How to attach bifold door handle?

Hello @marieneedshelp

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about your door handle installation.

From your description something is happening between the time that you put the front plate on and installing the mounting screws onto the other side. I suggest tyring this method. Remove the plate that allows the screws to pass through and leave the plate that has the screw posts in it. Attach the screws onto this plate and observe if either screw is not totally level.

While the screws are attached place the other plate beside the screws and observe if they are lining up with the entry holes of the plate. You'll immediately see if there are alignment issues, plus this will also tell you if the screw needs to put in at an angle in order to meet up with the mounting posts on the other side.

Your choices are to install the door handle even if one of the screws goes in at angle or replace the entire unit with a new set.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/30394#Comment_30394

Hi Eric, Thanks for your suggestion. However when I went to remove the plate you suggested to remove, which is on the internal side of the door, I couldn't because the lock/latch that you turn to lock the door prevents you from removing it - it keeps it in place. I can only move that plate a few mils out, as you can see from the photo. The external plate comes completely off though. Thats the one I screwed the screws into to make sure they screwed in ok whilst not on the door. On the external side I can see the screws poking through, and try to centre them but as soon as I put that plate back on they lose their position as there's nothing to support them. I can't help but think there's an easy solution but I just can't work it out. Thanks for that suggestion though:)

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/77655#Comment_77655

Thanks for that additional information. My next suggestion is to line both plates up and install just one of the screws onto the assembly. The objective here is to at least make sure that one of the screws is working. If the screw holds both plates properly, I suggest getting a torch and have a look if you can see the mounting post through the mounting hole. Theoretically you should be able to see the mounting post through the mounting hole. It should also tell you if the second post is out of alignment.

Please give this a try and tell me if you are able to spot any misalignment.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/102877#Comment_102877

Hi Eric, Thank you once again for that suggestion. I have been trying to fix this door since 9 am this morning. A couple of times I've managed to get one screw in. Now, I can't seem to even manage that. I have tried looking through the hole with a torch but it's still too dark to see. It's crazy how loose this screw sits inside. I know it keeps moving as I put the door handle on even though I'm holding in place with a screwdriver. I've attached 2 pics of when I'm trying to centre the screw with a screwdriver and another pic when I remove the screwdriver just as an indication of how much the screw moves.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/118456#Comment_118456

While I'm trying to think up of other possible solutions.

Let me call on some of our experienced members @Dave-1, @TedBear and @JoeAzza for their recommendations regarding your door handle installation.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127659#Comment_127659

Thanks, Eric

Dave-1

Good afternoon @marieneedshelp

I know that frustration! I had the same a few weeks back when I was trying to put back together my screen door handle. I watched so many videos and I followed instructions closely. It wasnt until I realised that the door had to be in place to put the lock in to catch on the catch plate that I had that ah-hah! moment.

I just had a quick look for exterior bifold door handles (On youtube) for install but havnt found any yet. I will have a look again when I get home.

I am thinking if you know the brand (not sure if you have said it) then maybe there are install instructions that will show that tiny step that might be missing.

The last bit of advice is maybe loosing off the plate taht sits in the side of the door handle area. Not remove just loosen it to give the whole handle some movement?

Dave

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/30399#Comment_30399

Hi Dave,

Thanks for replying. I have been on YouTube trying to find some similar situation but, like yourself, I haven't found anything similar. The only brand name I can find is on the actual lock section itself, but haven't found anything online with that name that looks like my particular door handle. It's called Union Assa Abloy. I've had no luck online that's why I've headed here in case someone has had a similar experience and can point me in the right direction:)

JoeAzza

it looks like the nut section is loose, is it possible to check and tighten the female threaded section, then try to re fit the screws, if unable to do this, try a spare longer threaded screw or piece of all thread cut longer than than door thickness and the two door handles , then line up both handles with the longer threaded bar, either clamp or tape in place, then undo one of the threaded rods and fit the original screw, tighten, then do the same for the other threaded rod, if you don’t have threaded rod, use a longer screw with the head cut off.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/30401#Comment_30401

Hi JoeAzza, thanks for your reply. I think the female threaded section you're referring to is already a part of the plate, as in its welded on type of thing so it's not loose. I'll attach a pic. I've stuck cotton buds in them to draw your attention to it. Nothing is working. I tried longer screws but as soon as I removed them I was back to square one. I'm starting to think whoever attached this door handle in the first place may have used screws that are 1 or 2 millimetres too short. I think I'll pop into Bunnings tomorrow and try and find a screw that's just a tad longer. Something just isn't making sense.

