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Hoping to repair your patio door without spending more money and putting in more time than necessary? Read on for expert advice, repair videos and more!

Due to their size and weight, many people avoid making repairs on sliding glass doors when at all possible. Major repairs can often be avoided by keeping up with required maintenance but, in some cases, repairs are necessary and unavoidable. This is often true when it comes to handles and their related hardware. 

There are parts of a handle that can often be replaced independently without needing to replace the entire handle, such as the thumb latch and key lock. We also feature videos covering both of these repairs to make the process even faster and simple for homeowners. 

 

Lock Replacement and Installation


 

SWISCO.com carries a large selection of replacement hardware for sliding glass doors but some parts are more common than others. The commonly used 82-086 and 82-087 legacy handle sets come with our 82-310 key lock which can also be used as a replacement if the original lock breaks.

 

Once you know what key lock you need for your repair, the next step will be to install it. Ours comes with a long 2-¼” spindle that is long enough to accommodate most door thicknesses. In most cases, it will be necessary to cut it down to size using the preset notches. 

 

Cutting down a spindle to Accommodate Door Thickness

 

Step 1: Determine how much shorter you need the spindle to be to meet the mortise lock in the center of your door in the appropriate spot. 

(Tip: Keep in mind that it is better to err on the side of caution since you can always leave the spindle a bit longer and test it as you go. Once the spindle is cut too short, you will need to purchase a new key lock.)

 

Step 2: Secure the spindle and cut it down using either a hacksaw or a pair of pliers to break off the spindle at the desired notch.

 

 

Step 3: File down any metal shards at the tip of the spindle for a clean finish.

 

For an overview of the full installation process, see our video below that features the 82-310 with a housing that is not needed for legacy handles:

 

Replacing A Thumb Latch


 

If your thumb latch breaks, there’s no need to replace the whole set. The 82-107 can be used to repair your handle and get it working as good as new.

 

Something to consider if your thumb latch breaks or continues to break is that the underlying cause could be the mortise lock. If a mortise lock is broken or damaged, it can strain on the lever pin each time it is used to lock or unlock the door, eventually causing it to break. Follow this video to see the best way to test your mortise lock when replacing the thumb latch. 

 

Choosing a Handle Set


 

If your handle has completely broken off or has aged to a point where it is no longer reliable, it may be time to consider a complete replacement. Choosing a compatible handle set is determined mostly by hole spacing, door thickness, and the position of your thumb latch. With this information and a photo of your hardware, our experts can recommend the best repair or replacement option for your sliding patio door. 

If a legacy handle set is the correct replacement for your door, check out the video below to assist with installation. 

 

 

Expert tips:


 

Many handle sets are offered in keyed and non-keyed options.

 

Mortise locks (the lock in the center of the door that engages with the jamb to prevent it from opening) and legacy handles are not sold together.

If you suspect that your door needs the mortise replaced, take a look at our selection and don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts with any questions!

Comments
  • Anonymous

    2 years ago

    Hi, I have a legacy set which needs a touch up of paint (white). What kind of paint should I use? I live in a coastal environment, if that is info you need. Thanks!

    • Casey Rosevelt

      1 year ago

      Unfortunately, paint is a bit out of our realm of expertise but if you consult with a local hardware store or paint shop, they should be able to help you find the best paint type for your handle set.

  • Anonymous

    1 year ago

    I need the center piece for my sliding door please let me know the one I bought was a little to big it was 3 /11/16 I need one a little smaller please it’s a legacy lock

    • Casey Rosevelt

      1 year ago

      We’d be happy to help you find the correct part for your door. If you could send a photo and dimensions of your original part to our team of experts here, they will be happy to research this for you and reply with their recommendations.

  • Anonymous

    7 months ago

    Do you have replacement keys for this lock if I provide the key number?

    • Casey Rosevelt

      6 months ago

      Hi Daniel,
      Our part experts would be happy to look into this for you. Please submit your request and photos here and they will get back to you as soon as possible with their recommendations. Thanks for stopping by!

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