To fit and install your door handle perfectly, you will require the following tools.
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Door Handle Kit
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Tape Measure
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Drill
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Drill Bits
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Hammer
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Pencil
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Safety Glasses
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Screwdriver
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Sharp Chisel
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Sharp Utility Knife
STEPS FOR FITTING A DOOR HANDLE
Fitting a door handle or a doorknob is not as tough as it might seem to be. You can do it all by yourself without putting in much effort. Check out the below mentioned 5 easy steps on how to fit a door handle.
1. MEASURE AND MARK
There are a number of ways to measure the height of your door handle. One is to measure the height of the other door handles on the doors in your house and consider that. The most common measure for the placement of a door handle is 100 cm from the floor, i.e.41 inches.
Using a pencil, outline the template with the markings you've made for the height of the door handle. Mark on the door handle template where you will drill holes in the door. You could also follow the measurement directions that came along with your door handle kit to mark where you will be drilling.
2. DRILL HOLES
Before starting this next step, read the instructions carefully in the door handle kit as every kit may be slightly different from the other. Considering the markings on the door, drill holes precisely over them. Use a 2mm drill bit to make pilot holes in the front, back, and narrow door portions.
These pilot holes will make it easier to drill in screws later on. Drill holes for the spindle and the barrel accordingly using a cordless drill. Be careful not to let the drill go through the other side of the door, as it can make the wood splinter.
3. PLACE THE KIT ALONG WITH THE MARKINGS
Trace the door handle’s faceplate on the door using a pencil. Be very accurate with your tracing, as erasing any marks that do not fit the outline of the faceplate won’t help—using a utility knife, cut around the outline of the door handle template.
With the help of a chisel and a hammer, cut out a smooth hole for the latch. Also, smoothen the surface inside the hole for the latch to fit. With the help of a cordless drill, insert two screws at the top and bottom of the latch.
4. ATTACH SCREWS
With the help of the screws that came with your door handle kit, attach the door handle template to your door. Screw the faceplate into the narrow portion of the door. Carefully fit the latch into the smoothened area and fit the screws into the pilot holes that were made earlier.
Slide the template over the door handle and fit it into place. Repeat this process to attach the door handle template on the other side of the door. Ensure that the two handles align, both horizontally and vertically. Screw each handle into the door individually.
5. TEST THE DOOR HANDLE
When you're done fitting the door handle, it is always a good idea to check whether the door is opening and closing properly. Open and close the door several times to check whether the handle is loose or tight. If the door knobs are not working properly, unscrew them and double-check that they have been fit into the spindle.
In case you have drilled out an extra part of the door, fill the gap with cement and paint the portion to make it look even.
DO YOU NEED A DOOR KNOB OR A DOOR HANDLE
Perhaps the most confusing decision will be deciding whether to opt for door handles or door knobs. There are many styles available, ranging from classic traditional designs to modern and contemporary designs.
DOOR KNOB
Door knobs are one of the most timeless and popular choices for period properties and classic designs and modern designs for a more discreet look.
DOOR HANDLE
Door handles have been in use since the early 1800s. Door handles are often easier to operate because of the addition of the lever. The lever provides a better grip, especially for people with mobility restrictions.
Just as the door knobs, the door handles are also available in various styles, colours and finishes. Ultimately, the decision regarding selecting a door knob or a door handle depends upon your personal preference and style choices.
CONCLUSION
If the door handle is installed correctly, the door will stay shut when it’s supposed to, and it will open and close with no creaking and squeaking sound from the door handle. With the above mentioned simple steps on how to fit a door handle, you can fit your door handle effortlessly on any door type.
HOW TO FIT A DOOR HANDLE FAQS
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ARE DOOR HANDLES EASY TO FIT?
Door handles can be quick and easy to either install or replace. If you plan to replace an existing door handle, you will first need to unscrew the existing faceplate and casing, fit the new handle and screw to secure it.
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ARE ALL DOOR HANDLES THE SAME SIZE?
No, not all door handles are of the same size. The industry standards of door handles are usually 44mm, 57mm, 82mm, 107mm, and 130mm.
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CAN I CHANGE A DOOR HANDLE WITHOUT CHANGING THE LOCK?
If you have a door handle on any interior room of your home that doesn't have a lock, replacing the door handle is the only way to fix this issue. If you don’t want the old handle, you'll have to add a latch lock to hold the door in its place.
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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FIT A DOOR HANDLE?
It usually takes three to four hours to fit a door handle. Once you are familiar with the above mentioned easy steps required to fit a door handle, you can even finish fitting a door handle in two hours.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: SHABANA KAUSER
Shabana Kauser is the dynamic owner of Emerald Doors, the famous door-selling company in the UK with immense knowledge and experience in working with architecture, interior design, and home decor. She continues to share tips and technical know-how of balancing interior elements, door fittings, room aesthetics, and the like. Personally, she loves coffee, always dabbling with several blends.
