How do you tell if a sliding glass door is a left hand or a right hand?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
The Titan ControlMax 1650 cordless backpack paint sprayer is handy for medium-sized projects like a shed.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Look at the moveable door & the position of the holes for the latch.
Usually the latch is toward the lower end of the door. Also, the
track rollers should be fairly obvious as to which end is down.
It may be AC/DC, but I doubt it...
Brooks
If you're buying a new door, ask the door folks how they "hand" the doors. I've never been able to remember how to determine left or right handed, so I always have a sketch showing how they swing.
If you jerk a door open, the smashed toe determines the hand.
I guess that doesn't pretain much to sliding doors though - does it?
All: I know how how to hand regular hindged doors, but what about sliding (exterior) doors. Yes, I believe that most can be "re-handed" to be a left or a right, but it would be nice to order the correct ones to start with. So, I'm gonna guess the side of the door (left or right) that has the handle on it determines the hand, (maybe) but I guess the question is do you "hand it" while standing inside or outside the building.
Do what Dave said. Ask how they (the sellers) do it. I bought a slider, and no matter what I though made sense, it was always backwards compared with how the mfg. specs it. I still don't know if I have a righty or lefty. I just drew a picture, labeled the inside and the outside and the sliding & fixed. Got what I wanted that way.
Pete Duffy, Handyman
The " handing" of doors and windows is ALWAYS as viewed from the outside of the building or room. (except when it's not)
regards Rik
I buy quite a few doors from a local guy who once explained handing to me. IIRC, the rule changed when you went from residential to commercial. I don't THINK he was pulling my chain, but ever since I've made up a sketch, measured the width, and handed it to him. Never a mistake since - lol.
Mark, as has been said, ask the supplier.
However, here in NW Oh and for most stock sliding door manufacturers-from the outside-you call out the operable door side-either left or right.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
When viewed from outside, the handing is always the operable panel. If the left hand panel moves when viewed from outside, it is a LH door. Always check the door mfgr to ensure proper handing, though.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Thanks Art, Calvin and Nick...
RE "check with the MFG" - I E-mailed them yesterday from their web site. Haven't heard back yet...
BEEN SELLING DOORS FOR 25YRS. ALL DOORS HANDED AS VIEWED FROM OUTSIDE LOOKING IN. "X" INDICATES THE OPERATING PANEL. "O" INDICATES THE STAIONARY PANEL. MAKES NO DIFFERENCE IF IT GLIDES OR SWINGS. IT IS BEST TO TALK IN TERMS OF X-O FOR GLIDING DOORS SINCE THE "RIGHT" PANEL WILL ALLWAYS GLIDE LEFT AND THE "LEFT" PANEL WILL GLIDE RIGHT IN A 2-PANEL SYSTEM. THE SAFEST PLAN IS TO DRAW IT OUT, LET THE CUSTOMER SIGN OFF AND HAND IT TO YOUR LUMBER YARD GUY.
There is no customer yet - other than me - it's new construction. I'm trying to work a deal where the supplier installs all the windows and the sliders. That puts him in charge of all the ordering. I still gotta do the takeoffs, etc to cost out the house though. I thought as long as I'm doing a takeoff, I might as well do it right rather than "glass slider = Y" :-) Besides, I still haven't locked down the deal. I've solicited bids from 2 other suppliers, and so far my perfered supplier is well ahead, but I still need the other quote. Another reason I want this one supplier to install is that he comes highly recommended in the workmanshiop area, and hopefully he will be doing the siding too. When I discussed install details with this guy he fully understoon my concerns about proper window flashing and even had a good idea that made his method better than my norm.
If you don't mind..... I would encourage you to use Dupont Tyvek/ and flashing products. Do not know where you live, but, the rep in our area will meet with the installers and show them how to correctly apply all the waterproofing etc to all door and window openings. I have used this sevice several times. This seems to be a new marketing strategy that is a win/win for all involved. Good luck....