Storm Door Handle Types: How to Identify and Replace Them

The main storm door handle types fall into two structural groups: mortise handle sets and surface-mount handle sets. A mortise set has latching hardware built into the edge of the door panel. A surface-mount set has hardware mounted on the interior face of the door. Surface-mount styles come in three shapes: knob, push-button, and pull. This guide shows you how to spot each type, choose the right one, and find a replacement handle that fits your door.

Storm Door Handle Types: Mortise and Surface-Mount

Storm door handle types split into two structural groups. Mortise sets build the latch into the door edge. Surface-mount sets attach hardware to the door face and come in knob, push-button, and pull styles. Here is how each one works.

Mortise

A mortise set has its latching hardware built into the side of the door panel. The interior and exterior handles share the same lever shape. On some doors, you get a lever outside and a knob inside. A separate lock sits below the handle, and you twist it to lock the door from inside. Some mortise sets also let you lock and unlock from outside with a key.

Best for: homeowners who want a modern look, added security, or have trouble turning a knob.

How to spot it: matched lever handles on both sides, with the latch and deadbolt on the door's edge (per Andersen guidance).

Knob

The knob handle is a surface-mount style. The door latching hardware sits inside the door. Outside, you twist a round knob to open the door. Inside, you push a small handle. You lock it with a key from outside or a twist lock from inside.

Best for: homeowners who want an antique or vintage look and have no trouble turning a knob.

Push-Button

The push-button handle is a surface-mount style. It has a downward-facing handle with a button at the top. Press the button and pull to open the door. Some push-button handles are keyed so you can lock them. Inside, you push a small knob or lever. These handles were popular decades ago, and mortise handles are more common now.

Best for: an antique or vintage look, or a handle that is easy to use for older adults, children, and people with mobility concerns.

Pull

The pull handle is a surface-mount style. You pull the handle outward to open the door, with no twist or push. Inside, you push a small handle. Some pull handles include a separate deadbolt, so you can lock from outside with a key or from inside by twisting.

Best for: homeowners who want a simple one-motion handle and an easy DIY installation.

How to Identify Your Storm Door Handle

• Look at both sides of the door. Matching lever handles inside and out, with the latch and deadbolt on the door's edge, mean a mortise set (Andersen).

• Different styles on each side mean a surface-mount set. That includes a knob, lever, or push-button outside, a flat latch inside, and hardware on the door face (Andersen).

• Check the hinge rail, also called the Z-bar, for a serial or registration number. Andersen and LARSON put an ID number there that you can use to look up exact replacement parts.

How to Choose the Right Storm Door Handle

Think about function first. Ask who uses the door, how much grip strength they have, and how much security you want. Then choose a look you like. Use this table to compare the four handle types.

How to Find a Replacement Handle That Fits

Start with the mount type, then measure before you buy. These steps keep the new handle aligned with your door.

• Confirm the mount type: you cannot replace a mortise handle with a surface-mount handle, because the two systems mount differently.

• Measure the hole spacing: most surface-mount storm door handles use 1-3/4 inches center-to-center between the screw holes.

• Match the hole size too: surface-mount handles need three 5/16-inch holes, so measure both spacing and hole size.

• Check the door thickness: pick a handle rated for your panel, since thickness varies by brand.

• Confirm the handing: mortise lock cases are often handed, while many surface-mount handles are non-handed, so check before you order.

• Choose keyed or non-keyed: decide whether you want a keyed lock or deadbolt.

• Watch for "universal" handles: these fit another brand's door only when the spacing and hole size match a surface-mount system.

Door thickness matters for fit. Andersen aluminum storm doors come in 1-inch, 1-1/4-inch, and 1-1/2-inch panels, and replacement handles are thickness-specific. Ideal Security offers handles for doors from 7/8 inch to 2-1/8 inch thick.

For a DIY swap, a matching surface-mount handle goes in about 10 minutes with a screwdriver. Mismatched holes, a new installation, or mortise work call for a drill or a pro.

For step-by-step directions, see how to replace your storm door handle. If you do not have a storm door yet, learn how to install a storm door.