A loose door handle starts out as an annoyance, but left unfixed could lead to getting stuck in or out of a room!
Luckily fixing a door handle is a fairly straightforward task that shouldn’t take much time to complete. So whether you want to fix a loose door handle or replace a door knob for one that better suits your style, read our guide below for a step-by-step guide to how to repair a door handle.
How to fix a door handle
Tools Needed:
- Philips screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Allen key
- Replacement screws (if necessary)
Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: Approximately £5 – £10
Step 1. Find the screws
On some door handles this is very simple, since the screws are always visible. However, other types of handles have hidden screws. If this is the case, you’ll need to find a small hole or a protruding pin on the side of the door handle. This is called the detent access hole or pin.
Step 2. Remove the door handle
If the screws are already visible, you can unscrew them with a flathead screwdriver and remove the handle. If not, push in the detent pin (or insert the end of an Allen key into the detent access hole to push it down). Pull the handle away from the door while depressing the pin to remove it.
If the door handle is still attached to the door, look for a set screw at the bottom of the handle that may be locking it in place. Remove it with a screwdriver.
You may need to use a flathead screwdriver to carefully prise the backplate away from the door and access the screws. If the backplate is round, try turning it anti-clockwise to unscrew it.
Step 3. Examine the screws
Once you’ve removed the screws, it’s time to check for signs of damage. If they look bent or warped, this is likely the cause of your loose door handle. You’ll need to buy new screws to replace them – we recommend taking the old screws to the DIY shop to make sure you get the correct replacements.
Step 4. Realign the door handle
A misaligned door handle is one of the most common reasons for it becoming loose. Place the spindle (the long bar that is perpendicular to the handle) squarely into the door, rotating the handle so that it sits in the right place.
Depending on the type of door handle you have, you may need to replace the backplate before realigning the handle.
Step 5. Replace the screws and tighten
Once you’re happy with the positioning of the door handle, you can reinsert the screws and tighten them using a screwdriver. Make sure that the handle stays aligned as you work, and don’t tighten the screws fully until they are all in place in case you have to make adjustments.
You may need to use an Allen key to tighten the set screw (if there is one) to make sure that the handle is secure.
Step 6. Repeat the process on the other side of the door
Don’t forget that you’ll also need to reattach the door handle and backplate on the other side of the door! Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws, and make sure you align the door handle correctly.
Step 7. Test the door handle (on both sides)
Finally, check that the door handle is now working properly. If you need to make any final adjustments, you can do this by tightening or loosening the screws until you are happy with the positioning.
How to fix a door knob
If you have a traditional round door knob that is loose and spins freely, the process of fixing it is much the same as for a door handle. However, there are a couple of tips that are useful for this type of door knob in particular.
- Look for a small screw on the door knob collar or backplate that fits into the groove of the spindle (the long metal bar that goes through the door). If the screw is loose it will need tightening. If it is dirty or worn, you may need to clean or replace it.
- If the hole that the screw fits into has become larger than the screw over time, you can fill the excess space with small pieces of wood from a coffee stirrer or an ice lolly stick. Then fix the screw back in place and it should sit more securely, stopping your door knob from spinning.
Hopefully you’re now feeling confident about fixing your loose door handle. Need some help with DIY around the house? Find a Tasker near you today.
