How to fix loose door handle with no visible screws?

[lisaroz]

The inside door handle on my bathroom door has come loose and there are no visible screws on the outside... any tips on how to fix this?

[JacobZ]

Hi @lisaroz,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

One of the cover plates at the base of the door handle will be removable to reveal the through bolts that connect the two handles to each other. These through bolts have likely worked their way out of the thread in the opposite door handle causing it to come loose.

I have highlighted the cover plate below.

Looking at the image provided, I suspect that the removable cover plate is on the other side of the door.
 

If you could provide a photo of the handle on the other side of the door, I'd be able to offer further advice, but it is likely you will simply need to pull this cover plate off to reveal the through bolts.

Once the through bolts have been revealed, you will need to unscrew them so you can realign the handles before putting the through bolts back in place and tightening them.

You might like to have a look at How to change a door knob and How To Install a Door Handle for a couple of examples that should help.

Let me know how you go and if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[lisaroz]

Hey Jacob, thanks for your response! Below is the other side of the door handle...

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @lisaroz,

I am near certain that one of these cover plates will come off. Try placing a small flathead screwdriver under the plates on both sides and levering it away from the face of the door. 

If this doesn't work, there may be a grub screw somewhere, possibly on the underside of the handle that will allow you to remove the handle which will then allow you to remove this cover plate.
 

Let me know how this goes. If you have no luck, let me know and I'll continue to assist.

Jacob