembly replaced. You'll need a Phillips-head screwdriver and an electric drill for this, but it's not a daunting task.

french door hinge repairs paignton RepairMyWindowsAndDoors is recommended to lubricate the new lock especially the cylinder regularly to make sure it operates as well as it can. Use graphite or silicone lubricant for this. Apply the lubricant to the cylinder and then slowly turn it several times until the cylinder is moving freely.

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

Fixing a French Door that won't latch

The issue is usually caused by the latch of the door not connecting correctly with the hole in the strike plate. This is typically due to sagging hinges, however it can also be due to the location of the latch or the latch itself. You can use lipstick, or another similar marker, to identify which is the culprit. This mark will help determine the source of the issue. For example If the mark is below the strike plate, then it's probably the hinges. If it's higher the strike plate, then it could be the position of the latch.


It is crucial 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 particularly important when one door has been closed for a prolonged period of time. In that time, the door could have moved a little. This is most common for wooden or composite doors since they are prone to expand or contract according to the weather and the environment.

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, increase the strike plate hole on the door frame. This allows you to place the latch in a more ideal position for the door. When the door is closed it will close without catching the frame.

After the latch hole is expanded, insert the new latch into the strike plate and screw it in. Then, re-adjust the strike plate using the screw and hammer until it is in the correct position, and then check the door. Make any necessary adjustments.

The lock cylinder on the external French doors won't turn. This can be due to damage or wear and tear. However, it is usually an easy fix. Most of the time, the lock is blocked or the pins inside the cylinder are worn. It's worth a try to see if a quick clean can make a difference. If the issue persists it could be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.

Repairing a French Door that isn't opening

If your French door doesn't lock because of dirt or debris, it is likely that the mechanism is blocked. Verifying that the frame is clean and there is nothing blocking the locking mechanism is the first thing you need to do. There could be a problem with the alignment of the French door and its frame. This could cause the door to slide onto the frame and ultimately lead to jamming.

The lock mechanism is straightforward. A key turns the spindle, which moves a bolt up and down on the rail. If the handle turns but the bolt doesn't move this could mean that something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics are not working properly, or it may just need lubricating. Make use of a silicone spray. It comes with a nozzle you can use to direct lubricant directly into the mechanisms. Spray the spray liberally and then turn the handle to ensure that the lubricant has reached all parts of the mechanism.

You may also need to adjust where the latch is located on the French door. It is generally possible to do this from outside. If you're French doors have just been installed, you should be able put the latch and handle in the right position without any difficulty. If they're old then you'll have to mark the locations of the holes for the handles on the door as well as the latch on the door frame using an outline provided by the lock kit. Drill the hole for the knob or handle at the appropriate height. This is usually about 36 inches above the floor. Then, drill smaller holes along the edge of the doors for the latch.

After the hole has been dug, you must ensure that the latch plate is correctly positioned 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 when you pull the lever to lock. In the end, you'll have to screw the latch plate in the correct position.

How to fix a French Door that won't close

Sometimes the latch on the latch of a French door gets stuck so it can't be closed, rendering the doors unusable. This is usually a straightforward issue to fix, however it may require the removal of one of the doors that are heavy. The most common cause is that the latch is misaligned either with the strike plate or with the jamb of the door or both. The dead bolt may not be fully extended or retracted. The misalignment could occur over time due to weather conditions or settling.

It can be difficult to open the door if it is stuck. To solve this issue, loosen the screws holding the hinge to the frame, and then put in shims that allow the door to be raised or reduced. This will make the latch closer to the lock mechanism and fix the problem.

In the same way, if the latch isn't in position with the strike plate hole on the jamb of the door typically, you can fix it by loosening the screw that holds the strike plate and using an electric or metal planer to remove a portion of the edge of the plate until the latch fits. If needed, you may also have to remove the strike plate in order to make the hole.

The locks on French doors can sometimes fail to engage properly. This could be a sign of a problem in the cylinder that locks if you're using a more recent lock system. You'll need to remove the lock and inspect it for obvious obstructions or damage, and if it's not functioning 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 will keep the doors from slipping or locking improperly. Door sweeps can be used to close any gaps. Install the sweeps on both the top and bottom of the door.

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