Jeld-Wen (Wenco) patio door

Good morning.

I am in need of some type of replacement hardware for an 11 year old Jeld-Wen (formerly Wenco) patio door. Specifically, the inside handle has come loose. The problem, as I am able to identify it is:

There are two Phillips head screws, which pass through the door and screw into a type of nut. The top nut, inside the wood has come loose, thus the top portion of the inside handle slides approximately 1/4-1/2" left and right and pulls back approximately 1/8". The bottom screw and associated interior nut remain secure. Inspection revealed the top nut no longer fits tightly inside its cut out.

Is there a way to repair, replace the unit? I have taken it apart once and am familiar with the workings of the lock.

Pictures of the interior/exterior of the door are attached as well as a couple of pictures of the inside handle and exterior plastic facing.

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards
Scott O

Dave,

Thanks for the quick reply. Perhaps I wasn't clear enough. The problem is not the screw hole on the handle. It's the nut for lack of a better description), the screw, screws into, that is inside the frame of the door. It no longer sits snugly. I believe, the way it was manufactured was a hole, slightly smaller than the diameter of the nut, was drilled. The nut was then fitted inside and it holds in place w/pressure, b/c it is slightly larger than the hole itself. The nut eventually worked its way loose and now the hole is larger than the nut, allowing movement. When loose enough, I can pull on the screw and the screw and attached nut slide out of the frame. I then take a pair of pliers, grasp the nut, remove it from the screw and have two pieces.

I've attempted to use a heavy duty "Gorilla" glue to try and hold the nut back in place, but it eventually works loose again.

If you look at the photo above that shows the exterior plastic handle (black) on the door. See the hole at the top? Due to sun/age, the plastic eventually failed when the tip of the screw pushed out and through. That's also when I started getting "play" on the inside handle and the movement mentioned in my initial query.

The above said, if a new locking unit can fix the problem, I'm all about that. I somehow don't think that will do the trick though, unless you know something I don't.

Finally, I'm currently overseas and won't return until the 17th. I will get you the distance measurement between the two screw holes upon return.

Thanks again for your time.

Regards
Scott

Dave,

The distance between the screw holes, center to center is 3-15/16".

Those are measurements from the interior handle.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Regards
Scott