How to fit a door handle

Now you've selected your door handle, it's time to install it. Our beginner-friendly guide will show you how to fit a door handle for wooden interior doors.

Step 1. Measuring and marking the handle

You'll need a tape measure and a pencil to mark the door. Once you've got your tools, place the tape measure on the floor and extend it to the desired height, ensuring the tape is straight and level. The standard height for door handles is typically around 900–1,050 mm from the floor. However, if there are other doors in the house with handles installed, you may want to match the height of these handles.

Use the pencil to make a small mark at the desired height 36-inch point on the edge of the door. If you're installing a lever handle, measure the distance from the top to the centre of the mounting plate (usually around 127–152 mm). Measure down from the initial height mark to mark the centre point for the handle. Always double-check your measurements and mark the spots where the screws will go to ensure alignment with the handle's mounting plate.

Step 2. Drilling pilot holes

If you're installing a door handle onto a wooden door, you'll first need to drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting when you insert the screws. Start by selecting a drill bit that matches the diameter of the screws or the centre hole for the handle. A 3 mm bit is typically suitable for pilot holes.

Use your earlier door markings to identify where to position the screws, then carefully drill at the marked points, keeping the drill perpendicular to the door to ensure straight holes. Double-check the alignment of the pilot holes with the handle.

Securing the door with a door lifter will ensure accuracy and prevent movement while drilling.

Step 3. Drilling larger holes

If you want to install a latch, you'll also need to drill larger holes for both the latch mechanism itself and for the spindle that connects the door handles on either side, in addition to the smaller pilot holes for the handle screws. In this case, select the appropriate drill bits for the hardware. You'll usually need a 25 mm spade bit for the latch, and a 54 mm hole saw bit for the spindle hole.

Secure the door with a door lifter to ensure accuracy and prevent movement while drilling. Then, use your earlier door markings to identify where to position the latch and spindle. The latch borehole centre should be at the height mark on the door edge. Transfer the height mark to the face of the door (both sides), aligning it with the latch mark to mark the centre point for the spindle hole.

Drill the latch borehole into the door edge, ensuring it's centred and deep enough for the latch. You can then drill the spindle hole through the face of the door, aligning with the latch borehole.

Be sure to check the latch and spindle fit snugly before proceeding with the rest of the handle installation.

Step 4. Chiselling for faceplate

Chiselling out a recess (or a 'mortise') for the faceplate of the door handle will ensure the plate sits flush with the door surface. Start by positioning the faceplate over the hole, tracing around it with a pencil and scoring the door with a utility knife to outline the area you want to chisel. Then, use a sharp chisel (typically 25 mm or 38 mm wide) to carefully score along the pencil lines; this prevents the wood from splintering. 

Holding the chisel at a slight angle, start chiselling out the wood in the outlined area. It's better to work gradually; you don't want to remove too much material at once. Continue to chisel away the wood using controlled, short strokes with your hammer, frequently testing the faceplate in the recess until it sits flush and snugly.

Once you're happy with the size of the recess, you can smooth the edges with the chisel. A chisel with a straight edge will give cleaner lines, but you could also use sandpaper to create a neat finish.

Step 5. Attaching the strike plate

If you're installing a door handle with a latch, you'll need to align and secure the strike plate to the door jamb to ensure the door functions properly. First, close the door to ensure the latch aligns with the area where the strike plate will be installed. Then, keeping the door closed, use a pencil to mark the point on the door jamb where the latch meets. 

Place the strike plate over the marked area, aligning it with the latch. Use a pencil to trace around the edges of the strike plate onto the door jamb. Mark out the holes for the screws, too. Remove the strike plate and drill small pilot holes at the marked corners of the outline. Once you're happy with the alignment, position the strike plate back onto the jamb and insert the screws. Tighten them gently, ensuring the plate remains flush against the jamb.