JoeAzza

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/77658#Comment_77658

@marieneedshelp , thank you for replying and attaching the photo, it’s hard to figure out what’s wrong, you may be right in trying a longer screw, hopefully it will work, you could cut the ends of the cotton buds and stick them into the thread, then see if it lines up with the other handle on the other side.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/102878#Comment_102878

Thanks Joe, I actually tried the cotton buds, as you just suggested,that's why I had them out. I keep the cotton on the female thread end, so it was a snug fit, and took the cotton off the other end and thought that that might work, but once again it didn't. You wouldn't believe what I've tried today, even using tooth floss to try to manipulate the screw in place. Thanks for your suggestions they're much appreciated:)

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/118458#Comment_118458

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/118458#Comment_118458

I believe your idea of using a longer screw is the one to try. I suggest bringing one of the screws and the loose plate with you to the store for testing to make sure that the screw you choose will fit. I suspect that whoever installed the set used very short screws or rather just enough to hook onto the edge of the installation post.

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your door handle repaired.

Eric

Dave-1

Evening @marieneedshelp

I have been going through the chat and searching online for any type of info, I think you may be right in saying the screw is too short. If the handles can be screwed together off the door then the thread is ok. When you are trying to screw the handles back on the door they are both flush with the frame of the door? Id take the handles with you and the screws when you go to Bunnings tomorrow as it may show up when you look at other door handles.

Hope the screws are too short and you can find some others.

Dave

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127661#Comment_127661

Hi Dave,

Yes, I have the handles flush and held snug against the frame of the door. The screw falls short inside the door frame, but I'm guessing that's because the thread part is also inserted into the door frame. I will take your advice and take the handle and screw into Bunnings tomorrow. I'm thinking if I can get a screw that's 2 millimetres longer it might work. I'll keep you posted.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127660#Comment_127660

Thanks, Eric. I think trying a longer screw is definitely worth a try. I'll let you know the outcome:)

JoeAzza

Hi @marieneedshelp @just wandering is your handle a Lockwood brand, if so I found this on line, not sure if it helps, it gives you all the different handles and door thickness.

https://www.lockweb.com.au/au/en/documents/catalogues/plate-door-handles-catalogue/Lockwood%20Plate%20Door%20Handles%20Catalogue.pdf

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/30406#Comment_30406

Hi Joe,

The only name wtitten on the lock is Union Assa Abloy England. When I google it dozens of door locksets come up except for anything that resembles mine. Thank you so much for going to the trouble of getting that link for me though:)

TedBear

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/77659#Comment_77659

Hi @marieneedshelp , I've been following this post with interest. From your earlier pics, with the small gap showing between door and lock plate, it looks like one of the screws is dropped down out of alignment. It's probably jamming between the bottom of the far hole and the recieving post in the far plate, so it turns but isn't engaged in the actual hole it should be in. The screws should have countersunk heads which means that they will be in alignment only when they are pushed fully into the plate (on the the screw head side). This is backed up by the pic showing the end of the screw when you had the driver in it and then when you didn't.

I suggest that before trying to align the plates that you push one of the screws into the hole and tape it in place with clear tape (not masking), so that it sits straight and is not flopping down. Then introduce the other plate with a screwdriver pushed into the untaped screw's slot and give it a few turns to engage it in the plate. Then shove the screwdriver through the tape into the slot of the other screw, which should be about aligned with the receiving hole. Turn it until it engages (hopefully) and only then take the tape off to make it easier to turn. I'd tape the screw nearest the handle mechanism as it is most likely to be aligned anyway and will have the least amount of variabilty, whereas the other one you can wriggle the plate and screw a bit to align them.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/102884#Comment_102884

Hi TedBear,

Thanks for taking interest in my post and your suggestion. I am going crazy with trying to sort this problem out. I went to Bunnings yesterday and bought a slightly longer screw and it attached immediately as I could align it better because it actually poked through the hole a bit more, unlike the original screw. The screw ended up being too long, probably by about 4 millimetres, and therefore it didn’t work. When you screw the screw in it only turns about twice and won’t go in any further even though I can see that the hole is deeper. My hope was that the longer screw would screw all the way in but unfortunately it didn’t.

So then I came up with this idea which I thought was genius and was definitely going to work. I cut up a plastic drinking straw and then cut some slits into the end of it so as I screwed the screw through it it would sort of splay out. I placed the straws in both holes, pics attached, and thought this is definitely going to work as it’s going to guide the screw into place. Well, I was jumping with joy as it seemed to work with the bottom screw but for some reason it didn’t the top so I had to pull it apart again, and since that first attempt it hasn’t worked again. I have tried a couple of differently methods now using the plastic straw idea but none are working, including attaching the straw on the threaded part and then guiding the straw onto the screw. How this isn’t working is beyond me.

