How to Fit Door Handles and Locks: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting Door Hardware Right

Door handles and locks seem simple until you're faced with measuring spindle heights, chisel work for keep plates, and getting everything to line up. Here's how to fit door hardware properly.

Types of Door Hardware

Lever on rose:

• Handles on round or square back plates
• Most common modern choice
• Easy to fit, clean appearance

Lever on backplate:

• Longer plate covers more door surface
• Traditional appearance
• Often includes keyhole in plate

Knobs:

• Round knobs on spindle
• Traditional style
• Less accessible than levers

Understanding the Components

Latch (tubular latch):

• The bit that holds the door shut
• Sits in hole through door edge
• Spindle operates the bolt

Spindle:

• Square bar connecting both handles
• Standard size 7mm or 8mm
• Cut to length for door thickness

Strike plate (keep):

• Metal plate on frame where latch engages
• Usually needs recessing into frame

Tools Needed

• Drill with spade bits or hole saw
• Chisels (various widths)
• Tape measure
• Square
• Pencil
• Bradawl
• Screwdriver

Fitting a New Latch and Handles

Step 1: Mark the latch position

1. Standard height is around 1000mm from floor to handle
2. Mark the centre line on door edge
3. Mark the depth of the latch body from edge
4. Use the latch as a guide for hole size needed

Step 2: Drill the latch hole

1. Use appropriate size spade bit or auger
2. Drill into edge of door at marked position
3. Keep drill square to door edge
4. Drill to depth of latch body plus a few mm

Step 3: Mark and drill spindle hole

1. Insert latch into hole
2. Mark spindle height on door face
3. Drill through from both sides (prevents breakout)
4. Usually around 16mm hole for spindle

Step 4: Recess the latch faceplate

1. Hold latch in position, mark around faceplate
2. Score the line with sharp chisel
3. Chisel out recess to faceplate depth
4. Latch should sit flush with door edge

Step 5: Fit the latch

1. Insert latch, check it operates freely
2. Drill pilot holes for screws
3. Screw in place

Step 6: Fit the handles

1. Cut spindle to door thickness plus 2-3mm
2. Insert spindle through latch
3. Fit handles on each side
4. Tighten grub screws or through-bolts
5. Test operation

Fitting the Strike Plate

1. Close door and mark latch position on frame
2. Mark keep plate outline on frame
3. Chisel recess for plate to sit flush
4. Drill/chisel hole for latch bolt to engage
5. Fit plate, check door latches smoothly
6. Adjust as needed - this is the fiddly bit

Common Problems

Latch doesn't engage:

• Keep plate too far forward/back - reposition
• Door warped - may need adjustment
• Strike hole not deep enough

Handles loose:

• Grub screws not tight
• Spindle wrong length
• Need larger rose to cover previous holes

Handles droop:

• Check sprung or unsprung latch matches handles
• Sprung handles need unsprung latch (and vice versa)

Fitting Locks

Mortice locks are more complex:

• Require larger mortice (hole) in door edge
• Usually mark and drill out majority of waste
• Clean up with chisels
• More substantial strike plate installation
• Consider hiring specialist tools for mortice work

The Bottom Line

Door hardware fitting is about accurate marking and patient chisel work. Take your time with measurements - handles that don't line up or latches that don't engage are frustrating. Use sharp chisels from your hand tool collection, and pilot drill all screw holes in hardwood.