Fixing French Door Locking Mechanism Replacement

You'll want to lock your french doors securely. This can be achieved by selecting locks that keep your door secure without hindering airflow or altering the aesthetics of your room.

French door locks typically come with three-point locking systems that has flush bolts on the lower and upper edges each door panel and an opening lockset that can be opened. This type of lock isn't easy to penetrate.

How to fix a French Door that won't lock

It can be a significant safety issue when doors don't lock or latch properly. It could also be a sign of a serious issue such as a cracked locking cylinder. Don't worry, the problem is fixable with a few easy steps.

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

You can confirm whether this is the case by looking at the strike plate (the metal piece that sits against the frame on the side of the door). If you notice a tiny metal tab protruding from the strike plate, gently tap it using a screwdriver to bend it. This will allow the bolt to drop in more easily.

A seized latch is usually caused by poor alignment or improper installation. Lubricating the latch may help it function better, but it will not solve problems with the way it lines up with the strike plate.

Installing a strike plate is straightforward in the event that you don't have one. You will need to remove the lock body from the door (the part that screws into the door frame) and then replace the whole lock assembly with a brand new one. You'll require a Phillips-head screwdriver and a power drill to do this, but it's not a daunting task.

To ensure that the lock works as efficiently as it can, it is a good practice to lubricate it frequently, particularly the cylinder. You can use graphite or silicone-based lubricant to do this. Apply the lubricant on the key and then slowly turn it several times until the cylinder moves freely.

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

Repairing a French Door that isn't latching

Most often, the issue is caused by the door latch not working with the strike plate hole. This is typically caused by sagging hinges however it could also be a problem with the position of the latch or the latch itself. You could use a marker, such as lipstick, or another similar marker to determine which is the culprit. The location of this mark will help you to determine the source of the issue If, for instance, it makes contact below the strike plate's hole, hinges could be the probable reason, however If it's above, the position of the latch could be the cause.

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 prolonged period of time. In this period the door might have moved slightly. Repair My Windows And Doors is especially common with wooden or composite doors since they are prone to contraction or expansion in response to weather conditions and the surrounding.

To fix this, take off the latch at the top of the door in use and then remove it from the handle. Then, using a sharp chisel and hammer, you can increase the strike plate hole in the door frame. This will allow you to put the latch in a more suitable position for the door. When the door is closed, it will close without catching on the frame.

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

The lock cylinder on external French Doors won't turn. This could be due to wear and tear or debris. However, it's usually an easy fix. Often the lock is simply blocked or the pins inside the cylinder are worn. A simple clean could make a huge difference in the performance of the mechanism, and it's well worth giving this an attempt. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to replace the lock cylinder.

Fixing a French Door That Won't Open

If your French doors aren't locking the way you want, the issue is most likely due to debris and dirt blocking the lock mechanism. Checking that the door frame is clean and there is nothing blocking the locking mechanism is the first thing to do. There could be a problem with the alignment of the French door and its frame. This could cause the French door to slide against the frame, which can result in jamming.

The mechanism behind the lock is fairly simple. The key rotates a spindle, which then moves a bolt back and forth on the rail. If the handle moves but the bolt doesn't it means that something is stuck. It could be that the lock's mechanics are not working properly, or it may just require lubrication. Try using the silicone spray. It comes with a pipe you can use to direct the lubricant into the mechanism of the lock. Spray generously and then turn the handle to ensure that all the parts of the lock mechanism are fully lubricated.


You might also need to alter the position of the latch on the French door. This is a simple task and can usually be done from the outside of the door. If your French doors are new they will be in a position to screw the latch and handle in the right position without a problem. If your French doors are older, you'll need to use the template that comes with the lock kit to mark where the holes for the handle on the door and the latch on the frame need to be. Make the hole for the handle or knob at the proper height. This is usually about 36 inches above the floor. Then, drill a smaller hole along the edge of the door for the latch.

Once the hole is drilled, it's important to make sure that the latch plate is positioned correctly over the strike plate that is on the door frame. If it's not then the deadbolt might not retract into the strike plate when you pull the lever for locking. Finally, you will need to screw the latch plate into place.

Repairing a French Door that isn't closing

The latch on the latch on a French door can become stuck and won't close. This renders the doors inoperable. This is usually a straightforward issue to fix, but it may require removal of one of the heavy doors. In the majority of cases, the issue is that the latch is misaligned or with the strike plate, or with the door jamb or both. The dead bolt might not be fully extended or retracted. Misalignment happens over time, due to weather conditions or the shifting of the home.

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

If the latch does not fit in the strike plate hole you can fix it by loosening up the screw holding the strike plate and using a metal planer or electric file to trim the edge until the latch fits. This might also require removing the strike plate, and then chiseling out the hole to make it larger if necessary.

The locks on French doors can sometimes fail to properly engage. This could be due to a problem in the locking cylinder, especially if you have a more recent lock system. You'll need to take off the lock and inspect it for visible obstructions or damages and, if it's functioning properly, you might require replacing it.

Replace the weatherstripping you have on the exterior of a door that is older if you notice drafts coming in. This will provide a tight seal and help prevent the doors from sticking or locking incorrectly. Door sweeps can be used to close any gaps. Install the sweeps on both the top and bottom of the door.