How To Install Entry Door Handle

By learning how to install an exterior door you effectively update one of the key features of your home s appearance this guide reviews how to install an entry door including how to remove the old door position the new one and update such hardware as the hinges and door knob.

How to install entry door handle.

Install the exterior handle photo by ryan benyi. If you re in a situation where you cannot or do not want to use a drill to install your lock there are a couple ways of installing an interior door lock without a drill. If it s not adjust the latch side of the door in or out and drill pilot holes in the frame at the top and bottom on the latch side. If your new door handle attaches to the door at a point below the lower borehole like ours you may need to drill another hole to accommodate.

It should feel slightly snug when the two parts join. Slide the adjustable throughbolt up or down as needed and press the handleset onto the door. Look into keyed entry door knobs also called privacy knobs portable door locks or top of door locks. If you have more that 5 1 2 inches here you can still use a sectional handleset on your door.

Prehung exterior doors are available at home centers and lumberyards. Place the exterior handle on the door by inserting the spindle or axle on the handle through the latch cylinder at 90 degrees. Most door handles have a standard backset of 60 mm or 70 mm so you shouldn t have any trouble finding a new door handle that fits in the existing holes in your door. Stand outside and with the door closed check where the weatherstripping on the frame contacts the door.

See measurement b in the image to the right. The handle will stay in place leaving your hands free to secure the interior trim. Next you ll install the outside handle assembly. Align the spindle on the back of the assembly with the throughbolt and the slot in the latch.

The standard residential door prep for entry doors is two 2 1 8 bore holes 5 1 2 center to center. If you plan to install a new entry knob and deadbolt pick them out before you order the door. Step 4 secure the interior hardware photo by ryan benyi. Take along your measurements and a sketch showing which way the door swings.

It should be equal at the top middle and bottom. The posts for the handle s lock cylinder and thumb latch should easily slide into the dead bolt and latch bolt assemblies. Place the corresponding doorknob or lever on the interior side of the door fitting the two parts together. Line up the spindle on the back of the handle with the slot in the latch sliding any mechanisms up or down as needed to fit the handle onto the door.

Sectional handlesets have a seperate deadbolt body so the b measurement is actually variable.