fixing interior door handle

Brie

is there any simple way to fix a door handle where the screws into wood on one side have been stripped out? 

Basically when one goes to close the bathroom door from the hall you need to pull the handle until the bits click home.  but as the screws no longer are doing anything (basically they've now fallen out) it's a bit of a delicate process.  I wonder if there's some way to remove the handle, add a flat thin-ish piece of wood screwed to the door and then the handle plate screwed to the new bit of wood.  It makes sense in my brain but I'm guessing that as the internal bits (stalk? post?) are only so long so that making the door thicker would throw everything out of alignment.  

I don't want to get a different door handle as this matches the others on the hall.  And it would be great if there was an easy DIY way to fix this without involving a proper carpenter.  Currently the plate has been glued to the door but this is about the 3rd time this has been done and it only lasts a couple of months.

In case you are interested the reason the screws have been stripped out of the wood is down to an elderly individual either wrenching the handle hard to shut the door or leaning on the handle when having a mobility wobble.  Not sure if the elder will be returning or not but if so the glue solution won't last very long.

Murmansk

I'm presuming the screw holes are a bit too big. Get some matches and dip them in wood glue, push/hammer them into the holes - as many matches as are needed, maybe two?

Let the glue set then break off the matches level with the door surface. You now don't have a screw hole any more but you can screw the screws into the former hole and if you push it hard enough whilst driving it it'll go in nice and tight and your handle will be secured.

Norman_Castle

Assuming its a solid door the above will work but also try longer screws though obviously not too long.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

if no matches then wooden cocktail sticks will do the job.

lesalanos

Or if all else fails inter screws may work 

Brie

thanks all - will try the glue and matchsticks!!!

Murmansk

lesalanos said:

Or if all else fails inter screws may work 

What's an inter screw?

BUFF

another alternative would be something like https://www.amazon.co.uk/Handle-Fixing-Screws-Escutcheons-4Pieces/dp/B07Q2N8QRL/ref=asc_df_B07Q2N8QRL

FreeBear

Murmansk said:

lesalanos said:

Or if all else fails inter screws may work 

What's an inter screw?

Something like this - https://www.screwfix.com/p/inter-screws-m4-x-10-pack/65152

Other sizes/styles available.

plumb1_2

You need to use the ones Buff has posted, male/female threaded fixings.
Plus if you need to pull on the handle to get the latch to engage, the receiver might need adjustment 

GDB2222

Those inter-screws only work if the lock doesn't get in the way. Is it a lock, or a simple latch?