National Hardware V1320 1-3/4-Inch Screen/Storm Door Lever L

The Verdict

Opening: The $12 fix that stops your storm door from slamming

If you’ve got a storm door that rattles, pops open in the wind, or just won’t latch anymore, the National Hardware V1320 is the kind of inexpensive repair that saves you from replacing the whole door. It’s a straight swap for most standard 1-3/4-inch backset levers, and at this price point, it’s almost cheaper than the aggravation of a door that won’t stay shut.

What’s actually in the box

You get the lever latch assembly, a matching strike plate, and the screws to mount both. That’s it — no template, no complicated hardware bag. The zinc die-cast body feels dense and solid in hand, a meaningful upgrade over the flimsy plastic levers that come stock on many economy storm doors. The lever action is smooth out of the box, and the finish (a brushed satin nickel look) won’t clash with most existing door hardware.

Real-world performance: Where it shines and where it stumbles

I installed one on a 20-year-old aluminum storm door in a coastal area — salt air is brutal on hardware, and the die-cast zinc is holding up far better than the OEM part it replaced. The lever is the real selling point here: it’s ergonomic. One buyer put it this way: “My 80-year-old mother can finally open the door without struggling with the knob.” That’s a legitimate quality-of-life win.

The latch mechanism engages cleanly with a satisfying click, and the adjustable strike plate gives you about 1/8-inch of play to fine-tune alignment — a lifesaver for doors that have sagged over time.

But here’s the honest tradeoff. The included strike plate screws are soft. One reviewer noted, “The screws stripped with barely any torque — I used my own from the hardware bin.” Use a hand screwdriver, not a drill, and you’ll likely avoid the issue. Also, this is not a locking latch. It’s purely mechanical — good for keeping a door closed, useless for security. If you need keyed entry, look elsewhere.

What buyers consistently praise

Across the 210 ratings, three themes dominate:

1. Ease of installation — Most DIYers had it swapped in under 20 minutes.
2. Durability — Multiple reviewers mention it outlasting the original hardware on 10+ year-old doors.
3. Universal fit — The 1-3/4-inch backset covers the vast majority of residential storm doors (check yours before buying).

Where it falls short

• No keyed option: If this is your main entry door, you’ll need a separate deadbolt.
• Minimal instructions: The diagram is sparse. Watch a 2-minute video if you’re not mechanically inclined.
• Spring tension isn’t adjustable: Some users wanted a firmer latch to handle wind gusts.

Who should buy this

• DIY homeowners replacing a broken storm door lever on a standard door.
• Landlords or property managers maintaining multiple rental units on a budget.
• Anyone with arthritis or grip issues — the lever design is genuinely easier to operate than a knob.

Skip it if you need a locking handle, have a non-standard backset (measure first!), or expect heavy-duty commercial-grade construction. This is a residential part, period.

FAQ: 3 questions shoppers actually ask

Q: Will this fit my door?
Measure from the edge of the door to the center of the existing handle hole. If it’s 1-3/4 inches, you’re good. That’s the universal standard for most aluminum and vinyl storm doors.

Q: Is it reversible for left- or right-handed doors?
Yes — the latch can be flipped to work on either swing direction. It takes about two minutes with a screwdriver.

Q: How long will it last?
Expect 3–5 years in normal residential use. Coastal or high-humidity environments may shorten that, but the zinc body handles corrosion far better than plastic.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a cheap, reliable fix for a worn-out storm door lever and you’re comfortable with a basic screwdriver swap. Skip it if you need a locking mechanism or have a non-standard door backset.

Rating: 4.2/5 — Solid value, minor hardware annoyances, but it does exactly what it promises. For the price, it’s hard to argue with.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.