How to fit door handles: a guide

This guide outlines two common ways of fitting door handles. Always follow the instructions supplied with your particular handle and door: the door's age alone does not determine the mounting method.

Before starting, check the door thickness, lock, spindle dimensions and fixing-hole spacing. The drawings show examples, not a universal standard for all doors.

Read our guide to 30 mm and 38 mm fixing centres if you need help measuring.

Fitting handles with through bolts

1. Remove the old handle. Use the correct screwdriver and loosen the fixings carefully without damaging their heads.
2. Check the spindle. Confirm its size and length against the new handle's instructions. Do not shorten it unless the manufacturer permits this and specifies the required fit.
3. Check the bolts. Use the correct fixings for the door thickness. Some break-off screws can be shortened at marked points; follow the supplied instructions rather than assuming every screw can be cut.
4. Fit and tighten. Install any supplied guides or locating parts as instructed. Tighten with a hand screwdriver, avoiding overtightening, and check that the handle moves freely.
5. Secure the handle. If the design uses a grub screw, position and tighten it against the spindle as the manufacturer directs.

Fitting handles with wood screws

Some timber-door arrangements use roses fixed directly into the wood. Use this method only where the door and handle are designed for it.

1. Remove the old handle carefully with the correct screwdriver.
2. Check the replacement spindle's dimensions and fit. Shorten it only if permitted by the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Fit the rose with the specified wood screws. Tighten carefully by hand and check that the handle moves freely.
4. Secure any grub screw or other retaining mechanism according to the handle's instructions.

Test the handles and latch with the door open before closing it. If the handle binds, feels loose or the latch does not return correctly, resolve the cause before use. Seek professional help if you are unsure about compatibility or installation.

Explore brass, wooden, black and Arne Jacobsen door handles, plus door stops. See our interior door handles and compare each product's dimensions with your door, fixing centres and lock.

For more projects, read our guides to making a coat rack and installing cabinet handles and knobs.