Door Handle Repair - IFixit

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Door Handle Repair

The key to repair and mastery of your door handles, knobs, and locks.

Author: Sam Goldheart (and 7 other contributors) Create a Guide

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Deadbolt

Euro Cylinder Lock

House Door (Changing Lock)

Kwikset Key-In-Knob Lockset

Mortise Lock

Multipoint Door Lock

Saflok QuantumIV

Guides

Replacement Guides

Battery

Door Knob

Door Lock

Doorknob

Doorknob Privacy Pin

Lock cylinder

Screen Door Handle

Sliding Metal Bolt

Standard Door Lock

Featured

Wrought Iron Security Door Handle

Techniques

How to Change an Indoor Doorknob Handle

How to Fix a Door That Won't Latch

How to Reset Your Schlage Connect to Factory Settings

J-Series Schlage Doorknob Repair

Popular Forum Questions

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1 Answer 0 Score	How remove deadbolt with no visible screws? Deadbolt
1 Answer 0 Score	How do I disassemble the Kwikset Key-In Knob Locket? Kwikset Key-In-Knob Lockset
1 Answer 1 Score	How do I reverse the direction of the lock tongue? Multipoint Door Lock
1 Answer 0 Score	How do I fix my door to lock Door Handle

Tools

These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.

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  Narwhal 6-in-1 Driver

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  Phillips #1 Screwdriver

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  Phillips #0 Screwdriver

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  Phillips #00 Screwdriver

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  Flathead 4 mm Screwdriver

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  Minnow Driver Kit

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  Mini Locking Pliers

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Background & Identification

Most household door handles use a simple mechanism with a screw-style axle (called a spindle) that has at least one flat side, which is passed through the door jigger, leaving some length exposed on each side of the door to which the handles are attached. Some handles are attached on both sides by screwing or sliding them directly onto the spindle, and then securing one or more retaining screws (set screws) through the knob perpendicular to the flat of the spindle.

Handles that lose traction can frequently be repaired by replacing or adjusting the set screw, which prevents them from slipping on the spindle. Other types of handles, typically used in Europe, slide onto the spindle but are affixed only to the door itself without the use of set screws.

 Possible causes for a doorknob or handle to break:

• The screws have become stripped over time. Stripped screws are not able to hold a knob or handle in place as stripped screws cause the loosening of the handle.
• The parts of the knob or handle are old or have not been maintained properly. Old knobs and handles loosen as a result of built-up dirt and grime within the locking mechanism. The lock mechanism may not work simply because the lock is dirty or dry and needs to be lubricated with graphite (do not use any type of oil because this will gum-up the works). An improperly functioning latch may be the result of a poorly fitting door.
• Missing screws is one of the main reasons that knobs and handles become loose. Knobs and handles require that all screws are present and working in order to stay secure and tight.

Additional Information

• Door Knob Replacement
• How to Rekey a Lock
• Door Handle Wiki

Author

with 7 other contributors

Sam Goldheart

Member since: 10/18/12

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538 Guides authored

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