How To Fit A Door Handle in 7 Easy and Simple Steps

To fit and install your door handle perfectly, you will require the following tools.

• Tape Measure
• Board or door lifters
• Drill Bits
• Spirit levels
• Sharp Chisel
• Hammer
• Door wedges
• Pencil
• Safety Glasses
• Screwdriver
• New Door Handle Kit
  

How to Fit A New Door Handle?

With everything prepared, you can start fitting the new door handle. The steps below will guide you through the process from start to finish.

Step 1: Measure and Mark the Door

First, choose the right height for your door handle. In most UK homes, handles sit about 1 metre (1000 mm) from the floor, so use this as your guide. Use a tape measure and pencil to mark this height on both sides of the door, and then check the line with a spirit level to ensure it’s straight. Once the height is set, place the handle’s template (or the handle itself) on the door and mark the spots where you’ll drill the spindle hole and the latch hole on the door edge.

Step 2: Drill Pilot and Spindle Holes

Once your marks are in place, start drilling the holes for the handle. Begin with small pilot holes using a 2 mm drill bit to guide your larger bits and prevent the wood from splitting. Then drill the spindle hole through both sides with an 8 mm bit (or the size the handle requires), drilling from each side so the hole meets cleanly in the middle. For the latch on the door edge, use a 25 mm hole saw or the correct larger bit. Wear goggles and keep the door steady.

Step 3: Chisel Latch Recess

Push the latch into the hole on the door edge to check the fit, then trace around its faceplate with a pencil. Remove the latch and use a sharp chisel to gently cut a shallow recess inside the outline. Work slowly so you only take off a thin layer of wood. The goal is to make the faceplate sit flat with the door edge for a neat, smooth finish.

Step 4: Install the Latch Mechanism

Slide the latch back into the hole, making sure the slanted side faces the door frame so the door closes smoothly. Hold it in place and use your drill to make small pilot holes through the screw points on the faceplate. Then fix the latch with screws and tighten them until the faceplate sits flat and secure. Check that the latch moves in and out easily before moving to the next step.

Step 5: Place the Door Handle

Slide the spindle bar through the hole so it sticks out on both sides of the door. Place one handle over the spindle, then line up the matching handle on the other side. Make sure both handles sit straight and feel even. Use a screwdriver to fix the screws into the handle’s fixing points, tightening them gently so the handles stay secure without becoming too stiff.

Step 6: Fit the Strike Plate

Close the door gently to see where the latch touches the door frame, then mark that spot with a pencil. Hold the strike plate over the mark and trace around it. Use a chisel to create a shallow recess so the plate sits flat in the frame. Once it fits neatly, drill small pilot holes and screw the strike plate into place, keeping it straight and secure.

Step 7. Testing the Door

Open and close the door a few times to check how smoothly the handle and latch work. Turn the handle to make sure the latch moves in and out without sticking. If the door feels too tight, too loose, or the handle wobbles, adjust the screws slightly until everything feels secure. Keep testing until the door opens, closes, and locks into the strike plate cleanly.

Key Takeaway

Fitting a door handle is easier than most people think and only takes about thirty minutes from start to finish. With basic tools like a drill, tape measure, and screwdriver, you can give your doors a fresh new look without paying for professional help. Follow each step carefully, measure twice before drilling, and take your time with the chisel work for the best results. Once you've fitted your first handle, you'll feel confident enough to tackle every door in your home.

If you need quality doors or matching hardware, Emerald Doors is here to support you. We offer a wide range of external doors and internal doors, along with door accessories such as handle sets, knobs, and more to suit every style. If you’re unsure which option works best for your home, our team is always ready to guide you toward the right choice.