How to Change a Door Handle: A Complete Guide

Your door handle gets more use than almost any other component in your home. From morning commutes to evening garden visits, the humble handle endures hundreds of daily uses. This can wear parts over time, making your door handles become loose, stiff, or just grubby. When this happens, it's time for a replacement – and the good news is, it's easier than you might think.

Why Replace Your Door Handle?

A faulty door handle isn't just frustrating; it can compromise your home's security and kerb appeal. Common signs it's time for replacement include:

• Loose or wobbly operation that requires excessive force
• Visible wear and corrosion affecting your property's appearance
• Difficulty turning or lifting the handle mechanism
• Outdated styling that doesn't match your home's aesthetic

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or building professional, this guide will walk you through the complete replacement process.

Step 1: Measuring Your Existing Handle

Before purchasing a replacement, accurate measurements are crucial. Two key dimensions determine compatibility:

PZ Measurement

The PZ measurement is the distance from the centre of your keyhole to the centre of the handle spindle hole. This typically ranges from 62mm to 92mm on UK uPVC doors and must match exactly for proper operation.

Fixing Centres Distance

Measure the distance between the two screw holes on your door handle backplate. This ensures your new handle will align with existing mounting points.

Pro Tip: These measurements affect functionality – all other dimensions only impact appearance. Need help identifying your specific handle type? Our uPVC door handle finder tool simplifies the process.

Step 2: Choosing Your Replacement Handle

Gone are the days of plain white uPVC handles. Modern options include:

• Chrome finishes for contemporary homes
• Black powder-coated handles for modern aesthetics
• Polished brass for traditional properties
• Stainless steel for coastal locations requiring corrosion resistance

Browse our complete range of door handles to find the perfect style for your property. Whether you have uPVC doors, composite doors, bifold doors, sliding patio doors, or timber doors, we stock high-quality replacements at unbeatable prices.

Step 3: Removing Your Old Handle

You'll need: Phillips head screwdriver

1. Remove the handle covers by unscrewing the visible screws
2. Loosen the backplate screws that secure the handle mechanism to the door
3. Slide both handle sides away from the door simultaneously – they should separate easily once all fixings are removed

Safety note: Support both sides of the handle during removal to prevent dropping and potential damage.

Step 4: Installing Your New Handle

Installation is the reverse of removal:

1. Unpack your new handle and identify all components.
   
   
2. Insert spring cassettes (if your handle is sprung) into the back of each handle section.
   
   
3. Install the inside handle first – insert the spindle through the back and slide through the door mechanism until it sticks out on the other side.
   
   
4. Attach the outside handle by sliding it onto the visible spindle end.
   
   
5. Secure with fixing screws – insert screws through the mounting holes and tighten with your Phillips screwdriver (finger-tight plus a quarter turn).
   
   
6. Test operation – lift and lower the handle lever to ensure smooth operation and proper lock engagement.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Handle feels loose: Check all screws are properly tightened

Mechanism sticks: Ensure the spindle moves freely through the lock

Poor alignment: Verify your PZ measurement was correct

Professional Results Every Time

As you can see, replacing a door handle can be a quick fix for even the most beginner of DIYers. Take on the challenge yourself and replace that loose door handle today.

If you need a hand picking the right parts, then let us help you. As mentioned above, we have a guide and finder to help you find the right fit or explore our full door handle collection for inspiration.

At GB DIY Store, our family-run business brings over 25 years of industry experience to every product we supply. Starting as window and door manufacturers, we've evolved into specialists in uPVC hardware and repairs – we've done it all. Our handles are tested for British weather conditions and comply with UK building standards.