When we received a call from a homeowner in Memphis, TN 38112, we knew the job would require expertise and care. The family, new to the area, had recently purchased their home, and the back security storm door was creating major headaches. It wouldn’t latch properly, the storm door knob was loose and sagging, and the door itself had begun to sag. This combination of issues meant they couldn’t use the back door at all—not ideal for a household with young kids and a family dog that relied on that door for outdoor access.
Upon arrival, the first challenge was to get the door open safely without causing damage. Once inside, we inspected the Marks mortise lock on their wrought iron storm door. Marks locks are known as the Cadillac of security door hardware, designed to last for decades—but even the best locks need maintenance.
We noticed that the mortise cylinders on both sides of the door were heavily worn. The family explained that they often had to jiggle the key to make it work. This is common with locks that have seen years of use or bad duplicate keys. Using our Kwikset pinning kit, we rekeyed the mortise lock cylinders, ensuring smooth operation. No more wiggling or frustration—just a perfectly functioning lock.
As we tested the lock, it became clear that the door itself was part of the problem. Years of use had caused the storm door hinges to sag, misaligning the latch with the strike plate. This not only made the door difficult to close but also put undue pressure on the lock’s internal components, making the key hard to turn. Left unaddressed, this could have led to a broken key in the lock.
We used specialized door alignment tools to adjust the security door hinges and realigned the strike plate to ensure the latch seated properly. This adjustment restored the door’s smooth operation and eliminated the risk of further damage.
The final issue was the storm door handle. The original handle was sagging badly, making it hard to grip and turn. Unfortunately, the model was beyond repair, but we came prepared with genuine Marks storm door handle replacement parts. After removing the old hardware, we installed a brand-new handle, ensuring it complemented the door’s design while providing reliable functionality.
The result? A security storm door that looked and worked like new, offering the family peace of mind and easy access once again.
The homeowners were thrilled with the transformation. What started as a frustrating problem for their family became a story of restored convenience and security. Their children could now use the back door freely, and the family dog had regained its outdoor access. Best of all, they knew their storm door was equipped with high-quality hardware that would stand the test of time.
This job was a reminder of how important it is to have a fully functioning storm door, especially in a family home. Whether it’s rekeying, replacing a door handle for a storm door, or addressing alignment issues, GI Locksmith is here to provide professional solutions tailored to your needs. We are your #1 emergency mobile locksmith! Contact us today if you are looking for an affordable Locksmith near you! We specialize in Iron Door, Security Door, Screen Door, Storm Door. and Wrought Iron Door locks! If you are needing Storm Door Hardware, look no further!
Tools Used:
- Kwikset pinning kit for rekeying mortise cylinders
- Door alignment tools for adjusting sagging hinges
- Marks storm door handle replacement kit
- Screwdrivers for hardware adjustments
- Routing tools for strike plate installation
- Additional screws for reinforcing the latch
- Kwikset Rekeying Kit
