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Hi everyone,
I’ve just installed a new Gainsborough door handle set and ran into a strange problem. The two handles are no longer moving together. When I turn the inside handle, the outside handle doesn’t move at all.
I pulled everything apart to check what’s going on. The spindle isn’t damaged, but I noticed it’s made of two pieces, and those pieces rotate independently (shown in the photos). I’m not sure if this type of rotating spindle is normal for Gainsborough sets.
one side can go inside after pushing the small thing down then it will snap up when reach the other end .
I’ve already tightened all screws that run through both handles, as well as the small grub screws on each side. I even removed the faceplate, checked the internals (everything looked fine), and reinstalled the entire set — but the issue is still there.
Has anyone seen this before? Is the two-piece rotating spindle meant to work like that, or is this a faulty part?
Any advice would be appreciated!
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @ahmad86. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about door handles.
This kit has a split spindle design, which is normal on many newer Gainsborough passage and privacy sets. With this style of spindle, the two halves are allowed to rotate independently, and the handles do not have to turn together for the latch to operate correctly. The important thing is that each handle is gripping its own half of the spindle properly and that both halves are engaging the latch body when you turn them. If the latch is retracting cleanly from both sides and the handles feel stable with the through-bolts and grub screws tightened, then the set is working as intended and the independent rotation is not a sign of a fault.
The only time this design becomes a problem is if one handle turns freely without retracting the latch. If that is happening, it usually means the spindle half on that side is not inserted fully into the latch or the grub screw is not biting onto the flat of the spindle. Loosening the handle, pushing the spindle firmly into the latch, then tightening the grub screw onto the flat surface will usually fix it. If both sides are retracting the latch properly, then your installation is correct and the handle set is functioning normally.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
