What you need to do before you start

Replacing a door handle takes about 15 minutes per door and requires only a screwdriver and a tape measure. Before you buy a new handle, measure the distance between the center of the existing handle's screw holes — this is called the backset, and it is almost always either 2.375 inches or 2.625 inches. Write down whether your door is a left-hand or right-hand swing (stand outside the door and note which side the hinges are on). Take a photo of your current handle so you can match the style if you want something similar.

Check whether your door has a separate deadbolt or a handle with a built-in lock. If the handle has a lock button on the inside, you are replacing a keyed entry handle. If the lock is a separate knob above or below the handle, you are replacing a passage handle or dummy handle. This matters because entry handles cost more and come with a key, while passage handles do not lock at all.

Gather a screwdriver that fits your handle's screws (usually Phillips head), a tape measure, and the new handle. If you are replacing multiple handles, lay them out in order so you do not mix up left and right versions.

Key Takeaways

  • Measure the backset (distance between screw holes) on your old handle before buying a replacement, because handles come in two standard sizes and the wrong one will not fit.
  • Remove the old handle by unscrewing the two screws that hold it to the door, then slide the handle off the spindle.
  • Slide the new handle onto the spindle, line up the screw holes, and tighten the screws firmly but not so hard that you crack the handle.
  • Test the handle and lock (if it has one) before you move to the next door, because a misaligned handle will jam when you close the door.

Removing the old handle

Look at the inside of the door where the handle connects. You will see two screws on either side of the spindle (the metal rod that runs through the door). Unscrew both of these completely — they usually come out by hand once they are loose. Set them aside in a small container so you do not lose them.

Pull the handle straight toward you. It will slide off the spindle. If the handle is stuck, wiggle it gently side to side as you pull. Do not force it or you may crack the handle or damage the spindle. Once the handle is off, the spindle will still be in the door — leave it there for now.

If your door has a separate deadbolt, you do not need to remove it. The handle and deadbolt are independent. If your door has a keyed entry handle with a lock, check the inside of the handle for a small slot or button. Some keyed handles have a release mechanism that you must press before the handle will come off the spindle. Look for a tiny hole near the base of the handle — if you see one, insert a paperclip or small screwdriver and press inward while you pull the handle away.

Installing the new handle

Before you slide the new handle onto the spindle, check that the spindle is clean and free of debris. Wipe it with a dry cloth if needed. Look at the new handle and find the slot or hole where the spindle will go — it is usually on the back of the handle where it meets the door.

Slide the new handle onto the spindle from the inside of the door. Push it all the way in until the screw holes line up with the holes in the door. The handle should sit flush against the door with no gaps. If the holes do not line up, the spindle may be bent or the backset may be wrong — stop and check your measurement against the new handle's specifications.

Insert the two screws through the holes in the handle and into the door. Tighten them by hand first, then use your screwdriver to tighten them firmly. Do not over-tighten — you want them snug enough that the handle does not move, but loose enough that you can still turn the handle smoothly. If the handle becomes hard to turn, you have tightened too much; back off a quarter turn and test again.

Testing the handle and fixing common problems

Turn the handle up and down several times to make sure it moves freely. If it is stiff or catches, the screws are too tight or the handle is not aligned properly. Loosen the screws slightly and try again. If the handle still catches, the spindle may be bent — in that case, you will need to replace the spindle as well, which requires removing the handle on the outside of the door.

If your new handle has a lock, test it by pressing the lock button on the inside and then trying to turn the handle from the outside. The handle should not turn when locked. Release the lock and try again — it should turn freely. If the lock does not work, check that you have inserted the spindle all the way into the handle and that the screws are tight.

Close the door and open it again to make sure the handle works smoothly from both sides. If the door is hard to close or the handle jams, the handle may be hitting the door frame. This usually means the spindle is bent or the handle is not aligned. Open the door, loosen the screws, and adjust the handle slightly until the door closes without resistance.

Replacing handles on different door types

Interior doors (bedroom, bathroom, closet) usually have passage handles or privacy handles with straightforward locks. These are the easiest to replace because they have no key and no special mechanism. Follow the steps above and you are done.

Exterior doors and front doors usually have keyed entry handles. These handles have a key cylinder on the outside and a lock button on the inside. When you buy a replacement, you will receive two keys. Test the key in the lock before you fully tighten the screws, because some keyed handles are sensitive to alignment. If the key does not turn smoothly, loosen the screws and adjust the handle slightly.

Doors with separate deadbolts (a deadbolt above or below the handle) do not require you to replace the deadbolt when you replace the handle. The handle and deadbolt work independently. However, if you are replacing both, install the deadbolt first, then the handle, so you can see exactly where the handle needs to sit.

When to call a professional instead

If the spindle is bent or broken, you cannot straightforward replace the handle — you need to replace the spindle as well. This requires removing the handle on the outside of the door, which means you may need to remove the exterior trim or escutcheon plate. If you are not comfortable doing this, a locksmith or handyperson can do it in under an hour.

If the door frame is damaged, cracked, or warped, the handle may not align properly no matter how carefully you install it. In this case, the door itself may need repair before a new handle will work correctly. A carpenter or door specialist can assess this.

If you have a smart lock or electronic handle, the installation process is different and may require wiring or battery installation. Check the manufacturer's instructions before you start, as some smart locks require professional installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to replace the spindle when I replace the handle?

No, unless the spindle is bent or damaged. The spindle stays in the door and the new handle slides onto it. If the spindle is bent, the handle will not align properly and the door may jam. You can test this by installing the new handle and checking whether it moves freely and the door closes smoothly.

What if the screw holes on my new handle do not line up with the holes in the door?

The backset is wrong. Remove the new handle and measure the distance between the screw holes again. Compare it to the specifications on the new handle's packaging. If they do not match, you need a handle with a different backset. Return the handle and buy the correct size.

Can I replace a keyed handle with a passage handle?

Yes, as long as the backset is the same. A passage handle has no lock, so the door will not lock from the inside. This is fine for closets and some interior doors, but not for bedrooms or bathrooms where privacy is needed. Make sure you want an unlocking door before you make the swap.

How tight should the screws be?

Tight enough that the handle does not move or rattle, but loose enough that the handle turns smoothly and the door closes without jamming. If you tighten too much, the handle becomes hard to turn. If you tighten too little, the handle will wobble. Start snug and test the door; adjust if needed.

What if the key does not turn in my new keyed handle?

The handle may not be aligned correctly. Loosen the screws slightly, adjust the handle, and test the key again. If the key still does not turn, the lock cylinder may be damaged or installed incorrectly. Contact the handle manufacturer or a locksmith for help.