We have a patio double door which leads out to a pool deck. The locking mechanism for the 'neutral' door are the standard sliding bolts that go into the framework top and bottom. Unfortunately, the actual pin for the bottom one is missing, the result of which is that the door is insecure insofar as the fact that pulling hard on the door gives enough flex from the bottom that the top pin can be pulled out of the hole. Someone actually broke into the house the other day and stole my laptop, even though I'd attached a chain to the door for extra security.

Does anyone know, looking at the picture, what brand of sliding bolt is attached to the door so I can try and replace it? Or whether I can take it out and replace it with another type?

Thanks

 

Its an astragal flush bolt, on your passive door. I'd start here. Send pics along with measurements to make sure you get the right part. Newer style here.

 

Thanks for that. Much appreciated. Only concern is the bit in the ad about needing to use the spring from the old unit. Don't even know what that means!

 

Okay, I'm now confused. I went along to one of the big box stores to see if I could get one off the shelf, but the guy told me that the Astragal is typically a complete unit that bolts to the entire edge of the door and usually costs between $60 - $100.

I looked very closely at the bottom of our problem door and couldn't see how the locking mechanism is supposed to come off, as there aren't any screws in sight, so maybe the guy is right - or is he simply trying to up-sell me? I've been dealing with this guy for a few years and don't believe he's the type to do that. Perhaps he's simply not aware that you can replace one component? The only other thing I can think of, having looked at the pictures on the links you sent, is that I'm supposed to take the whole door edge off in order to get the broken unit out and replace it with the new one?

And by the way, of the two links you attached, the second one is on the money - the one we have looks identical to the one in the picture with the blue background.

Thanks

 

Not completely sure how it comes out, (hard to tell without being there and looking at it) but it obviously does. Judging by the tabs that are on top edges of the piece, I would expect that it slides into place from the bottom of the door. you will probably have to remove the door from it's hinges, lay it on its side and see if you can tap the entire piece downward so that it comes out the bottom. There's probably a "catch" on the back side and you might have to remove the lock pin, then slide a long skinny screwdriver up the back side to unhook the catch, which is either the plastic tab or the spring you asked about.

 

Well, I'll give it a try and order that part in at the same time.

Thanks

 

You could always try to get the old one off before you order the new one. It's broken anyway, right?