Troubleshooting - Octopus Doors & Skirting

Sliding Patio Door Won’t Lock? Causes and Fixes

by James Davis | Oct 20, 2026 | Troubleshooting

Fix it · 9 min read · Updated October 2026 When a sliding patio door won’t lock, the handle may turn freely, the hook may miss its slot, or the panel may slide back open after you latch it. Almost every time, the latch hook and the strike plate on the jamb no...

Deadbolt Won’t Lock? How to Find the Cause and Fix It

by George Anderson | Oct 12, 2026 | Troubleshooting

Fix it · 10 min read · Updated October 2026 You turn the thumbturn and it stops halfway. You lean on the door, try again, and the bolt slides home with a clunk. When a deadbolt won’t lock, or only locks while you push or pull the door, the lock itself is usually...

What to Do When a Door Latch Works Only if You Lift the Handle

by George Anderson | Aug 12, 2026 | Troubleshooting

What to Do When a Door Latch Works Only if You Lift the Handle usually signals door-to-frame misalignment, not a failed lockset. Six focused checks narrow the cause, guide small corrections, and help you avoid wasted work. Start by finding out whether the latch works...

Fixing Stripped Screws on Door Latches

by George Anderson | Oct 23, 2023 | Troubleshooting

Having a door with a stripped screw on the latch can be very frustrating. It makes the door feel flimsy and not properly secured. But there are several easy solutions for fixing stripped screws on door latches. This comprehensive guide explores the causes of stripped...

What To Do When Your Screen Door Gets Stuck Closed

by George Anderson | Oct 18, 2023 | Troubleshooting

A screen door getting stuck in the closed position can be incredibly annoying. Nothing ruins a lovely sunny day like wanting fresh air only to find your screen door won’t budge open. While screen doors getting jammed shut can happen for various reasons, the good...

How to Remove a Doorknob with No Visible Screws: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

by George Anderson | Oct 10, 2023 | Troubleshooting

Removing a doorknob may seem daunting, but you can complete this project quickly and easily with the right instructions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of removing a doorknob with no visible screws.When You Need to Remove a Hidden...