Swap Out Old Handles to Renew Andersen Sliding Doors
If you have Andersen brand sliding patio or French doors, you may eventually find yourself needing to replace the handles. Over time, these handles can become loose, damaged, or simply outdated in style. By swapping out old handles with new Andersen hardware, you can restore smooth operation and give renewed life to your sliding doors.
With some basic DIY skills and the right replacement parts, you can upgrade your home with fresh new handles. Let's go over the key steps!
Identifying Your Specific Andersen Sliding Door Model
The first step is figuring out precisely what Andersen doors you have. Proper handle replacement requires matching your existing door model with compatible new hardware.
Locating the Metal Tag with Your Door's Series Number
Andersen sliding patio doors have a small metal tag on the side jamb with specifics of your door's model and manufacture date. You'll need this tag to order the right replacement parts. If your tag is missing or damaged, you may need to contact Andersen support with description details to identify the appropriate hardware.
Researching When Your Doors Were Manufactured
It's also useful to try determining about what year your Andersen doors were installed. Hardware and handle specifications can vary over time. If possible, check with your builder or use property records. Doors made prior to 2005 especially may need adjustments to install newer handle sets.
Matching Door Details to Replacement Handle Styles
With your specific Andersen door model identified, you can precisely match potential replacement handles. Ensure the handle shape, size, finish, lock functions, and other traits are compatible before ordering. For example, some handles are designed for 2 panels doors vs. 4 panels. Andersen handles are available for model series like Afton, Tulsa, Metro, Estate and more. Get the right fit!
Gathering Necessary Replacement Parts & Tools
Before starting removal of old handles, ensure you have all the necessary gear for installation of the new set. You want to be fully prepared for smoothly swapping handles once the doors are clear.
Ordering New Andersen Handles for Your Doors
Purchase replacement hardware straight from the Andersen parts website or through aftermarket Andersen hardware distributors. Provide your specific door details for accurate matches. Expect costs between $80-500+ depending on handle selections.
Other Hardware Needed - Screws, Bolts, Adjustment Tools
Ensure any additional screws, bolts, receiver adjustments, drilling tools, shims, etc. required to install your new handle set are on hand. Check the installation guide so your swap goes smoothly without surprises mid-project!
Useful Tools - Powered Screwdriver, Drill, File, Sandpaper
Gather tools to efficiently remove old screws/bolts and install new hardware. A powered screwdriver speeds the work considerably over manual tools. Have a drill on standby for any necessary door jamb adjustments as well. Files, sandpaper, and shims may also come in handy if drilling or refitting work is required during replacement.
Removing Existing Sliding Door Handles
With prep work complete, it's time to carefully take off your old Andersen handles. Removing all the old hardware properly ensures your doors are ready for fresh handles. Take care not to damage door surfaces during this process.
Taking Off Old Set Screws and Bolts
Use your powered screwdriver to access and remove exterior screws, bolts, or rivets securing the handles. On interior French doors, you may need to detach molding trim pieces to get at attachment points. Set aside all hardware you remove for potential reuse or replacement identification.
Detaching Handles from Door Panels
Once attachment hardware is out, gently pry handles away from door surfaces. Slide lift rods fully out from their operating positions within the doors themselves. Finally, take out remaining handle housing sleeves and components. Confirm no debris remains before new handle installation.
Preparing Doors for New Handles
Check for any fresh holes, uneven surfaces, or gaps that may need patching where old handles detached. Sand or fill areas to ensure proper seating for replacement handles. Clean doors thoroughly to remove grime so fresh hardware looks its best.
Installing New Replacement Handles
With fresh new Andersen handles unpacked and your doors prepped, it's time for the satisfying step of attaching sleek upgrades!
Positioning New Handle Housings
Test fit your shiny new handles against the doors to find optimal positioning. Ensure holes and grooves align properly and spacing looks balanced. Lightly insert new screws into holes in loose preparation for tighter screwing once placements are set.
Securing & Adjusting New Handles
With positions determined, firmly screw replacement handles into place at all points of attachment. Reuse existing deadbolts and components as needed. Check handles open and close smoothly, lift rods slide easily, and locks latch accurately. Adjust parts like strike plates if necessary for ideal functionality.
Finishing Touches
Add any final replacement screws, bolts, caps or accessories to complete the new Andersen handle setup. Consider weatherstripping handle joints for improved insulation. Touch up paint around handles to cover any cosmetic installation holes or defects.
Compatibility with Newer Andersen Sliding Doors
Recent findings show some Andersen sliding doors manufactured after January 2005 may require a modified operating side jamb to properly fit newer style lock receivers. Consult your specific door's service guide or Andersen support for details if your model falls in this category.
Ease of Installation
Be aware that when replacing older Andersen handlesets, you may need to drill fresh mounting holes or touch up interior Frenchwood door sides due to minor fit adjustments required with aftermarket parts. Check the installation guide for your replacement hardware to understand any such adaption needs beforehand.
Security Concerns
Consider a full handleset replacement if your Andersen door lock shows excessive wear, sticking keys, or other issues compromising security. While adding a deadbolt isn't ideal for sliding doors, high quality sliding door security locks prevent the door being lifted off track and also securely latch like a deadbolt. Upgrading handles and locks together vastly improves safety.
When selecting new Andersen door hardware, ensure you choose durable, high-performing components designed specifically for your model. Reputable brands like Countryside Locks carry excellent patio door lock replacements matching most Andersen original parts. Renewal by Andersen also offers complete Andersen door replacements if handle upgrades still leave older units underperforming.
Swapping out tired old handles with fresh Andersen-approved hardware breathes revived smooth operation into sliding patio doors. With some DIY dedication, you can upgrade your home with modern, like-new handles. Just match your specific door properly during parts selection. Follow the instructions covered here for a straight-forward handle removal and installation process. And take security and long-term durability into account with any replacement parts you choose. In no time, you'll have sliding patio doors that function beautifully again!