Handle and latch for Sliding Patio Door

Home Owner from Sinking Spring, PA
Hi,
My daughter recently bought a house and found that the handle and latch on the sliding patio door needed to be replaced. It's a Guardian door but we can't read any other of the numbers because the etching is upside down and backwards. Attempts to take a photo of the etching have failed. I've attached photos of the old handle, the old latch, the door openings and the approximate dimensions. The previous handle appears to have been a "custom" job - a gold Pella handle installed upside down. The door actually works very well except for the handle and latch. My daughter would like a white handle with a working latch. Keyed lock is optional. Any guidance you can provide would be much appreciated.
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Bob
Bob from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

Thanks for posting. The mortise lock looks like our 82-218. For a compatible handle set, see our 82-030 or keyed 82-030A. I am afraid neither of these handle sets come in a brass finish. I apologize for any inconvenience. See the guides listed on this page for installment information. Let us know if you have further questions! 

Home Owner from Sinking Spring, PA
Thanks for the prompt reply. I ordered the parts you suggested but it's taken me awhile to try them. The latch fits but when I tighten the screws it's not totally flush with the edge of the door. See attached photos. Doesn't look right but I haven't been able to try it because of an issue with the handles. The holes align properly but the handles can't be tightened because the screw holes barely fit the screws and won't accommodate the nubs on the handle. Is there a different flush mount model or do I need to drill out the holes on the door?< Thanks for all your help.
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Dave Sr.
Dave Sr. from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

I agree, it looks like the cutout in the door is not "tall" enough for the mortise lock. That is odd, though. They didn't exactly make a ton of variations of this mortise in that respect. As far as I'm aware the face is a fairly universal size. These are made to be a little tight, and are supposed to "snap" in before you screw it in place. See the video below for an example of what I mean. Maybe try reinstalling it so see if you can get it to snap as shown.

All the same, if the problem persists I suggest trying a rat tail file to open up the cut out a little at the top and bottom.

Home Owner from Sinking Spring, PA
Thanks for the feedback on the latch. I will try reinstalling it. I also noticed a tip in one of your videos about using a screw driver behind the latch to help push it in place.

I still have a dilemma with the handle 82-030. It has the extended screw posts which I understand is to help with stability. But the holes in my doir are only big enough to accommodate the screws so I can't install the handle flush. Should I drill out the holes on my door or would another handle like 82-089 solve this problem?

Thanks again for all your help.
Dave Sr.
Dave Sr. from SWISCO
SWISCO
Expert

You will need to enlarge the holes a little, yes. I have to do this myself from time to time. Rather than drilling, though, I recommend using a rat-tail file. Use this on the holes a little bit and try the handle to see if it fits; if not, file a little more off and try again. It's a little more time consuming but far more forgiving than drilling out new holes.

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