[Homestead31]

hi all - i just bought a house that has ~25 year old 4 panel anderson sliding glass patio doors. the hardware is brass, and i'm looking to change to oil rubbed bronze. the handles are just dummies - there is no key lock, and just a thumb latch to lock from the inside.... checking out the prices for the anderson hardware is kinda crazy... like $400 for 2 dummy handles and a thumb latch. makes no sense to me.

any reason i shouldn't go with hardware from another manufacturer? i realize i may have to drill new holes, but the doors are white, so not a big deal to putty the old holes and paint them over....

any suggestions for other hardware makers?

 

[joecaption]

Post a picture so we can see what your seeing.

 

[dd57chevy]

If the handle also acts as the retainer for the thumb lock you would want to make sure the new handle is compatible .

I would advise against throwing that vintage Andersen hardware out with the trash .

Can you post pics ?

 

[Homestead31]

inside

 

[Homestead31]

outside. sorry for the slow response - just had a baby, which was the reason for moving to the money pit in the first place - so things have been on hold. another thouhgt i had other than replacing the hardware was painting / chemical changing it. i saw something on a blog or something about people making brass look like oil rubbed bronze by soaking it in some solution... and i was thinking maybe black spray paint with a varnish coat over it might do the job also until i can bump new hardware up on the priority $ list.

any thoughts?

 

[Windows on Wash]

Pics didn't come through.

 

[Homestead31]

ok - take two with attaching images...

goal is to get these weathered old bronze handles to look more like oil rubbed bronze.

any thoughts appreciated.

 

[Windows on Wash]

You might have better luck getting them refinished to be hones.

I don't know where you are going to find that hardware, but internet search can yield some interesting results.

 

[Homestead31]

any thoughts on refinishing? i saw a blog post or something once about people using some kind of chemical soak to make brass look like oil rubbed bronze, which is the finish i would like to have.

anyone have any experience there?

 

[dd57chevy]

No disrespect , but there are people who would pay to have your existing retro-look OEM hdwe . But if this is something you have to do.....um.... to stay out of Divorce Court , I only see 3 options , listed in order of cost :

1. Check paint stores for a spray on finish that is close to what you want .

2. There are places that can put finishes/coatings on metal objects . Check your area for a business that applies chrome/phosphate/other .Be prepared to pay .......$150-200+ ???

3. Buy new hardware .