Patching Up Peace Of Mind: Repairing Holes In Your Larson Storm Door

Larson Manufacturing is a leading US manufacturer of storm doors, specialising in heavy-duty doors that require little maintenance. If your Larson storm door has a hole, you can repair it by replacing the damaged part. This could involve ordering a replacement handle directly from Larson, as their hole pattern is unique, or fixing a corner joint on the door. Before you begin, check the door for binding and other obstructions that might be causing problems.

Repairing a corner joint

Step 1: Work Open the Joint

Use a putty knife to work open the joint. If the joint has a screw, use a screwdriver to pry it open. If the frame has crimps, you will need to drill them out.

Step 2: Pry the Joint Open

Use a screwdriver to twist and pry the joint completely open. You may need to tap the joint with a hammer to separate the corner.

Step 3: Find a Match

Push the old corner fasteners out of the frame with a screwdriver. Take the removed parts to a hardware store to find matching components. If you can't find matching parts, try searching online.

Step 4: Add the Replacement

Push or tap the replacement fitting into place. Replace any screws and recreate any crimps with a hammer and nail set.

Step 5: Push Frame onto Glass

Slip the gasket over the edges of the glass. Gently push the frame onto the glass and gasket.

Step 6: Push Frame Together

Push the frame pieces together, tapping lightly with a hammer if necessary. Drive in any retaining screws.

Removing the handle

To remove the handle from your Larson storm door, you will need to use a screwdriver. It is important to use a properly sized screwdriver to prevent damage to the screw heads. Choose a Phillips screwdriver with a tip that matches the size of your screws.

First, open your Larson door and prop it in place with a block of wood so you can access both sides of the handle. Locate the screws in the edge of the door above and below the deadbolt and the handle striker. Apply pressure against the handle of the screwdriver toward the door, then twist counterclockwise to loosen the screws. You may want to stick the screws to a piece of adhesive tape to keep track of them.

Next, remove the screws from the plate on the inside of the door. There will typically be two of these: one at the top and one at the bottom. Use the same technique as before to remove these screws.

Now, grasp the handles on either side of the door and pull them out gently. The handle spindle and lock tumbler are attached to the outside plate and will pull away with it. The inside handle should drop away.

Finally, push the striker and lock bolt from the door by sticking the screwdriver into the door face hole and pushing it toward the edge of the door.

Replacing the handle

To replace the handle on your Larson storm door, you'll need to order a replacement directly from Larson. The hole pattern is very specific, so other handles will not fit properly. Once you've received your replacement handle, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Door

Open your Larson door and prop it in place with a block of wood so you can access both sides of the handle.

Step 2: Remove the Old Handle

Choose a Phillips screwdriver with a tip that matches the size of your screws. Using the correct size screwdriver will make removal easier and protect your hardware. Locate the screws in the edge of the door above and below the deadbolt and the handle striker. Apply pressure against the handle of the screwdriver toward the door, then twist counterclockwise to loosen the screws. Keep your screws in a safe place, such as on a piece of adhesive tape, so you don't lose them.

Remove the screws from the plate on the inside of the door. There are typically two: one at the top and one at the bottom. Use the same technique of applying pressure and twisting counterclockwise to remove these screws.

Step 3: Detach the Handles

Grasp the handles on either side of the door and pull them out gently. The handle spindle and lock tumbler are attached to the outside plate and will come away with it. The inside handle will drop away.

Step 4: Push Out the Striker and Lock Bolt

Use your screwdriver to push the striker and lock bolt out of the door. Insert the screwdriver into the door face hole and push it toward the edge of the door.

Step 5: Insert the New Lock Bolt and Striker Mechanism

Insert the new lock bolt and striker mechanism into the edge of the door and attach them with the supplied screws.

Step 6: Install the New Handle

Grab the outside door handle and insert the handle spindle and lock cylinder through the hole in the door face and through the corresponding holes in the lock and striker mechanism. Align the inside handle so that the receiver holes in the handle and lock mechanism receive the spindle and cylinder. Insert the screws and tighten them with your screwdriver to complete the installation.

Adjusting closer tension

Adjusting the closer tension on a Larson storm door can be done by following these steps:

First, identify if your door has one or two closers. If there are two, you will need to detach one at a time to make adjustments to the other. To do this, remove the pin connecting the closer to the door bracket and swing it away.

Next, locate the adjustment screw or knob on the connected closer. This may be at the end of the cylinder or on the door-end of the closing barrel, depending on the model. Adjust the screw or knob by turning it 1/4 to 1/2 turn at a time in the desired direction until you achieve the desired closing speed. Turning it counter-clockwise will increase the speed, while turning it clockwise will decrease the speed. It is important to note that a little goes a long way when adjusting the screw, so start with small adjustments and test the door after each change.

Once you have adjusted the first closer, reconnect the detached closer and repeat the process. Both closers should now be set at the same speed to ensure the door closes smoothly and securely.

In addition to adjusting the closer tension, you may also need to adjust the long connecting pin that connects the door bracket to the door closer tube. When the glass storm panels are down for winter, place the pin in the front hole of the closer tube to increase closing pressure and ensure the latch snaps into the catch. For springtime or when the screens are down, move the pin to the rear hole to slow down the door as it nears the door catch.

It is worth noting that weather conditions can affect the way your storm door closes, so you may need to readjust the closer tension with changing seasons.

Tightening the piano-type hinge

If the long piano-type hinge on your Larson storm door has come loose, you can try tightening it by following these steps:

Assess the Material

Firstly, identify the material you are working with. Different materials have different properties that affect how they respond to screws. Understanding the material will help you determine the best approach to tightening the hinge.

Drill Pilot Holes

If your hinge is attached directly to solid wood, you may need to drill pilot holes for the screws. These holes will guide the screws and ensure they catch the wood securely. Drill at an angle to increase the contact area and improve the hold.

Use Longer Screws

Try using longer screws to tighten the hinge. Longer screws will penetrate deeper into the material, providing a stronger hold and reducing any play or sagging in the hinge. Ensure the screws are appropriate for the material and do not overtighten, as this could strip the wood or damage other materials.

Adjust the Hinge

After tightening the screws, carefully adjust the hinge to ensure it is aligned correctly. A misaligned hinge can cause friction and affect the smooth operation of the door. Check that the hinge is level and make any necessary adjustments.

Test and Finalise

Once you are satisfied with the adjustments, carefully test the door by opening and closing it several times. Observe if the hinge is functioning smoothly and securely. If everything is working as expected, go back and give each screw a final tightening for added security.

Frequently asked questions