How to Repair a Broken Storm Door Handle

Rate: (0 Ratings)

A good storm door may cost as much as $200 or $300 and can be very difficult to install, so you want yours to last as long as possible. One of the parts of the door that breaks the easiest and the most often is the handle, especially if it is a glass or plastic rod. Good tape is a tempting solution, whether the damage is only a crack or a complete break, but it is weaker, doesn’t look quite right and won’t last long. Here’s a tip to make the door last longer and come out with an even stronger handle that looks as good as the standard one.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Phillips-head screwdriver
Ruler
Hacksaw
Stainless-steel rod
Vice

Step1

Closely inspect the hardware that holds the handle in place. It will usually be installed from underneath using Phillip’s-head sheet-metal screws. Remove these screws carefully so you don’t damage the head or the threads. If you have trouble removing them, spray them lightly with some penetrating oil (like WD-40) and allow the threads to loosen overnight.

Step2

Place the parts you remove where they won’t be damaged or lost. Be careful to gather and store the screws in something like a sandwich bag.

Step3

Measure the diameter of the tube that served as a handle. Plan on carrying this tube with you to match to the stainless-steel rod you will be buying. If the handle has broken into pieces, you will need all of them in order to measure the length, so puzzle it together and wrap some tape over the seams.

Step4

Go to a hardware or building-supply store to locate a length of stainless-steel rod. You are looking for a solid rod that is the exact diameter of the door handle. Usually you will have to buy one that is 3' long. Do not rely on the measurement. Match the rod to the handle rod. (Be prepared to go to more than one store.)

Step5

Precisely measure the length of the handle against the rod, using the actual piece rather than a ruler. Holding the piece tightly against the rod, score the rod so that you know where to cut.

Step6

Secure the rod in the vice so that the piece you are cutting will extend past the vice grips.

Step7

Gently and precisely cut the rod so that your cut is perpendicular to the rod. Plan on spending quite a bit of time cutting through the steel. Or you can visit a machine shop and have them do it for you.

Step8

Now slip the piece of rod into the hardware on the door and reassemble tightly. Your handle will look great and be much stronger than ever before.