How to Change a Door Handle- A quick Guide

Kirti Gulliya 28 September, 2022

A door handle adds to the aesthetics of doors in all rooms of any household, office and other spaces. They come in a variety of styles and materials from bone bridge, brass, ceramic, to glass, metal, stone, wooden, resin and horn. You may want to change a door handle if there are any damages to the existing fitting or for decorative reasons.

Door Handles were manufactured to make our life easy and simple. With the help of door knobs, we can easily open and close doors, windows, almirahs, wardrobes etc. We can say that handles are perfect companion for abodes, but with time and regular use, they start to lose their functionality and charm. We need to change and replace them after a while. In this article, we will discuss about a brief way to change the door knobs easily.

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What are the Tools & Materials Required to Change Door Handles?

New door handle and screws
Flathead screwdriver
Cordless screwdriver or head screwdriver
Wedge for the door

How to change the Door Handles?

Step 1 – Remove the old door handle.

To remove a door handle, place a wedge at the bottom of the door, then check for exposed screws on the inside of the door. For most doors, you should see 1 to 3 exposed mounting screws on the side of the door that doesn't have a handle.

Loosen the mounting screws with a screwdriver, then pull the handles out of the latch assembly.

With the mounting screws removed, you should have no problem pulling the knobs or levers out of the latch.

Step 2 – Install the new handle

To install a door handle, open the door and stick a wedge under the bottom edge of the door.
Push the handle's pressure release with a screwdriver and pull it off.
Unscrew and pull off the handle's cover plates.

Step 3: Test the new door handle.

To replace a door handle, open the door halfway, place a wedge under the door and use a screwdriver to remove the pressure release.
Next, unscrew and pull off the door handle's cover plates and remove any screws holding the cover plates in place.
To install the new door handle, align it with the spindle and slide the spindle into the hole.

When to Change a Door Handle

You should consider changing a door handle if:

It’s Broken or Worn Out: If your handle is loose, hard to turn, or does not work as it should, it should be replaced.
It Doesn’t Match the Decor: If you are renovating, changing the door handles is a quick way to change the way your home looks.
You’re Upgrading for Security: Newer handles usually have improved security features compared to older ones. If you are worried about safety, then it would probably be wise to upgrade.
It’s Sticking or Not Latching Properly: If the handle does not turn the latch in the correct manner, it could mean that the handle has a problem and needs to be replaced.

Can I Change a Door Handle Myself?

It is possible to change a door handle yourself. This is simple homemaker work that does not require any professional tools or much time to complete. You should always ensure that you are well-equipped with the proper tools and a new handle that should be compatible with your door.

Are Door Handles Universal?

Door handles are available in different forms and sizes, so people cannot use different handles. When choosing a new handle, consider the following:

Size and Style: The new handle must match the existing holes in your door. There exist variants in handle size, so one must ensure that they choose a handle set or knob that will fit their door size.
Backset Measurement: This is the vertical height of the door from the ground, as well as the measurement between the edge of the door and the center of the handle. For the new handle, finding the correlation with this measurement is necessary.
Type of Door: Handles may be built for certain designed kinds of doors (interior or exterior). Make sure the handle you choose suits your door, depending on how busy it will likely be.

Replacing a door handle can be a straightforward DIY project to give your doors a new look and enhance functionality. Following these easy steps, you can quickly remove the old handle, insert a new one, and enjoy improved door operation.

FAQ

Can you change a door handle to a door knob?

Yes, you can easily change a door handle to a door knob. All you need is a new door knob, a screwdriver, and some time.

How do you replace a door handle with a door lever?

• Unscrew the door handle, latch, and strike plate/face plate, and remove them. • Mark the level of the spindle holes at which the lever has to be installed. • Carefully drill holes into the door so that the latch fits perfectly. • Trace and chisel out the strike plate and face plate outline. • Screw the strike plate on the door's narrow edge and the door lever into the spindle holes. • Align and attach the strike plate to the face plate on the door jamb using screws.

How do you change internal door handles?

Internal door handles can take a lot of wear and tear but it's a simple job to change them; all you need is a screwdriver. Remove the old doorknob, the latch, and the strike. You will need to know the back set; this is a distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hall. The rear set on the door must be the same as the lock, although some are adjustable. Put the latch in the hole and tighten the two screws making sure the bevelled side faces the door jamb. Install the outside lever and then the spindle through the latch. Install the inside lever and tighten the screws until the lock is firm. Match the screw holes on strike with the centre lines on the door jamb. Test that it works smoothly.

Is it easy to change a door handle?

Yes, it is easy to change door handles. The majority of door handles will be fixed with screws. Some will have a grub screw fixing. Some may have double fixings or screws from both sides.