Installing a door handle or door knob is simpler than you may believe, particularly when you follow our straightforward, detailed instructions for “How to fit a door handle”.
With the availability of numerous attractive new door knobs and a wider variety of finishes than in the past, now is an ideal moment to modernise your interior doors. If you have been considering the process of installing a door knob or door handle, we can provide expert guidance to assist you with this relatively straightforward DIY project at Knobbles and Bobbles.
Choosing your New Door Knobs & Handles
When your door handle is loose, outdated, or worn out, selecting a new style can be a challenging task due to the wide variety of styles and designs available on the market. When it’s time to update or replace your handles and knobs, it’s important to ensure that you choose the right new design that offers the functionality, flair, and style that you desire as well as suits the existing door handle height.
There are several important factors to consider, such as whether you need to include a lock, a handle, or a door knob, whether to opt for a glass knob, a plain or crackle-glazed design, or a striking painted pattern.
Tools You Will Need
After selecting your door knobs, it’s essential to collect some necessary home tools to make changing door handles a much simpler task. You will need the following equipment:
- Screwdriver
- PencilTape Measure
Door Handle Installation Glossary
Backplate or Rose: The metal piece is located behind the door handle.
Latch: The mechanism that is turned by the knobs or door handle. It slots inside the door between the two knobs/handles.
Latch tongue: The part at the end of the latch that moves back and forth when you turn the knob and fits into the door jamb to secure the door.
Spindle: Also known as the latch bar or mortice bar, this is the metal bar that joins two door knobs and activates the latch mechanism.
Strike Tongue: A slim metal plate that is flush with the door frame. It includes a hole through which the latch tongue passes, ensuring that the door remains shut.
Shop all your need to fit a door handle at Knobbles and Bobbles
Fitting a Door Handle. Your Step-by-Step Guide
Removing your old door handle:
- Use a door wedge or door stop to keep your door open
To begin installing your new handle, the old handle must be removed. To make this step easier, use a door wedge or a similar item to keep your door open and give easy access to both sides of the door and frame. - Examine your current handle
If the screws are not visible on the handle’s exterior, they are most likely hidden by the cover plate. Use a flathead screwdriver to carefully remove the plate by locating the groove on the bottom or side of the handle. - Remove your door handle
After taking off the cover plate, use a screwdriver to take out the screws from the face plate on both sides of the door the slide off the handles. Take out the spindle bar from the latch mechanism that sits inside the door. - You are ready to insert your new door handle
Put your old handles to one side. At this point, you should only have a few holes left in your door which can now be used for your new handles. Don’t discard of any old screws as they may be helpful in the future!
New door handle installation:
- Place the new latch inside the door’s edge
Slide the latch mechanism into the door until the latch plate is flush. Use two screws to attach the latch plate to the door, one at the top and one at the bottom. Ensure the smooth, slanted side is oriented in the same direction as the door closes before screwing it into place. - Line up the door handle with the spindle
Properly position the new door handle by sliding it onto the new spindle. Insert the new spindle through the current hole in the door. Make sure it aligns with the door latch mechanism to prevent any misalignment issues. - Insert the spindle into the opening, through the hole, and the latch mechanism
Align the new latch mechanism with the appropriate holes in the edge of the door. Next, insert the spindle through the hole so that it is visible on the opposite side of the door. - Place your new handle onto the spindle
Attach the door handles by sliding them into place, using the spindle, before screwing them into position. Test the door by operating the handle as usual. - Text your newly installed handles!
Turn the knobs more than once to test it properly. Make sure to check that your new interior door knob is functioning correctly before shutting the door!
Time for the Experts?
Still not confident in door handle installation or want some personal expert advice? At Knobble and Bobbles, we are here to help with further guidance.
Whether you need assistance with which screw to choose, or the perfect door knob or handle for your home- get in touch today to speak to an expert!