How to Easily Fix a Loose Doorknob or Handle: DIY Home Door Repair Tips

Everyone who owns a home or runs a business will eventually have to deal with the problem of loose doorknobs or handles. If the door's handle is loose or wobbles when you try to open it, it won't be long before it starts annoying your staff or customers. Good news: replacing a broken or loose doorknob is a fairly simple task.

Tools Needed:

To fix a loose doorknob, you will typically need the following tools:

• A small screwdriver or Allen wrench: This is used to tighten the setscrew that holds the knob in place.
• Adhesive: If the setscrew is stripped or the knob is still loose, a small amount of adhesive, such as super glue, can be used to secure it in place.
• Screwdriver: This can be used to remove the knob or handle if necessary.
• Pliers: This can be used to hold the knob or handle steady while tightening the setscrew
• Level: This can be used to check if the door is level, which can affect the tightness of the doorknob or handle.
• Drill: In some cases if the setscrew is stripped, a drill with a small drill bit can be used to re-thread the hole so you can use the setscrew again.
• You may also need replacement hardware such as a new setscrew, knob, or handle if the existing one is beyond repair.

Causes of Loose Handles and Doorknobs

Doorknobs and handles can become loose over time for a number of reasons. Some common causes include:

• Doorknobs and handles get used a lot, and turning and twisting them over and over again can make them loose.
• Loose setscrew: Over time, the setscrew that holds the knob or handle in place can loosen, making the knob or handle wobble.
• Setscrew hole can become stripped, which makes it hard to tighten the set screw and keep the knob or handle in place.
• Loose door: If a door isn't hung correctly or isn't level, the doorknob or handle can come loose.
• Age: The mechanism inside a doorknob or handle can wear out over time, making it hard to keep the knob or handle tight.
• Installation mistakes: If the knob or handle wasn't put on right in the first place, it may come loose over time.

The Most Common Type of Door Handle

There are several popular types of door knobs:

• Passage knobs: These are used in corridors and closets without privacy concerns. Both sides can turn freely.
• Privacy knobs: Passage knobs with a locking mechanism for privacy. They're used for bedrooms and baths.
• Keyed entry knobs: One side locks and the other turns. They're typically utilized on exterior and security doors.
• Dummy knobs: On a double door's inactive side, these are decorative pulls. They're inoperable.
• Levers: These operate by pushing or pulling on the handle. They're ideal for accessible doors and can be used on many sorts.
• Smart knobs: Codes, smartphone apps, and smart home devices can operate these electronic door knobs.

How to Fix a Door Knob or Handle That Is Loose

Once you know what kind of door knobs or handles your company has, fixing a loose handle or knob is easy and can be done in four simple steps.

1. Remove the Knob/ Door Handles

Screws. If exposed screws are used, the set screw is usually located within the door. Loosen the set screw and remove the handle to reveal the shaft with a screwdriver or Allen key. Twist the handle of a threaded shaft to make it flush with the door. Back up the knob to give it room to spin. Tighten the set screw. Before tightening the set screw, you can easily set the knob or handle back on the shaft and up to the door face for an unthreaded shaft.

Hidden Screws. Find the knob's detent access hole to reveal the screws. Spring-activated pins prevent the knob from turning. Press the pin with a flathead screwdriver and remove the handle from the spindle shaft.

2. Take off the base

Once you've taken the doorknob off the spindle shaft, you can take off the base. Slowly pry the ring off with a flathead screwdriver, being careful not to damage the backing plate, which could ruin the whole lockset.

3. Find and tighten the screws.

Once you've successfully taken off the ring, you should be able to see the set of screws. They go through the door from the back plate on the inside to the back plate on the outside, which holds the whole thing together. Holding the outside backing plate still, tighten each screw one at a time.

4. Put the handle back on and fix the base.

Put the ring back on the plate that holds it. Now you can put the handle back on the shaft of the spindle. Once the handle is all the way on the spindle shaft, turn it until the holes line up with the detent and click into place.

 Troubleshooting Information, Tips, and Advice

Tips for fixing a loose doorknob or handle:

• Check the set screw for tightness and stripping. If it's stripped, use a little super glue to secure it.
• Verify: Hang and level the door. Unleveled doors can loosen doorknobs and handles.
• Check the internal mechanism: The doorknob or handle's internal mechanism can wear out and become loose. If so, replace the knob or handle.
• Check installation: Check the initial knob or handle the installation. Improper installation might loosen knobs and handles.
• After repairs, turn the knob and open and close the door to test it. If it's still loose, try again or call a pro.
• Replace or install the knob or handle if it comes loose again and can't be fixed.

Bottom Line

Fixing a loose doorknob or handle may seem daunting, but it is actually a simple and straightforward task that can be done with just a few tools and a bit of patience. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can easily fix a loose doorknob or handle it yourself, saving you time and money. So don't be discouraged, if you follow the steps and troubleshooting tips provided, you'll have your door knob or handle working properly again in no time. Remember, you can always consult a professional if you are unsure about the repairs or replacement.

via David Murrows Home and Garden davidmurrowathome.blogspot.com