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How to fix loose door handle?

Heather_

One of the door handles on our bedroom has come loose. I am trying to open it up to tighten the relevant screw.

I had a similar problem a while ago, but I can't remember what I did, and the post didn't have any relevant details.

Anyway it looks like this:

I have an Allen Key which fits into the hole and turns, but doing so doesn't seem to have any effect.

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MitchellMc

Hi @Heather _,

Tightening the handle is done from the other side of the door, not the side you’ve shown. The side in your photo contains the brass threaded inserts, which are designed to receive the fixing bolts.

On the opposite handle, you should find two through-bolts (often hidden under a cover plate or escutcheon). When you tighten those bolts, they pull both sides of the handle together and clamp the assembly firmly onto the door, effectively “sandwiching” the door between the two handle halves.

The Allen key you’ve used is likely for a small grub screw that secures the handle to the spindle, but it won’t tighten the whole assembly, so it won’t resolve the looseness you’re seeing.

Once you locate and tighten those two main bolts from the opposite side, the handle should firm up again.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Heather_

This is what the mechanism in the door looks like:

It's easy to see the bolts, but I'm not sure how to tighten them.

EricL

Hello @Heather_

What you are seeing is the receiving side of the door handle. The two brass posts are where the screws go into. When you place the other door handle on top of this, you'll see two holes on the other side where the screws go into. Simply guide them in by hand first and screw it in by hand as far as you can before you use a screwdriver to finish it off.

I also suggest having a look at this guide - How to change a door knob

You'll see in step 5 exactly what I'm trying to describe to you.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Heather_

Thanks, but that just reverses the process of unscrewing it. The door handle is still loose.

EricL

Hello @Heather_

Thank you for sharing that extra photo of your door handle. This clearly shows that the grub screw that is holding the handle in place has come loose. I suggest removing the grub screw all the way and repositioning the handle back into its original location. Once in place re-install the grub screw and make sure that it anchors onto the axel of the door handle.

If the handle is still loose and the grub screw fails to catch, I can only suggest changing the whole set as there are no spare parts for door handles. I suggest looking at the https://www.bunnings.com.au/ikonic-brushed-nickel-fellino-passage-lever-set_p0755189 or something similar at the store.

Please make sure to check out the stores Door Lock Installation Service. Especially if you are looking for a professional to install your door lever.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Heather_

We have a triangular-headed screwdriver:

The door handle on the other side has a hole in it, which has a screw that seems to fit this screwdriver. I think this is the screwdriver we used last time we had this problem.

But the one we want to fix has a hole that just has a flat surface. The screwdriver goes in there, but turning it doesn't do anything.

JacobZ

Hi @Heather_,

I have only ever seen grub screws that have a hex head, which is tighten with an allen key. From what I can see in the first image you posted, it looks like the grub screw has fallen out.

If you shine a light in that little hole on the handle, can you see a little grub screw in there?

If not, then you would have to replace it, in which case I would suggest you head in store with your handle, grab a team member and head to the screw aisle. There are packs like this https://www.bunnings.com.au/pinnacle-m5-m8-black-assorted-grub-screw-set-12-pack_p2420767 which would likely contain a suitably sized replacement, however you would need to use a bit of trial and error to find one that fits.

Once you have a grub screw that fits, you'd reinstall it and tighten it up with the corresponding allen key.

This should in theory realign the handle and prevent the sagging.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

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