Door handles coming loose. Can they be fixed?

gazfocus

About a year ago we had some new doors fitted. The handles we opted for have the round bit that screws to the door rather than the rectangle plates.

Unfortunately, the door handles on every door have started to come loose and I'd really like to get them fixed. The doors were quite expensive, so don't really want to have to replace them just because the guy fitting them didn't fit the handles correctly.

So, can anyone please recommend what I can do to fix them? One door in particular is really awkward to open because every time you try to open it, the handle moves position where it should be tightly screwed to the door, so it is the screws that are loose.

Am I best filling the screw holes and screwing into the filler, or is there something I can get that will make the handles more secure long term?

societys_child

Can they be fixed?

No doubt they can. Have you got a photo?

Mr.Generous

Wonder if they are hollow doors and they have been hung with the lock block on the hinge side in error. If the screws are pulling loose because they are only through the door skin that could be the problem.

If there is a solid block behind the handles just knock some wood into the screw holes, cut off flush and re-screw.

gazfocus

societys_child wrote: »

No doubt they can. Have you got a photo?

I'll get a photo and post it.

Mr.Generous wrote: »

Wonder if they are hollow doors and they have been hung with the lock block on the hinge side in error. If the screws are pulling loose because they are only through the door skin that could be the problem.

If there is a solid block behind the handles just knock some wood into the screw holes, cut off flush and re-screw.

Some of the doors are hollow but I believe they have a solid block on both sides (they certainly sound it when knocking on them), although I wouldn't put it past the guy that fitted them.

Two of the doors (one of which is the worst) are solid doors.

If just seen these on Screwfix so if a normal set of handles aren't any better, I might try some...https://www.screwfix.com/p/easy-click-delta-lever-on-rose-handles-pair-polished-nickel/6977v

ceredigion

If the correct door latches were used , there should be a hole and cutaway in the latch which allows for a retaining bolt to go right through the door to the handle on the other side. Pulling the two door handles tight together. Then there is a little grub screw under the handle that tightens up against the bar to secure everything in place.

gazfocus

ceredigion wrote: »

If the correct door latches were used , there should be a hole and cutaway in the latch which allows for a retaining bolt to go right through the door to the handle on the other side. Pulling the two door handles tight together. Then there is a little grub screw under the handle that tightens up against the bar to secure everything in place.

He definitely didn't use the bolts that go through the door because I remember questioning why he didn't.

We've decided to go and buy a new set of handles tomorrow and will have a go at fitting them with the retaining bolts.

gingerbreadmen

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00X7QOIH0/ref=asc_df_B00X7QOIH056235257/?!!!!!googshopuk-21&creative=22146&creativeASIN=B00X7QOIH0&linkCode=df0&hvadid=207961523712&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3210795405882854316&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006702&hvtargid=pla-423840516478
This worked for me when my handles started to become lose.

EachPenny

gazfocus wrote: »

He definitely didn't use the bolts that go through the door because I remember questioning why he didn't.

We've decided to go and buy a new set of handles tomorrow and will have a go at fitting them with the retaining bolts.

If they've come loose in a year then the first thing I'd question is whether the screws are suitable... if they are too short or too thin then they won't have enough grip to cope with regular opening and closing of the door.

Sometimes things like door handles are provided with fitting screws, and invariably they are cheap poor quality ones.

Before spending money on new handles, check the screws are ok (this is where a photo will be useful )

gazfocus

Ok, so I've just taken the handle off and what a mess. Haven't had chance to take photo's yet, but I think the route of the issue is that he's only put 2 screws in the one side and 3 screws in the other side. He's not put the grub screws in, and he's not used to retaining bolts.

To top it off, the latch is faulty as in the 'open' position, the square hole is at an angle but instead of swapping it for a working latch, he's just screwed the handle to the door at an angle instead.

So, I think I need to fill the holes that are already there, get some grub screws that fit and some retaining bolts, and a new latch.

Niv

Instead of filler you could use a (spent) matchstick. I have done this successfully on a number of occasions.

Niv

Meant to add - However from what you have said the screws may not be long/wide enough so maybe just upgrading the screw size will do.