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Install a two-sided pen on the balcony door.

Installation of a two-way pen on the balcony door in Minsk

A balcony door that can only be opened from the inside isn't just inconvenient — it's also unsafe. Especially if you've stepped onto the balcony and the door has accidentally slammed shut. Or if people smoke on the balcony and the smoke draws into the room because of a loose seal. Owners often try to solve the problem with makeshift methods: tying the door with a cord, propping something against it. It's inconvenient, unsightly and unreliable. I'm Dmitry, a window repair master with 20 years' experience, and I offer a simple, elegant solution — fitting a two-sided handle. In this article I'll show, using a real example, how I solved a client's problem.

The problem: a makeshift contraption instead of a proper handle

Someone came to me with a balcony door that had a homemade construction on it: a cord taped on let the door be cracked open from outside. It was inconvenient, unsafe and, to put it mildly, unsightly. The clients wanted a proper, convenient and attractive handle that would open the door from both sides and provide a tight seal.

How the work went

The principle is simple: a two-sided handle connects the inner and outer parts via a square pin. Here's how the job went:

Removing the old handle. I took off the one-sided handle and removed all traces of the DIY work. At the same time I checked the condition of the lock mechanism — it was in good shape, so I cleaned and lubricated it.
Preparing the holes. I marked the spot for fitting the second part of the handle on the outside of the door and carefully drilled the hole with a hole-saw for the square drive (a standard diameter of 8–10 mm).
Fitting the two-sided handle. I inserted the square pin connecting the two handles, fitted the inner and outer parts and secured them with screws. I checked that the handles moved smoothly, without play.
Final adjustment. After fitting, I slightly adjusted the tightness of the door to keep the seal, and lubricated all the hardware.

The whole job took about an hour. The result exceeded expectations.

The result

✅ Convenience. The door opens easily both from the flat and from the balcony. No more cords and tape.
✅ Safety. The risk of accidentally slamming the door and being locked out is eliminated.
✅ Ventilation. You can crack the door open from the balcony side if needed.
✅ Smoke protection. With a tight closing (if the handle has a lock), smoke from smoking on the balcony doesn't get into the room.

Frequently asked questions

Can a two-sided handle be fitted to any balcony door? In most cases, yes. But there are exceptions related to the type of profile and hardware. I always come out for a diagnosis and determine for certain whether it can be fitted.

Won't the door close worse? No, if the installation is done professionally. I always check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure after fitting.

How much does the installation cost? The price depends on the handle model and the complexity. I name the exact cost after a free inspection. It's usually an inexpensive investment in comfort.

Can a handle with a key be fitted, to lock the door from the balcony? Yes, there are handle models with a lock. They provide extra protection against break-ins and let you lock the door from outside. I'll help choose a suitable option.