Patio Door Handle FAQs

Got a problem with your patio door handle or lock? Something general you need to work out? Hopefully this assortment of frequently asked questions can help you out. 

Why Do Patio Door Handles Break?

Patio door handles break for all sorts of reasons. Lack of maintenance and being forced or yanked is a big one. Sometimes, the door handle snaps; other times, the user rips the screws right out of the door in which case the handle might be reusable with the provision of new hardware. However, most sliding door handles are relatively robust and will last many years with routine maintenance as long as they are not forced or otherwise abused. 

Can You Replace Patio Door Handles? Is It Hard? 

Yes, with a proper replacement and spare hardware, nearly any patio door handle can be replaced. For the most part, unless the door itself has been severely damaged, it is a fairly easy job to replace the door handle and doesn’t even require any specialized tools. 

Are Patio Door Handles Universal?

Despite the fact that most patio door handles can be easily replaced, they are not universal. You can’t just buy any old handle and expect it to work. While you may not need an official part from the manufacturer of the door, you will need a handle that fits the door, with screw holes that correspond to the door itself. If the lock is integral with the handle, you will need to make sure that this part is compatible with the door as well. There are many different handle styles including mortise style handle sets, flush mount handles and internal locking handles and much more.

What Tools Do I Need to Replace a Sliding Door Handle?

Good news: as long as you can find an appropriate patio door handle replacement part, you shouldn’t need any advanced tools to complete the job. In most cases, you can get it done with little more than a phillips or flat head screwdriver.

My Patio Door Won’t Slide, What Can I Do?

If your patio door won’t slide, the issue is almost definitely not the handle. Check the rollers (at the top or bottom, or both) of the door. Are the rollers seized? If so, remove and clean them. If they roll, reinstall them and see if the door slides.

If there’s still resistance, there’s a good chance there’s debris stuck in the sliding track. Over time, sand, mud, dirt, and other debris will accumulate in the sliding track and need to be removed. The track may also rust. Clean the track so its free of dirt and debree and see if that helps the door roll any better.

Can I Buy Sliding Door Roller Replacements?

Yes, you can buy sliding door roller replacements that can solve your problem of a sticky door, but you need to make sure you get rollers that are compatible with your door. For this, you might need the door manufacturer or a unique identifier like a model number. Check the base of the door or the lock plate for this. Most of the time to identify the correct roller for your door, you will need to remove it and measure the wheel diameter.

Are All Patio Door Locks the Same? Which Is Considered the Best?

All patio door locks are not the same, so if you intend to replace yours, you need to make sure that you’re getting a suitable replacement. There are hook and latch locks, mortise locks, and even keyed locks. Some are even special types of locks known as multi-point locks. Many consider multi-point locks the strongest. 

Fix Your Patio Door Today!

Hopefully you found the information contained herein useful. Fortunately, you should be able to find the parts to make a fix for your door. All you need now are part numbers and the right tutorial - so get to it.