About Patio Door Handles: A Quick Guide

Have questions about patio door handles before you attempt a repair or find a replacement? You’re in the right place. Check out this short guide first and contact us directly if you still have questions. 

Are Patio Door Handles Universal or Interchangeable?

Unfortunately, no, patio door handles are not universal. In order to make sure you get a replacement that fits your door and configuration you will need to take some key measurements; if there is no integral lock, the most important measurement is the distance between the screws that secure the door handle itself and the thumb latch position. 

Assuming the door handle sits against the door and is not fitted into a recess, if you can align the distance between the mounting screws, you may even be able to replace the handle with an aftermarket option.

Is There a Standard Size? 

There is no standard size in sliding door handles, so if you can’t find any markings or stampings on the handle or know the door manufacturer, you will need to take measurements as described above. Usually handles on sliding doors have a mounting hole distance of 3-15/16” and 4-15/16”, those are the most common.

Before buying, keep in mind that most patio door handle configurations have two parts, the interior handle and the exterior handle. These are usually secured through the two screws described, and most replacement kits will contain both handles and the hardware you need, but make sure before ordering.

Can You Fix a Loose Patio Door Handle?

Yes, and usually fixing a loose patio door handle is a remarkably easy job. Most of the time, the issue is that one or both of the screws that secure the door handle have come loose. To fix this issue, simply tighten them both with a phillips head screwdriver. 

Occasionally, the issue may be more severe. For instance, the screw’s threads or the handle itself may have become damaged, in which case the screws or the handle may need to be replaced. It’s also possible that corrosion may have damaged the handle where it is secured by the screws, in which case replacing the screws alone will not be adequate and the entire handle will need to be replaced. 

Either way, though, it is a straightforward and fairly simple procedure. 
 

Can You Replace a Patio Door Handle? 

If you can find a suitable replacement patio door handle that is compatible with your door and lock, then yes you can replace the door handle. 

Door handle pulls are the easiest to replace as they are mechanically the simplest replacements, and do not have internal locking mechanisms that can make it more complicated to complete the procedure. 

We carry a wide range of replacement sliding glass door handles in an equally wide variety of configurations and sizes, along with patio door hardware, including rollers, sliding door tracks, keepers, strikes, mortise locks, and an assortment of sliding door parts. 

Are There Any Types of Door Handles with Integral Locking Systems?

Yes, there are numerous types of patio door handles that have integral lock systems, some of which are made by Acorn, Pennco, Kawneer, and Peachtree. 

If you are going to replace a door handle that has an integral locking system, you will need to make sure you get a compatible replacement that works with your door. 

What Types of Patio Door Handles Are There? 

We carry a variety of replacement patio door handles. Some of the most common types are:

• Internal Locking Patio Door Handles: These door handle assemblies contain an integral, internal locking mechanism rather than using a separate mortise lock. This kind of handle usually has a hammer type latch lock that’s part of the handle and acts as a lock inside the door. Or on a surface mount handle, it will have a hook inside the handle backplate of the inside face of the door acting as an all in one handle and lock. Common brands include Acorn, Pennco, Kawneer and Peachtree.
• Mortise Style Patio Door Handles: This is a handle that uses a mortise lock. Mortise style handles have a flat or square metal bar that passes through the mortise lock inside the door. Some mortise style handle sets include our 2265 Sash Control door handles, metal sliding door handle sets and our metal with wood patio door handles.
  When selecting the correct mortise style handle for your door, be sure to look at the thumb lever position in relation to the mounting screw holes on the handle backplate. This kind of handle is usually offered with an offset or center thumb lever. An offset thumb lever handle will have the lever closer to the bottom or top mounting screw. A center thumb lever handle will have the lever in the center of the mounting screws and in the center of the backplate. Some handles also have a thumb lever that can be used in the offset or center position.
• Multipoint Locking Sliding Door Handles: These are handles that are used with a multipoint door lock that has multiple locking points. This kind of handle is used with sliding door multipoint locks manufactured by Fuhr, Hoppe, Ashland and others. Commonly used in doors made by Marvin Integrity, Comfort Line, Therma Tru, Kolbe & Kolbe doors.
• Flush Mount Sliding Door Handles: Flush mounted sliding door handles have a recess built into the fitting that serves as the “pull” for the door handle and acts as the door lock . We carry replacement door handles from top brands, including PGT, Miller, Crossly, Daryl, Pan-Am, and others.
• Sliding Door Handle Pulls: These are among the simplest of all sliding door handles, and most require only two screws to secure them in place on the door. To replace these door pulls all you need to do is take the measurement between the two screws that secure the door and make sure the model you buy as a replacement is the right size. This kind of handle is usually used as an interior handle on a flush mount sliding door handle to give you a more firm grip on the door instead of the recessed plate.
• Sliding Screen Door Handles: Some sliding screen door handle replacements have internal locking mechanisms. We also carry replacement parts for Traco, Metal Industries, Jim Walters, Rite Screen, Columbia, Bayform, Peachtree, and other common brands. Contact us if you have any questions on compatibility.

In addition to these categories, we also carry numerous metal and wood door handles, as well as die-cast zinc and solid brass door handles.

Not Sure How to Find the Right Replacement Part? 

You may be able to back trace the brand by looking at the door handle backplate. It may contain a brand,  trademark, patent or stamping; if not, you may be able to get it from the door itself. If there is an escutcheon anywhere on the door, check that for a trademark and it may point you in the right direction. 

One more place to check is the lock plate; there may be a brand stamped on it. If it is integral to the door handle itself, that may help you. 

Otherwise, contact us at WindowAndDoorParts.Us and we will have you send us photos to help you find the appropriate replacement part.

Don’t Guess: Get the Right Patio Door Handle Replacement with Our Help 

If you need help identifying the appropriate replacement parts for your door, get in touch with us at 727-386-4629 and let us know what you’re looking for, as we may be able to help you find the right replacement.