If you came here after searching, “How to Replace a Door Handle,” it’s safe to say it’s because either something broke, or you’re updating your home. Doors, especially commercial doors, see so much use it’s remarkable how rarely we need to worry about door handle replacement. They work time and time again…until something happens. When they break, door handles create issues—from minor annoyances to people getting locked out or inside their rooms.
Door Handle Terminology
Before we explain how to change a door handle, it helps to understand some basic door handle terminology. Knowing which part of a door handle is makes life much easier during door handle replacement.
- Lockset: A door lock set consisting of all the door hardware needed to replace a door handle.
- Door levers, latches, or door knobs: These are the parts of the door set you turn or twist to work the door handle
- Spindle: The metal rod that connects the door handle’s two knobs or levers by fitting through a hole in the locking or latching mechanism such as a latchbolt or mortise lock casing.
- Backplate: Also known as a rosette, the backplate is a decorative plate that sits between the door handle and the door face to hide the door hole prep and door handle’s internal parts.
- Tubular latch: a latch mechanism inside the door with only the latch bolt, or tongue, visible. The spindle fits through the tubular latch and opens or closes the latch when the door handle is turned.
- Faceplate: The portion of the latch mechanism that screws into the door edge to hold the latchbolt in place.
- Drive-in latch: A latch that does not require a faceplate.
- Strike Plate: A metal plate attached to the door jamb. When the door is closed, the latch bolt fits into a hole in the strike plate, and the strike plate keeps the bolt in place and the door securely latch closed.
- Door Hardware Handing: First, stand facing the exterior side of the door in question. For example, if door leads to outside the home then you’re going to stand outside the home facing the door. If the door leads to a bedroom, stand in the hallway, etc. Next, look at the door from the exterior, note which side of the door the hinges are on. If the hinges are on the left hand side, then the door hardware will be left handed. If the hinges are on the right, then the door hardware will be right handed. That’s all there is to it! Visit our FAQ page for a visual of how to determine handing.
Tools Needed When Replacing a Door Handle
Here’s the good news. You may need a drill, drill guide, tape measure, wood chisel, and utility knife to install a door handle. To replace an existing door handle, you only need a Phillips screwdriver. A wood block and hammer are helpful if your new door handle has a drive-in style latch.
How to Change the Door Handle
- Unscrew the Door Handle
Locate the screws connecting the knob or lever to the rest of the handle. For an exterior door handle, the screws will be on the interior side of the door handle. To replace interior door handles, look for the screws, typically on the doorknob rosette on the inside of the room. Don’t lose hope if the door lever doesn’t appear to have visible screws, some sets have concealed screws mechanisms and are held in place by a set screw located on the bottom edge of the rosette. Keep searching, you might also check for a brand name to find installation instructions or call or message us. We would be happy to help walk you through this step.
- Pull the Door Knob and Spindle Out
With the door handle screws removed, separate and remove the two door knobs and the spindle from the door handle hole.
- Remove the Latch Bolt
The latch bolt or tubular latch is screwed into plate via the faceplate on the edge of the door. Remove the screws from the faceplate and carefully pull the latch bolt out of the door. Pro Tip: If your door is prepared for a drive-in style latch, getting the latch bolt out of the door may take a little manipulation. Use your screwdriver to give it a small pull. If your door has a faceplate routed on the edge, it will pull out easily.
- Install the New Latch Bolt
Referring to the instructions on your new lockset, determine how to convert your latch bolt (if needed) to accept a drive-in style latch.
Insert the latch bolt into the edge bore and secure it with screws (for faceplate installation), or press the latch into the door for a drive-in application. Pro Tip: For drive-in applications, use a wooden block and put it over the edge of the door. Gently tap it with a hammer to secure the latch bolt into the door.
- Install the Knobs or Levers
Slide the door knob with the broader, hollow spindle through the latch bolt. Take the second door knob and slide its spindle into the broader spindle, lining up the screw holes with the posts on the latch bolt. Screw in the door handle screws. Pro Tip: Refrain from using an impact driver or electric screw gun at this step. We avoid many installation problems just by using a standard screwdriver.
- Check Door Handle Operation
Check the door handle, ensuring the door knobs and levers turn freely, the door shuts, and the latches work properly. Pro Tip: If the door handle seems too snug, back off the screws, adjust, and retest. Do not over-tighten.
You’re Finished!
That’s all there is to replacing a door handle. We hope this made your project as simple as possible. Remember: This is just a general guide. If you need technical help, please contact us or connect with us on Facebook at Spokane Hardware Supply or The Hardware Hut. We are happy to help troubleshoot any problem with your next project or help direct you for any of your hardware needs.
Shop our amazing selection of door hardware including door levers, door knobs & door entry handlesets and keyed door locks at HardwareHut today!
