What to Do When You Have a Loose Door Handle?

When it comes to doors, loose handles are a commonplace occurrence, and they can be a source of mild annoyance when they arise. Beyond just their inconvenience, loose handles can also pose a safety risk, such as by making it easier for doors to be forced open. If left unaddressed, they can also affect the internal mechanisms of the door, potentially damaging it and reducing its functionality over time. In this post, we take a closer look at what you should, therefore, do when faced with a loose door handle in your home.

Identifying the Type of Door Handle

Before you can effectively address the issue that is causing your door’s handle to come loose, you will need first to identify the type of door handle that you are dealing with. Some of the more common types of door handles you might encounter include:

• Lever Handles: These are most commonly found in interior doors and exterior doors and operate like a lever.
• Knob Handles: Older homes tend to have knob handles which have a more traditional design.
• Smart Handles: Smart handles refer to handles that come with integrated locking mechanisms or other smart technology integrations and these can be more tricky to repair or replace as a result.

Determining the Source of the Problem

Depending on the source of the problem, the way to fix your loose door handle may vary. Here are some common causes of loose door handles and how to fix them:

Loose Screws

Most commonly, door handles can become loose as a result of loose screws. This happens naturally over time due to regular use or vibrations, and the fix is a relatively simple one. Identify the screws that need tightening and use the appropriate screwdriver to tighten them.

Damaged Mounting Plate

Wear and tear can also cause the mounting plates for your door handles to become damaged or worn out. When this happens, they may shift out of place and may cause your handle to become loose. If the damage is severe enough, you may need to replace the mounting plate entirely with a new one.

Misaligned Internal Mechanisms

Similarly, frequent use can also cause the internal mechanisms of the door such as the internal spindle to shift out of alignment. If this happens, you may need to disassemble the handle to access the internal mechanisms so that you can realign them. If you are unfamiliar with this process, it may also be a good idea to engage a professional who might be able to help.

Getting New Doors from Valley Windows

If your doors are worse for wear and nearing the end of their lifespan, consider replacing them altogether instead. Valley Windows is the number one retailer of custom windows and doors in Melbourne and we offer a variety of door designs for you to choose from including timber sliding doors, aluminium bifold doors and more. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your door and window needs!