Should I replace the locks on my aunt’s 8ft exterior French doors or just do maintenance and lube with silicone to fix the stuck latches? Any recommendations on better quality lock brands if replacement is necessary?
Asked by José Esteban 
6 months ago
Last Updated: June 14, 2024
My aunt has these huge French doors with handles that are stuck. When I try to open them, the latches retract but won’t release. I thought I had messed up the cables.
Luckily, my uncle was able to force the handles up and we finally got the doors open. Phew, I’m so glad we don’t have to worry about sleeping with the doors unlocked tonight.
I’m wondering if I should replace the locks or just try some maintenance and silicone lubrication. Any suggestions for good quality lock brands if I do need to replace them? Thanks!
I suggest trying a couple of squirts of WD-40. Work it into the mechanism. It may require a few minutes of operating the handle and applying more WD-40 in different spots. Eventually, it should start to loosen up and not feel as sticky.
If you’re concerned about a potential break-in, you might want to consider securing them at night
First, try loosening the handles a bit to check if you can unscrew them slightly, to avoid them being too close to the escutcheon (plate).
Also, make sure they are properly aligned (not pushed into position).
Hey, what cables did you break? Also, have you checked if the handles move freely when the door is open? If they do, it might be an alignment issue rather than a lubrication one. Check the locking points at the top, bottom, and between doors to see where it’s sticking, then fix that. If lubrication is needed, avoid WD-40 as it’s not a good long-term solution. Try graphite or a proper lubricant instead.
Hey, my car’s rear trunk latch cable broke so I just assumed the same thing had happened.
If your door hasn’t been lubricated in a while, you can try using some WD-40. Just spray a little into every slot and opening around the latch. If it’s still sticking, you may need to take it apart to locate the issue. Especially for a tall mortised latch mechanism with latches at the top and bottom of the door, consider contacting a locksmith.
Hey , thanks for the tip. I was thinking of dismantling it but I don’t really know about door latches. I’ll remember that, thanks.
WD40 isn’t really a lubricant. You might want to try a silicone-based one, you can even find it at Walmart for just $5. I actually used it on my garage door and inside door hinges.
Thanks so much!
I suggest considering something along these lines
My in-laws have had the same doors and handles in their home for 24 years. When they had a similar issue, all I did was remove the handles, spray some silicone lubricant, and move them up and down. Add more spray as needed and continue working them. This should help them lock better.
Hey, thanks for your help. Where exactly do you spray the points? All the latches, top and bottom, and the door handle latch. Is there anywhere else on the door that needs special attention?
It seems like this is a common issue. I also own a new Milgard french door and you really have to push the handle up forcefully to lock it. Definitely not the best design.
Hey, thanks for the info. Yeah, I think so too. I’m scared to even open the doors now!
Avoid using WD-40 as it may cause gumming and attract dirt in the future. Instead, opt for a dry lubricant, some of which are available in spray form.