Provided you have some experience with tools, installing door handles is a simple task if approached with care.
If in doubt, we recommend hiring a professional - but when taking the DIY route, these tips should help keep you on the right track and have your new handles in action in no time.
Note: These tips are a guide only - follow the exact steps as recommended in the instructions for your own handles, as they can differ depending on the function or brand.
1. Pick the right handle for the job
Internal doors may only need passage handles - bedrooms or bathrooms may require privacy-lock sets.
The style and finish should reflect your space - with an emphasis on compatibility with other stylistic choices throughout the home
The condition of the door will make a big difference, with new doors being much easier to install on compared to ones already in place with existing holes that may or may not interfere with the installation..
Care should also be taken with older hollow-core doors as they can split apart very easily.
2. Get Your Toolkit Together
Make sure you have everything you need on hand before you begin.
You will most likely need:
- Drill bits
- Drill
- Spade bits
- Allen key (included with Mucheln handles)
- Chisel
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Protective gear such as safety glasses
- Pencil
- Utility knife
- Set square
- Hole saw
- Ruler
- Drilling template and instructions for your handle of choice
3. Prep your Door, then Measure and Mark
Bonus Tip: The average height a door lever is installed off the ground is 1050mm
- Wedge your door open to prevent movement during installation.
- Cover the surrounding area with a dust sheet to catch debris.
- If your door has existing hardware installed, remove it and make sure the door surface is clean.
- Using your cutting template and a pencil, mark out the required holes onto the door surface - we recommend marking from both sides of the door.
- If you don’t have a template, a set square and tape measure will help you mark out what you need.
4. Drilling - Start Slow, Finish Clean
- Drill into the door with your holesaw or spade bit; stop once the pilot tip emerges, then finish from the other side to avoid splintering.
- Be careful to keep your drill straight and level. Go carefully to avoid splitting the edge of the door.
- Take your time and make sure your tools are sharp for better accuracy.
5. Set & Secure your Latch
- Use a chisel to cut out the area for the latch faceplate to sit flush in the door. Mark out against the grain first (i.e.. the top and bottom of the latch) and take care with the edges. Sometimes a stanley knife blade can help get an even cut. A router is another option if you have experience with one.
- Secure the latch with the supplied wood screws. Don’t overtighten.
6. Secure the Handle
Note: These steps are intended as a guide for Mucheln lever handles or lever handles that use inner roses and connecting screw posts. As always, refer to the information provided with your specific product.
- Attach the posts to the flat side of your inner rose with the connecting screws - tighten with a screwdriver
- Insert the inner rose into the lever and secure the grub screw - be careful not to overtighten
- Place the spindle through the hole in the latch so it protrudes evenly from each side of the door
- Place the handle and rose assembly over the spindle and tighten the grub screw
- Check that the handle operates smoothly and the latch extends and retracts fully without getting stuck. If not, back off all screws and check that none are overtightened. Realign the handle and try again. If there is still an issue, remove the handle completely and test the remaining side. Work backwards from there until the source of the issue is found. Re-drill or chisel if needed.
7. Fit the Strike Plate on the door frame
- Gently close the door until the latch is touching the door frame. Using a sharp pencil, mark the top and bottom points of where the latch meets the frame
- Position the striker plate and trace around it with a pencil or utility knife
- Drill the main recess with a spade bit, position the dust box, then screw in the plate
- Gently close the door and ensure the latch extends across the plate and into the frame easily - if not, you may need to reposition the striker plate
If in doubt, take a look at our install videos below:
If you still need advice or assistance with an install, our experienced customer service team is also available to help:
support@hardwarebox.com.au or contact us.
