How To Fix A Loose Lever Door Handle

Here s a quick guide on how to tighten that loose lever doorknob with hidden screws.

How to fix a loose lever door handle.

Look for these fasteners along the base of the lever then use an allen wrench that fits snugly into the head of the fastener. Go slowly with this so you won t end up stripping the screw head. I show how i tightened my loose door handle that is made by kwikset. This type is usually found on round doorknob hardware sets.

If it is a threaded shaft you will have to twist the shaft s handle to make it flush with the door. That s because modern door hardware uses a hidden mechanism called a detent to fasten the doorknob that can only be released using a small screwdriver tip or the end of a paper clip depending on your style of hardware. Using either a screwdriver or allen key loosen the set screw and remove the handle which will uncover the shaft. Keep the handle in place and replace the set screw on the bottom of the lever.

I show how i tightened my loose door handle that is made by kwikset. Levers handles slide onto a rod assembly with a set screw. Turn the wrench to remove the fastener then pull the lever away from the door by hand. Repeat this process for the other side of the door as well.

To depress the detent insert a small flat blade screwdriver through the slot to press and release the detent while twisting and removing the. Using an awl or small screwdriver push the button in all the way and at the same time pull off the handle. Use an allen wrench to remove the lever. Step 4 repeat on opposite side.

When dealing with a lever door handle fixing the problem will require only the most basic of tools and about 10 minutes of time. This type is found commonly on lever style door handles. Be careful so you don t chip any door paint. To depress the detent use the end of a metal paper clip or the point of an awl inserting it into the hole and pressing the detent down while twisting and removing the door handle shaft off the spindle.

A loose lever requires some readjustment to properly fit into the rod assembly. Some lever handles have hexagonal shaped fasteners that require an allen wrench for removal. If exposed screws are being used you will have to find the set screw which is normally found on the inside of the door. Remove the door rose by inserting a small screwdriver into the small notch in the rose and twisting the tool to pop it off.

This screw fits in a groove on the round lever rod. Look for a small hole usually on the right side of the lever base and insert the end of a paper clip to release the detent thus allowing you to remove the lever. That s done by hiding the screws under a decorative cover plate that pops off but getting the doorknob off or lever in this case can be frustrating when there is no visible way to remove it.