How do you tell a right or left hand sliding patio door?

Answer 1

There's a "butt to butt" method that I SHOULD remember, considering I sold doors for six years... But there's an even easier method: Go to whichever side of the door you can see the hinges on--if the door's inswing like most of them are, that's inside of your house. If the hinges are on the left side it's a left-hand door; if they're on the right side it's a right-hand door. From the other side of the door, go by where the knob is. The easiest method to identify door swing is to simply pretend you are the hinge. It doesn't matter if the door opens in or out, or if the hinges are on the right or left. One side of the hinge is attached to the door (and swings with the door). The other side of the hinge is attached to the door jamb and does not swing. Simply put your hands together in front of you and swing the hand that would be attached to the door. If you swing your right, it's an RH door - if you swing your left, it's a LH door.

Answer 2

Some ways to tell of a door is right-hanging or left-hanging are:

• As you are pushing your way through the door, take notice of the side the hinges are on. Whichever side they are on is the type of door you have. Note that you will be pushing the door open as you go through it.

• Stand with your back against the jamb with the hinges on it. If the door swings to your right, it's a right hand door. If the door swings to your left, it's a left hand door.

• Use the "Butt to Butt" method. Put your butt against the butt ends of the hinges and if the door opens toward the right hand wall, it's a RH door. If it opens towards the left hand wall it's a LH door.

• If you are standing facing outside of door and hinges are on the left where you can see them it is left handed if hinges are on left side but inside door where you can"t see the butt ends it is a left reverse same goes other way for right.

• Stand inside the room with the door opening toward you. if knob is on the left its a left hand door. if knob is on your right its a right hand door. common sense and easy to remember!

• Face the door, with the door opening away from you. If it swings to the right, it is a right handed door. I think this is the simplest way to determine this. Easiest for me to remember anyway.

Most people agree that it is determined by the hinge from the outside. The door swings into the room regardless of where in the house it is. Facing the door on the outside, which side are the hinges on? If they are on the right hand side it is a right hand door. Same for left. If there is any question in anyones mind, simply describe it to them. Some people even profesionals have a different opinion.

Answer 3

The hinge side determines right or left. Looking at the door from the outside, the door opens away from you, the side the hinges are on is what it is. If in any doubt when buying one, just explain to the sales person how it swings.

Answer 4

If you mean how is the best way to tell a left hand door from a right... place your back side on the jam where the hinges are. If the door moves the same direction as your left arm, you have a left hand door.

Answer 5

Looking at it from the outside, which side opens. When buying one or describing it to someone, always explain your point of view. This eliminates any confusion.