Sliding Glass Door Handle

How To Replace A Sliding Glass Door Handle

Replacing a sliding glass door handle is something that virtually every homeowner will probably have to do at one time or another.  If you have sliding glass doors that go out on the patio, over time the hardware wears out and needs to be replaced.  Following are instructions for how to do so.

Handles are one of the easiest repairs you can make on a sliding glass door.  It is much easier to change the handle than to re-level the door, for example.

The most important things to keep in mind in this process are that you need to get new hardware which has the correct kind of latch and knobs and that the replacement parts have to have the same measurements as the broken parts.  The measurements you need to know are how thick the door is, how far apart the drilled holes are, and what type of strike does the door jamb have. 

In some cases you will have to pull out the old hardware first to get the correct measurements in these areas.  If this is the case in your house, it will help you to take it to the hardware store and ask for help in matching it.

Many people consider replacing these handles to be a good opportunity to upgrade the lock but the truth is that these types of locks are easily circumvented by criminals.  If you want more security, add a Charlie bar and some anti-shatter film while you’re making your repairs.  Without anti-shatter film, sliding glass doors leave you prone to the smash and grab, where criminals break the glass of the door and then grab whatever of value is nearby in the interior of your home and run. 

Once you have obtained the proper type of latch, remove the screen from your door so it is not in the way.  If the lock is simple, all that remains is to remove the old hardware if you haven’t already and then attach it with screws.  For a more complicated lock like a Mortise lock it pays to have a professional install it or at least watch a video that tells you how to make these repairs.  (Mortise locks involve carpentry on the wood surrounding the door frame.) 

Replacing a sliding glass door handle is a great project to tackle to improve your self confidence when it comes to do it yourself projects.  Once you have done this you are ready to move on to more complex hardware issues such as changing a door itself.