Owens Corning
Replace a Lock Handle on a Screen Door
In many houses, the hardest working door is the aluminum storm and screen door that leads to the kitchen or back door entrance. Wherever it's located it gets a workout. Frequently, the door stands tough, providing years of service, but its handle brakes from continued stress and strain. Instead of replacing the standard push-type handle with another one, consider replacing it with a locking latch and door knob.

A door knob doesn't have the tendency to break off and, if it's equipped with a keyed lock, you can keep the back door open with the screen door locked to enjoy the breeze and still be able to open the door from the outside. Everyone has, at one time or another, stood at a locked screen door and had to shout in for someone to open it. With this type of lock all you need is the key.

You'll find a good selection of replacement locking door knobs for an aluminum storm door sold in home centers and hardware stores. They cost about $15 and require only a few hours of work to install.

Getting Ready

Remove the old handle and take it with you when you shop for the replacement. Compare the replacement with the one you have and try to purchase a model that has the same mounting hole pattern. If you can't find a match it's not a problem. Drilling new mounting holes in the soft aluminum is not difficult and all replacement latches come with installation templates to guide you.

Before you reinstall a new latch, clean the area behind the handle, which is usually one of the dirtiest and most difficult-to-clean areas on the door.

Here's How

The unit we installed required three 1/2-in. mounting holes. Two of the holes aligned with the old mounting holes so we only had to drill one hole. Use the template supplied by the manufacturer to accurately cut out the mounting holes in the locations specified.

Align as many of the holes in the template with the existing holes and then tape it to the door. Drill new mounting holes where needed. To do this, just drill through the paper or cardboard template into the door. The door is hollow so you will drill through one side first. Keep your drill level, especially when you start drilling into the other side of the door to make certain that the holes will be aligned. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.

Remove the template and assemble the lock according to the manufacturer's directions. When both halves of the assembly are in alignment, the handle turns freely and the lock system works; tighten the mounting screws. Close the door and check the clearance between the inside latching handle and the old latch bar.

Most of the time the old latch bar can be used but the lock comes with a new one, so why not use it? Remove the screws and replace the old one with the new one. Before you tighten the screws open, and close the door a couple of times and check that the latch and bar operate properly. The mounting screws are in slots in the latch so you can move it up and down to achieve the best alignment.

The new lock allows you to lock the door from the inside, but still be able to open the door with a key from the outside. It's a good idea to get a set of extra keys for all members of the family.

Materials, supplies, tools:

Replacement door knob, electric drill, drill bits, screwdriver, marker, safety glasses

Written by the editors of HouseNet
Copyright HouseNet, Inc.

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