Be sure to test the latch to ensure it aligns correctly with the pilot holes, closing the door to check the fit before securing the plate.

Step 6. Installing the door handles

Now that all the preparation is done, it's time to install the door handle itself. Slide the latch mechanism into the borehole on the door edge, ensuring the faceplate is flush with the edge. Using a screwdriver, secure the latch with screws.

Align the spindle through the latch mechanism, placing the handles on both sides of the door and making sure they're level and aligned with the latch. If it's a lever handle, double-check the lever is positioned correctly for easy operation. Once you’re happy with the positioning, insert screws through the pilot holes you drilled earlier to secure the handle plates. The screws should pass through the handle and into the latch. 

Turn the handle to test the latch; it should retract and extend smoothly. Make sure both sides work without obstruction. If needed, secure the faceplate, with screws, around the latch to keep it flush with the door edge. Make sure the strike plate aligns correctly with the latch, too. Close the door to make sure the handle and latch align correctly with the strike plate. 

You want the screws to be firmly tightened, but be careful not to over-tighten them, as this could damage the handle or the door.

Step 7. Testing the door handle after installation

After installation, you should test the handle to check it functions properly. There are four key things to look out for when testing the handle:

1. Does the handle turn smoothly without resistance when opening and closing the door?

2. Does the latch retract completely when the handle is turned and engage correctly with the strike plate when the door is closed? (It should make a click sound.)

3. Does the handle work comfortably when used from different angles? For example, directly in front of the door and from the side.

4. Does the handle return to its original position without sticking or needing assistance after using it?

To test the handle, close the door to see how it works with the latch. When the handle is turned, it should properly engage the latch and retract fully. Turn the handle several times to check it operates smoothly. If it feels stiff or doesn't return to its original position, you'll need to make further adjustments. You should test the handle once a week in the first few weeks after installation. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments early on before they damage the door or handle.

Step 8. Adjusting door handles for proper function

If the door handle is sticking, you'll need to adjust it to ensure it functions correctly. Loose screws can affect functionality, so ensure all screws are tightened securely using a screwdriver. Avoid over tightening, though, as this can strip the holes.

If the latch doesn't engage with the strike plate correctly, you may need to reposition it. To do this, loosen the screws holding the latch in place, adjusting its position slightly before retightening the screws. Once you've made your adjustments, test the handle again by opening and closing the door multiple times. Check that the handle engages and disengages the latch easily.

If the handle still feels off, but you're confident all the parts are aligned correctly, you may need to apply a little lubricant to help the parts move smoothly.

There are many different door lock types. So, when choosing and installing your door locks and latches, it's important to think about the door's purpose.

For interior bedroom or bathroom doors, you'll want to use privacy locks or latches that allow you to lock the door from the inside while providing easy access from the outside in case of emergencies.

However, external doors require high-security locks or deadbolts, which are harder to pick and provide an additional layer of protection. UPVC door handles, which are designed for UPVC doors, often include multi-point locking mechanisms for maximum security and ease of use.

How to fit a bathroom door handle with an integrated lock

Now you know how to fit a door handle, we'll explain how to fit a bathroom door handle with an integrated lock. Start by gathering your tools. You'll need a tape measure, pencil, screwdriver, drill, chisel/hammer and your handle/lock kit. Close the door and mark the height for the handle (usually 900–1,050 mm from the floor) and the position for the lock. If there are other doors in the house with handles installed, you may want to match the height of these handles. Use a pencil to mark the centre for both the handle and the lock.  

Drill a pilot hole for the latch, ensuring it's positioned where the locking mechanism aligns with the strike plate. For the integrated lock, chisel out a recess in the door edge to fit the latch and locking mechanism, ensuring it's flush with the door surface. Insert the latch and align it so that the locking mechanism engages smoothly when the handle is turned. Attach the handle, ensuring the lock's pin aligns with the strike plate. Be sure to close the door and test the handle to ensure it locks and unlocks easily.