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How to Fit a Door Handle
Would you like to learn how to install an interior door handle? Read our handy how-to guide which will show you exactly what you need to do and what tools you'll need. So, it's well worth checking it out below!
Table of Contents
- What Tools Do I Need to Install an Interior Door Handle?
- What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Fit an Interior Door Handle?
- What Materials Do I Need to Install an Interior Door Handle?
- How to Prepare for an Interior Door Handle Installation
- How to Fit an Interior Door Handle Yourself
- How Do You Remove an Interior Door Handle?
- FAQs
What Tools Do I Need to Install an Interior Door Handle?
Below is a list of the tools that you will need to install an interior door handle:
- Flathead or Phillips screwdriver (depending on the screws)
- Drill and drill bits (if new holes are required)
What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Fit an Interior Door Handle?
When installing a new door handle or knob, you don't need any specific safety equipment to complete the job effectively. However, if you need to drill any new holes, you may wish to wear safety glasses or gloves for added protection.
What Materials Do I Need to Install an Interior Door Handle?
Below is a list of the materials that you will need for a door handle installation job:
- Screws
- Doorknob or handle
- Lock set
- Door latch (must match the old latch's backset — the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the handle hole)
- Strike plate
How to Prepare for an Interior Door Handle Installation
To prepare for when you fit an interior door handle, you should begin by removing the old one along with any fixings. In the event you wish to get your locks changed, you should hire a professional locksmith, although for internal doors this is something that can be carried out by yourself.
Once you have removed the old doorknob, you can then go on to install a new one.
How to Fit an Interior Door Handle Yourself
Step 1
Insert the latch into the door and ensure that the tapered edge faces the direction the door closes. Once it's in place, secure it with two screws.
Step 2
Once the latch is installed, slide the spindle (the bar that connects the two handles) through the hole. Check it is aligned and once in the right position, you can now install the back part of the doorknob or handle. If your knob has a lock feature, you want the lock to be facing the right way. Be sure to test the doorknob/handle and any locking mechanism before securing everything into place.
Step 3
Screw the knob into position once you're happy that it is in the right place and that the lock works effectively.
Step 4
Next, you want to test the doorknob on both sides of the door to ensure that it is functioning properly.
Step 5
You will then need to test the lock by locking it and making sure you can't turn the knob on the other side while it is locked.
Step 6
Once you're certain it works effectively, you should then push the door shut and check that the latch lines up with the strike plate.
Step 7
You then want to remove the old strike plate by unscrewing it and replace it with the new strike plate.
Step 8
Finally, open and close the door a few times to ensure everything is working. Test the lock, handle, and strike plate one more time so that it is fully functional. If there are any potential issues, the most likely answer is a misalignment preventing the door from locking properly that will need adjusting.
How Do You Remove an Interior Door Handle?
Below is a simple step-by-step guide on how to remove an interior door handle:
- Loosen the grub screws on each handle, if there are any.
- Remove the rose covers, if there are any, to reach and undo the fixing screws on both sides.
- Pull the handles and spindle away.
- Undo the screws on the latch faceplate (on the side of the door) and pull the latch out.
- Unscrew the strike plate (only if it is being replaced).
FAQs
How Do You Fix a Loose Interior Door Handle?
Loose door handles are usually a result of a loose screw. Look around the door handle to identify the loose screw and then tighten it up. If this doesn't fix the issue, it may be due to a worn-out mechanism, in which case it may need replacing.
What Height Should My Door Handle Be?
Replacement handles are usually installed at the same height as the existing latch on the door. There is no set height for door handles in most homes.
What Is the Cheapest Type of Door?
Hollow, unfinished doors are the cheapest varieties you can buy. However, you may need to pay extra to decorate them.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a New Internal Door Fitted?
On average, it costs around £240 to have an internal door fitted. This includes the cost of labour and materials.
