Swap an old door handle for a new one on its backplate in under an hour, no special tools needed.
DH-01Check the door and buy the right handleLook at your existing backplate to see how it's fixed — usually two screws through the plate, sometimes a small grub screw on the collar instead. Measure the spindle (the square bar through the door) — most are 8mm across. Buy a new handle set with a backplate roughly the same size as your old one, so the screw holes and existing latch fit without extra drilling.
DH-02Remove the old handleUndo the two backplate screws, or loosen the small grub screw on the collar with a hex key or screwdriver if that's how yours is fixed. Pull both handles away from the door together — they're joined by the spindle through the middle. Keep the old screws and spindle safe in case you need them.
DH-03Check the latch and spindle still workWith the handles off, push the latch mechanism in the door edge with your finger to check it moves freely. If it's stiff or sticky, a drop of light oil on the moving parts sorts it out. Check the spindle isn't bent or worn — reuse it if it fits the new handles, or use the new one supplied.
DH-04Fit the new handlesSlide the spindle through the latch and hold one handle in place on each side of the door. Line up the backplate screw holes with the ones in the door — if they don't match, mark and drill new pilot holes about 2mm smaller than the screw. Fit the backplate screws and tighten evenly on both sides so the handles sit flat and square.
4 each · Backplate fixing screws (usually supplied)
DH-05Test the handle and latchOpen and close the door several times, checking the latch clicks in and the handle springs back on its own each time. If the handle feels loose or droops, tighten the grub screw on the collar (if fitted) — this is what stops the handle sagging over time. Check the door still closes flush and the latch lines up with the strike plate in the frame.
DH-06Tidy upWipe any oil or metal dust off the door and handle with a dry cloth. Pack away tools and dispose of the old handle set, or keep it as a spare if it's still in decent condition.
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