Remove Storm Door Lock

Discard the old handle.

Remove storm door lock.

Remove the old handle and screen door latch unscrew both interior latch mounting screws pull the interior and exterior handles apart and remove the center spindle. This will loosen the tension on the deadbolt allowing it to retract and the door to open. Removal of the two types of locks is similar in many ways so here is a convenient step by step guide to show you how to remove the door lock from a storm door. Once the door is open operate the handle and turn the deadbolt.

Some locks designed for interior use may have these holes on the exterior side for homeowners who have lost the key. Slip a straightened safety pin into small holes or use a flat screwdriver to press against a slot or depression. Use the flat head screwdriver to turn the spindle in the center of the door lock cylinder counterclockwise until it stops. Apply a bit of pressure to the paper clip to trigger a release button inside the hardware.

Use the pliers to pull the pin out if necessary. To unjam the deadbolt remove the installation screws on the latch rail from the outside. If either does not operate when the door is open the hardware needs to be replaced. Then use a phillips screwdriver or power screwdriver to take out the screws.

Regardless if the storm door lock is the type that uses a deadbolt or a keyed handle you will need to remove a pair of set screws that are located on the interior portion of the lock or the part of the lock that faces the interior of your home. Using an allen key loosen the set screw and remove the interior door handle. Tapping out or pulling out the pin is best done with the door closed because when the pin is released the closer will spring back an action that is minimized when the door is closed. At this point the square tab on the spindle is aligned with the square.

If any screws are exposed during this process remove them to release the lock and remove it from the door. Steps for replacing the lock and hardware on a storm door step 1. Check for any pinholes or depressions in the handle or around the trim. Remove the closer of the storm door by carefully tapping with the hammer the pin closest to the door jamb.

Once triggered the lever or lock trim can be removed from the door. Step 1 remove the cylinders or handle assembly. Assemble the new exterior handle according to the instructions on the packaging and slide the spindle.