I’ve tried your suggestion of using sticky tape but it doesn’t seem to be strong enough to hold the screw in place, but you are definitely correct about the screw not staying horizontally straight. That is definitely the whole problem.

I’ve attached some more pictures, in case you can think of another suggestion, of both the external door handle with the screws attached, as how it should be once installed properly, and the other door handle which can’t be removed from the door but does pop out a few millimetres. If you can think of any other suggestion I would be so grateful. There is obviously a way of doing this as someone has originally attached the door handle in the first place, and it probably took them two seconds to do it. I’m on day three now of trying to work this out.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/118462#Comment_118462

Hi @marieneedshelp,

Thought I'd jump in to say that a screw that goes in one or two rotations and then stops is likely to be the wrong thread pattern. If you take the original screw with you into a store and ask the team member to check the thread style they should be able to find you a screw to match.

It sounds like you've already tried, but could you use a flat-bladed butter knife to lift the screws up one at a time and try to get them seated?

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127665#Comment_127665

Hi MitchellMc,

I did take both the screw and door handle to the store yesterday. She definitely got the right type of screw as even the original screw only rotates two or three times then stops. I got a M5 x 50mm screw I even went back and purchased a M4 x 50 mm just in case.

Thank you about your suggestion re the butter knife but it's a bit too thick. I have used a paper clip but to no avail. Here are my last two attempts using different types of straws, one paper, one plastic. In these pics the screw is in the straw. The paper straw is moveable so the idea is it pushes in when the screw starts screwing.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133693#Comment_133693

Sorry @marieneedshelp, I presumed when you said the screw only went in so far but the hole was deeper, that perhaps the original screws had no issue going in fully. Must be some obstruction.

I think we're all living vicariously through you and we could really do with a Sunday afternoon win. Good luck!

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137430#Comment_137430

Thanks MitchellMc, I need all the advice/help I can get on this one. I'm usually able to think things through and work them out, but this has me baffled!

TedBear

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/118462#Comment_118462

I thought the straw-guide idea was brilliant and likewise an baffled as to why it didn't work.

Next suggestion is, if you have a nut that fits the screws you are using, I'd screw it on one screw, then file a pointy end onto the the screw. (Just removing the bluntness of the leading edge should do.) Removing the nut will clear the thread of burs from the filing process. Then do the other too. Hopefully having a rounded off leading edge will then guide the screw into the hole. I'd leave the straws in place too, as they must help somewhat.

If you don't have suitable nut you could just file carefully and test that the screws go into the holes smoothly before assembling it again. Use the edge of the file to remove any burs. There are also pointy ended screws made for such jobs, but I'm not sure if Bunnings carries them.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127667#Comment_127667

"I'm not sure if Bunnings carries them", none that I am aware of @TedBear.

Mitchell

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133694#Comment_133694

Hi @marieneedshelp

Sorry to see your troubles - please persist - with us as well. 😁

To me and my eyes, and having had a similar experience - gravity is working against us. As that long 50mm bolt enters - it immediately drops down and it only has to be a millimetre off and the thread won't engage.

Couple of thoughts.

A bit of blue tack from the freezer (if warm - then it's too soft) and squeeze the bolt onto a Phillips head battery driver with the blue tack.

Work quickly. "Insert and engage" as quick as you can with the driver. It may take multiple attempts.

I do know (and have somewhere) they make hand held screwdrivers that 'anchor' the screw to the head with clips.

Even better, maybe a strong earth magnet (mine is from Jaycar).

The door should be mostly alloy and not affected by the magnet (theory).

Just use it as a screwdriver until the thread engages.

Good luck!

TedBear

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133694#Comment_133694

Yes, @MitchellMc , chamfered-tip bolts are a specialist item, so it's not surprising that they aren't carried as a single item. Small, thin ones are usually supplied with electrical switch plates for instance and some cabinet hardware. They make it much easier when the screw has to go a long way to meet the "nut" end, so it's a pity that those door latches don't have them.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137431#Comment_137431

Hi Noyade,

Gravity is definitely the culprit here.

Thank you for your interest, suggestions and photos, but I think you've misunderstood my situation. I have access to the screw's head. It's when I go to put the external door handle on with its attached plate that I cannot longer see the end of the screw that needs to go into the female thread, which is on the external part of the door handle. The screw is shorter than the width of the door and drops down inside the cavity of the doo therefore I have no control or understanding of whether the screw is 1 or 5 mm out. It's very frustrating. If it was an internal door I wouldn't be as concerned but it's an external door and it's the only way I can access my backyard.

I gave up last night and just put masking tape on it for now, lol.

Noyade

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139990#Comment_139990