How to fix a patio door latch?

Question

I have an old sliding glass patio door that is kept closed by an old broom handle. I am worried about the securtiy of this, however the lock will not latch to the clasp. Everything is aligned, but I have bent and moved the clasp and still it will not grasp the lock. Any ideas?

Answer 1

the Only way to get that to work properly is to purchase a new latch lock kit for your door. On an additional note, your door may be compressed by house settling and need to be reinstalled to fit properly.

Answer 2

First, Is the panel rolling well? ie no grinding, scrapping, bouncing [yes bouncing]. If all is fine, bring panel to all but closed position. In other words close the panel enough that the space between the panel and the jamb at the top of the opening is closed. At that point, compare that reveal of the bottom of the panel, it should be the same from top to bottom. If not your rollers need adjustment. Now let`s address "bouncing". Check the rail that the panel rides on. It should smooth and flat. If you have any divets or wear spots this will also affect your problem. These checks are all to determine if the panel is going completely home. If the catch on the jamb isn`t going far enough into the panel it won`t latch. Have you inspected the internal workings of the latch? If you, as you say, "bent the clasp", it sounds as if you have a quite old SGD. If you could ID the unit, there are still parts available, but the ID is the klinker. GOOD LUCK

Answer 3

Spray some WD 40. I helps my car doors shut easily, fishing stuff, stopps door squeeks, even this squeecky office chair I sit on at my computer desk at night!

Answer 4

the broom handle is more safer than a latch that is wore out. either one isnt all that safe, beings it is glass.