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How to Fix a Loose Door Handle

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published November 20, 2024

Overuse of the door handle can cause the screws to loosen or damage any hardware. An unfixed loose door handle can potentially lead to someone getting stuck inside or outside a room. Here is a guide that will provide you with detailed steps on how to fix a door handle.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

  • Replacement screws

  • Backplate

How to Fix a Loose Door Handle: Quick DIY Repair

Follow the below given steps on how to fix a door handle. Refer to these steps and repair your door handle easily.

Find the Loose Screws

Depending on the type of handles you may find the screw at the faceplate of the door handle. However, some handles have hidden screws. In this case, you'll need to find the detent access hole or pin, which can be found on the side of the door handle. This may appear as a small round or rectangular hole or a protruding pin. 

Check for a set screw at the bottom of the door handle that is locking the handle in place. If there is a set screw, use a screwdriver to loosen and remove it.

Detach the Door Handle

You can properly align the door handle once the handle has been detached from the backplate. Misalignment of the door handle can lead to difficulties in opening and closing the door effectively. This misalignment causes problems within the door handle, resulting in loose screws and damage like door latch failure.

Examine the Screws

Once the screws have been removed, it’s time to check if they are damaged. If the screws of your door look bent or in an odd shape, this is one of the reasons behind your loose door handle. You need to buy new screws and replace them with new ones.

Adjust the Position of the Door Handle

A misaligned door handle is one reason handles become loose. Place the spindle, a long bar perpendicular to the handle, directly into the door and rotate the handle so that it sits in the right place.

You need to replace the backplate before realigning the handle. This procedure depends on the type of the door handle.

Tighten Up the Loose Screws

After you are done positioning the door handle, reinsert the screws and tighten them by using a screwdriver. Ensure the handle stays aligned as you work, and don't fully tighten the screws until all are in place, in case adjustments are needed.

Repeat the Process on the Other Side

Repeat the same procedure and reattach the door handle and backplate on the other side of the door. Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws and ensure the door handle is aligned correctly.

Test the Door Handle

When everything is fixed in its place, it’s time to test your newly set door handle. Try opening and closing the door repeatedly with the help of the handle to make sure that the door handle is repaired. Also make sure that the screws are placed intact and nothing feels loose or out of alignment. If you notice any significant issues then double-check your work or maybe call a professional for help if required.