How easy is it to fit door handles?

Although it may seem like a simple DIY task that can be carried out without much prior knowledge or planning, an incorrectly fitted door handle can cause a world of problems, so getting it right the first time is the best way to avoid future issues.

While your choice of doors may be slightly limited by budget or available space, door handles give you much more scope for creativity, with a wide selection of makes, models, designs and styles available that can work with most doors. So how do you go about fitting them?

The first step is to ensure that you’ve got the correct tools for the job. These include: a drill, different types of screwdriver, a pencil and a spirit level. If the handles you are fitting are for a new door, you may also need a chisel in order to create a hole for the spindle.

Once you have got hold of all necessary equipment, begin by removing the existing door handles. This will require the use of a screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on the screw type), and is as simple as unscrewing the casing from the door, and removing the spindle and handles.

You’re now ready to put in the new handle, using the existing hole to thread through the new spindle and attaching the handle casings either side, either using the same sized screws as were already in use or drilling new holes to fit as needed. Ensure that the new spindle is the correct size to operate with the existing latch.

If you are installing new door handles on a new door that has never had them, then the task becomes slightly trickier and requires a more methodical approach, starting with the latch. Decide on the height you wish the handle to be, and mark the inside, narrow part of the door accordingly. Measure the length and width of the latch, and select a drill bit that is slightly bigger in diameter.

Drill into the narrow section of the door, being careful not to drill deeper than the length of the latch, and finish of the area by making a small recess for the faceplate to sit in using your chisel. Mark either side of this hole on the faces of the door to determine where the handles will sit, and drill through using a drill bit larger than the spindle (make sure your drill is level!). Screw the faceplate and latch into place on the narrow side, clearing away any excess wood from the hole.

Next, attach one handle to one end of the spindle and thread it through the hole while keeping hold of the handle, attaching the second one on the other end once through. Screw in the handles (after checking they’re straight with the spirit level) using the screws that should be provided with your new handles.

Assuming every step has gone without a hitch, you should now have a new set of fully working door handles.

Here at Doorfit, we stock a wide range of handles and knobs for all door types, and our selection contains models from leading manufacturers, including Fortessa, Carlisle Brass, Duncombe, Karcher, Access and even our own range!

For more information, get in touch with Doorfit today, or feel free to browse our door handle range online.