Legacy Patio Door Handles, Locks & Spindles

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!

How To Repair A Legacy Patio Door Handle
  1. If required, re-drill installation holes with a 1/4" drill bit. Drill from the door exterior.
  2. After the door and keeper are aligned, the in and out adjustment may be made by turning the latch screw.
  3. Latch must always engage upward.

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.

Handle example
Handle Example
Key Lock Example
Key Lock Example

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.

Test And Adjust The Spindle Length
Test And Adjust The Spindle Length

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.

Saw The Spindle To The Desired Length
Saw The Spindle To The Desired Length
Break Off Spindle With Pliers
Break Off Spindle With Pliers

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

File The Tip Of The Spindle
File The Tip Of The Spindle

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. See video below 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.

Keyed Handle
Keyed Handle Example
Non-keyed Handle
Non-keyed Handle Example

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.

Mortise Lock Example
Mortise Lock Example

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!

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