Fitting an internal door handle may seem like a relatively unimportant DIY task, but it’s worth doing correctly.

A poorly fitted door handle may cause your door to stick (or not stay shut correctly). An old or worn door handle may sag when not in use, or make squeaking sounds every time the door is opened.

So, the question is, can you install a door handle yourself? The good news is, fitting a replacement door handle is a simple task that can be completed in minutes. Once you’ve learned the right technique.

Tools needed

To fit an interior door handle, you’ll typically need a screwdriver, tape measure, drill, spade bit (size may vary), flat wood drill bit (size may vary), chisel, mallet and possibly a set square. It’s also a good idea to grab a pencil for markings and to cover the area with dust sheets.

Time Required: Less than half an hour.

Fitting internal door handles safely

Remember, this is a general guide, and specific steps might differ based on your handle type and existing door setup.

It’s always recommended to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific handle. Consider employing a qualified tradesperson if you’re unsure about any step in the process.

• Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
• Use the correct drill bits to avoid damaging the door or creating misaligned holes.
• Drill carefully and slowly, applying minimal pressure.
• Be mindful of electrical wires when drilling near the doorframe

If you’re not feeling confident with how to install a door handle set, consult a professional to avoid damaging your door or causing injury.

How to fit door furniture video tutorial

How to fit a door handle step by step instructions

Are door handles easy to fit? Use these super-simple instructions to fit an interior door knob or door handle. Don’t use these instructions for an external door, because a simple latch and striker plate will not allow the door to lock securely.

Just so you know, these instructions assume that you’re fitting a door handle or knob into a new door and a clean frame. If you’re replacing an old, worn door handle you may not need to follow all of these steps.

Step one: Cover the area near the door with dust sheets.

Step two: Use a set square to draw a line around the door at the height that you want the latch to go. This line is to be used as a guide to ensure that the door handle is straight.

Step three: Measure the depth that you want the latch to go.

Step four: Put some brightly coloured tape around the drill bit to mark the depth that you want the latch to be at.

Step five: Drill a hole in the narrow edge of the door at the height where the door handle should be. Stop drilling once you reach the depth marked by tape on the drill bit.

Step six: Hold the latch plate over the hole in the door, so that you can see the hole in the door through the latch plate.

Step seven: Draw around the latch plate using a pencil.

Step eight: Remove the latch plate. Using a hammer and chisel, remove a small amount of wood within the marked area, cut out enough wood to allow the latch plate to sit flush against the door.

Step nine: Drill through the door using a hole saw drill bit to make a hole all the way through the door at the point where the door knob will go.

Step 10: Put the latch plate back in place and mark the screw holes using a pencil. Drill holes at those points.

Step 11: Insert the latch, and then screw the latch plate in place.

Step 12: Door knobs and door handles usually come in two separate pieces. Insert one side into the door, then put the other side in place, taking care to correctly line up the screw holes and the central locking mechanism.

Step 13: Measure the point where you want the door handle to be, and mark this location.

Step 14: Screw the two pieces of the door handle together.

Step 15: Measure the position of the latch, and line up the striker plate on the door frame. Test the position carefully to make sure that the door closes correctly.

Step 16: Trace the area around the striker plate with a pencil.

Step 17: Chisel out the wood in the area you have traced, so that the striker plate fits flush into the door frame. Drill a hole into the wood in the area where the latch will fit.

Step 18: Screw the strike plate (and faceplate, if one was provided with your door handle) into the door frame, then test the door to make sure everything moves smoothly. Adjust the strike plate if necessary.

How to fit a door handle: beyond the basics

How high should door handles be?
Most people place their door handles at a height of 990mm, which ensures they’re easy for most adults and older children to reach. You may place your handles higher or lower if you wish.  Make sure the height you choose is easily accessible for all regular guests in your house.

How do I get door latches to sit flush?
To ensure that the latch fits flush against the door, chisel out the wood by placing your chisel against the pencil lines you have marked, and tapping lightly with a hammer. Outline the area of wood that you need to remove, and then remove thin slices of wood by inserting the chisel bevel side down and tapping it with a hammer.

How do I use a chisel when fitting a door handle?
If you’re chiselling with the grain and feel that the wood grain is directing the chisel too deep into the wood, stop work immediately and chisel from the opposite direction instead.  Work slowly. It’s better to remove too little wood than too much. You can always sand down excess wood, but it’s much harder to put wood back!

Should I leave a door striker plate sticking out?
Don’t be tempted to leave part of the striker plate sticking out.  This will make the plate wear down more quickly, giving it a scratched and unappealing appearance, and could cause the door to stick when opening and closing. To hold the door in place while you are working, use two door wedges – one on each side of the door.

How to fit a door handle: Fixing any mistakes

If you make a mistake, don’t panic. You can fill in old screw holes with putty and re-paint them to keep your door looking smooth.

If you need to re-locate the strike plate, simply glue a plug into the old latch hole and sand the affected surface of the door frame so that it is smooth.

Fill in the old screw holes by drilling them out with a 1/4″ inch bit and then gluing plugs cut from 1/4″ dowel into the new holes. Re-paint that area of the door frame for a professional looking finish.

Looking after your door handles

Most door handles require cleaning and maintenance to keep them at their best.

First, use a microfiber cloth to remove dust and loose debris from the handle. Next, make a solution of warm water and dish soap. Dampen a microfiber cloth in the solution, wring it out well, and wipe down the handle. Lastly, make sure to dry thoroughly. Use a second clean, dry microfiber cloth to remove any moisture and prevent streaks.

Chrome door handles
Use warm soapy water for general cleaning. Buff with a dry microfiber cloth

Stainless steel door handles
After general cleaning, use a solution of equal parts white vinegar and olive oil to remove stubborn dirt and fingerprints. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.

Brass door handles
For a deeper clean, make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Apply sparingly, leave for a few minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. Be cautious with lemon juice as it can be harsh on brass in high quantities.

Take care to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners as these can damage the finish of your handles. Also, don’t soak your handles. This can loosen the components or damage the materials.

And keep in mind… regular cleaning can help prevent the build-up of dirt and germs, especially in high-traffic areas. However if your handles are heavily tarnished or damaged, it’s best to upgrade.

How to fit door handles with locks video tutorial

Fit internal door handles with confidence

Is putting a door handle in hard? Once you’re familiar with the steps required to fit a door handle, you should find it to be a simple job. Replacing a door handle should take less than ten minutes, especially if you’re replacing it with one that’s the same size, so there’s no drilling or chiselling required.

Looking to buy door handles online? Browse our selection of stylish and sturdy door hardware and order online in just a few clicks. Want to see how our customers use our door handles? Follow us on Instagram for an extra dose of DIY inspiration.