How to replace front door handle?

boots_babe

Hi,

We want to replace our front door handle as it's pretty old and looks awful. Problem is it isn't at all clear how you would take it off to put a new one on - is it necessary to get a locksmith to do something like this or is it possible to do it yourself?

Thanks.

phill99

Need much more information. Is it a timber door, uPVC, steel? What kind of handle is it?> Brass lever type, or if its uPVC, is is a Euro lock handle?

ukwoody

Phil is correct, however, I have a suspicion here. Have a look around the shank of the handle, see if there is a small allen screw holding the handle onto the spindle bar. If so, undo it and that should release the handle.

woody

boots_babe

Sorry - as you can tell I don't know much about DIY :rolleyes:

It's a wooden door with a brass handle fitting. The brass fitting says 'Lockmaster' down the side, can't see any other markings.

Is that enough info? Thanks.

boots_babe

ukwoody wrote: »

Phil is correct, however, I have a suspicion here. Have a look around the shank of the handle, see if there is a small allen screw holding the handle onto the spindle bar. If so, undo it and that should release the handle.

woody

Just had a look...but there isn't an allen screw on there. To try and describe it a bit better, down the edge of the door, right from top to bottom, there is a brass bar embedded in teh door edge. To lock the door you just turn the key once, and likewise to unlock.

I thought maybe there would be some kind of model number printed on it somewhere, but all I can see the is text Lockmaster.

ukwoody

It sounds like a multipoint type locking system. There will be either two bolts, (may look like srew heads) one top, one bottom of the handle going through the door to bolt onto the handle on the otherside. OR if the backplate of the hnadle is round in shape, you will probably find it is actually a cover that if you use a thin flat screwdriver *just* under the edge of it, will prise off revealing the screws or blots.

woody

ukwoody

Just double checked. Lock master is indeed a multipoint system.
woody

boots_babe

ukwoody wrote: »

It sounds like a multipoint type locking system. There will be either two bolts, (may look like srew heads) one top, one bottom of the handle going through the door to bolt onto the handle on the otherside. OR if the backplate of the hnadle is round in shape, you will probably find it is actually a cover that if you use a thin flat screwdriver *just* under the edge of it, will prise off revealing the screws or blots.

woody

Thank you for the replies :T

I've just looked again, there are no screws on outer side of door handle, but inner side of door handle (which is oblong) has 2 phillips screws, one at the top, one at the bottom.

Is it really as simple as just removing these screws? The brass running down the length of the door edge looked rather complex, if I can just undo these 2 screws I'll be v happy, as I'd thought the answers would come back to say we needed a locksmith.

Will have a go at removing tomorrow and see if it works. My next problem will be how to buy the correct replacement. I can ask at B&Q or somewhere for Lockmaster, but wouldn't I need to get the right model? I can take a photo on my phone, but just because it looks the same wouldn't necessarily mean it was the correct replacement iyswim?

Thanks again.

ukwoody

Right. here we go. Yes all you should have to do is remove the two screws and the handles will just drop off. You may need to prise the bar a little if it is rusted inside the handle. Now the trickey part. I assume the oblong backplate also has the keyhole in it, which the "cylinder" the bit the key actually fits into - sticks out of a little.
There is a very important measurement here. The PZ measurement. From the centre of the spindle (the middle of the handle where the bar would go through) to the middle of the round part of the cylinder - NOT the actual middle of the whole keyhole shape - just the round top bit). That will probabaly be about 92mm. That is very important. (actually I've just checked and unless they've changed it recently they are indeed 92mm but please double check)
You then need the distance between the middle of the two screws that hold the handle on. Again unless you fancy redrilling them this measurement is important.

You might then be better off going onto the www.locksonline.co.uk website and have a look. If you care to give Eve a ring from there on 01646 698218, she is very experienced in these and can find almost any design you wish. She is well versed in the measurements and details. Please tell her I put you in touch.

woody

ukwoody

Here is a picture of how to measure the PZ http://www.upvcwindow-doorparts.co.uk/static.php?page=HOW_TO_GUIDE

woody

boots_babe

Thank you so much for all your help. I'm at work at the moment but I will have a look at measuring up tonight, then check out the site you've recommended. Really appreciate you taking the time to post :beer: