Installing a door handle with a screwdriver

How to Change a Door Handle for a uPVC Door

Here is a step-by-step guide to change a door handle that anyone can do in 5 minutes with video and text instructions.

Does your uPVC door handle feel floppy and loose or does it droop? These are the two most common problems you might encounter if your door handle is not working properly.

The problem is rarely with the actual door handle and more often with the spring or spindle inside which will be apparent when you remove the door handle unit. Over time, with excessive use or force, the square spindle can wear and round off and the spring becomes displaced or broken.

To fix any problems, it’s better to replace the full door handle instead of just the spring or spindle, but this is a straightforward five-minute job that anyone with a screwdriver can do.

To change your door handle watch the video below as one of our Everest experts walks you through the easy step-by-step guide.

Tools you will need	Duration
Manual or Electric Screwdriver, Measuring Tape & Replacement Handle	5 minutes

How to Remove the Door Handle

Let's start by covering the steps for removing the old door handle. You may want to have a go at removing the old handle before buying a new one to ensure you choose the right handle. Most common door designs use a universal sized handle giving customers a large range of options to choose from.

Step 1

First, make sure the door you are working on is secured safely open using a door wedge. This will make the procedure easier to complete without the worry of the door closing mid-operation.

Step 2

Then begin to loosen the screws that are holding the handle in place. Composite door handles typically have two screws holding them in place and they will be on the inside of the door for security. If you're struggling to locate the screws, they will most likely be covered by caps for aesthetic purposes.

Step 3

Once you have removed the screws, both the outer handle and the interior handle will slide out together. Make sure you do this slowly and keep hold of both outer and interior handles as you remove them. You don’t want to lose or damage any pieces in case they are needed again in the future.

How to put the new door handle on

The process for installing the new handle is the same as the process to remove the pre-existing handle, just in the reverse order. So as long as you have measured your old handle accurately, replacing your door handle should be extremely simple and stress-free, with all the features lining up perfectly in place.

A final check should be carried out before calling the job completed. Move the handle up and down to check if it moves freely and to see if the mechanics open and close the door properly. Try locking and unlocking the door using the key, to make sure you have a secure door and handle that protects your house and its belongings.

Changing a door handle is extremely simple and almost anyone can easily take on the job themselves saving you time and cost of hiring a professional to do the job for you.