How To Install a Door Handles?

Step 1: Measure the height of the door handle

There are several ways to calculate the height of the door handle. You can measure the height of the handles on other doors in the house and use that. Alternatively, you can read the instructions that came with the door handle kit and use that height. Or you can use standard height handlebars, i.e. 1050mm off the ground. Once you have determined the height of the door handle, measure and mark the side of the door. Before you start installing the door handle, place a door wedge under the door to keep it from moving while you work. Move the wedges as you change the side of the door you're working on.

Step 2: Mark the location of the door handle

Use the template provided in the door handle kit to mark where you will drill the holes. Align the template with the marks you made for the height of the door handle. Mark the template where you will drill the holes on the sides and front of the door. Repeat this process to mark where you will drill holes on the other side of the door.

Step 3: Drill pilot holes in the door

Using the template, use a 2mm drill to drill holes on the front, back and sides of the door at the marked locations. Before drilling, make sure you are at right angles to the door. Do not drill directly through the door, as this may cause the wood on the opposite side to splinter.

Step 4: Drill pilot hole

Before starting the next step, read the instructions in the door handle kit, each kit may be slightly different. After drilling the pilot hole, insert a larger bit into the cordless drill. Use it to make all the pilot holes on the front, back and sides of the door larger. Don't let the drill go through the other side of the door as it will splinter the wood.

Step 5: Drill a hole for the spindle

Attach the 25mm spade drill to the cordless drill. Make sure the door is properly wedged and won't move, drill a spade drill into the center hole in the front of the door. Repeat this drilling process on the other side of the door. These holes are where the spindle of the door handle is inserted.

Step 6: Drill a hole for the barrel

Using the spade bit from the cordless drill, make a hole in the side of the door. This is where the barrel is inserted. Before you start drilling, make sure you are at right angles to one side of the door so you are drilling at the correct angle.

Step 7: Mark around the panel

Insert the latch on the door handle into the hole you drilled in the side of the door. Use a pencil to draw around the panel. Remove the latch and panel from the door. Use a sharp utility knife to cut around the outline of the panel.

Step 8: Drill a hole for the latch

Use a sharp chisel and hammer to make a hole for the latch. The cut you make with a utility knife is your guideline for stopping gouging. Also, chisel inside the hole to install the latch. Insert the latch into the side of the door and see if its panel is flush with the door. If not, gouge some more until it's flush.

Step 9: Attach the latch to the door
Insert the latch into the side of the door. Using a 2mm drill bit, drill pilot holes where the screws will attach the latch to the door. Use a cordless drill to drill into the two screws on the top and bottom of the latch.

Step 10: Install the striker plate
To determine where to install the striker plate, almost close the door and mark the middle of the barrel on the door frame. Place the striker plate against the door frame so that it is centered on the latch. Mark the top and bottom of the striker plate on the door frame.

Step 11: Drill a hole for the striker plate
Using the mark in the middle of the barrel, drill a pilot hole in the center of the inside of the door frame. Then attach the 25mm spade bit to the cordless drill and drill the pilot hole.

Step 12: Draw around the striker plate
Hold the striker plate against the hole drilled on the inside of the door frame. Line it up with the top and bottom lines you drew on the side of the door frame. Use a pencil to draw around the strike plate. Remove the striker plate from the door. Use a utility knife to cut around the outline of the striker.

Step 13: Chisel out the grooves for the strike plate
After cutting around the contour of the striker, use a sharp chisel and hammer to chisel a groove for the striker. The cut you make with a utility knife is your guideline for stopping gouging. Insert the striker into the groove to make sure it is flush. If not, chisel some more wood.

Step 14: Install the striker plate
Rest the striker plate against the inside of the door frame. Using a 2mm drill bit, make two pilot holes for the screws to attach the striker plate. Then use a cordless drill to secure the two screws on the top and bottom of the striker.

Step 15: Install the handle
Remove the panel from the two handles. Insert the two grub screws into the smaller holes in the door, then insert the bolts into the larger holes. Put the panel on one of the handles, but make sure the handle is turned down before connecting. Insert the screw into one of the holes in the panel and slide the handle over the barrel, making sure the screw goes into the grub screw. Tighten the screws. Repeat this process to attach another handle. Tighten the grub screws on both handles. Tighten the screws on the top and bottom of the handle to secure it to the door.

Step 16: Installation panel
Slide the panel over the door handle and snap it into place. Use the hex key provided in the door handle kit to lock and secure the panel. In this kit, the hex key holes are on the bottom of the panel. Repeat this process to connect another panel. When you're done, it's a good idea to check that the door opens and closes correctly.