What You'll Need

Fitting a lever door handle is a manageable DIY task for most homeowners. Before you start, gather the following tools and materials:

  • Tape measure and pencil
  • Power drill and drill bits (typically 25mm spade bit and 8mm wood bit)
  • Chisel and mallet
  • Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips/Pozidrive)
  • The new latch mechanism
  • The new lever handle set
  • Spirit level (optional but helpful)

Always read the manufacturer's fitting instructions included with your handle set, as dimensions can vary between products.

Step 1: Mark the Latch Position

Standard door handle height in the UK is typically between 990mm and 1050mm from the floor to the centre of the handle spindle. Mark this point on the door edge with a pencil. Using the latch faceplate as a template, mark the outline on the door edge, then mark the centre of the latch bore hole.

Step 2: Drill the Latch Bore

Using a 25mm spade bit (or the size specified for your latch), drill horizontally into the door edge at your marked centre point. The depth should match your latch's body length — typically around 70mm. Drill slowly and keep the bit level to avoid breaking through the door face.

Tip: Wrap a piece of tape around the drill bit at the required depth as a depth guide.

Step 3: Drill the Spindle Hole

From the door face, drill an 8mm hole through to the latch bore to accommodate the spindle. Measure the height carefully from the door edge and the PZ distance down from your spindle centre (usually 72mm) to position the keyhole or cylinder hole if required. Drill from both sides of the door to avoid splintering.

Step 4: Chisel the Latch Faceplate Recess

Insert the latch into the bore hole and mark around the faceplate with a sharp pencil. Use a chisel to cut a shallow recess so that the faceplate sits flush with the door edge. Take your time here — neat chiselling makes a significant difference to the finished look.

Step 5: Fit the Latch

Insert the latch body into the bore hole and screw the faceplate into the recess. Check that the latch bolt moves freely. If it sticks, ensure the latch is fully seated and the faceplate recess is deep enough.

Step 6: Fit the Strike Plate on the Frame

Close the door gently until the latch bolt marks the door frame. Use this impression to position the strike plate. Mark around the plate and chisel a recess for the plate and the bolt pocket. Screw the strike plate in place and test that the door latches cleanly.

Step 7: Attach the Lever Handles

Thread the spindle through the latch mechanism. Offer up one handle rose or backplate to the door face and align it with the spindle and any fixing holes. On most modern handles, the rose or backplate screws are concealed — the rose unscrews or the cover plate clips off to reveal the fixings beneath.

  1. Fit the first handle, tighten the fixing screws evenly
  2. Insert the spindle through to the other side
  3. Fit the second handle, ensuring it is level
  4. Replace any cover caps or concealed fixing plates
  5. Tighten grub screws (if fitted) using an Allen key to secure the handle to the spindle

Step 8: Test and Adjust

Open and close the door several times to check the action. The lever should return to horizontal smoothly under spring pressure. If it drops or sticks, check that the spindle is not too long (causing binding) and that all fixings are correctly tightened.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wrong spindle length — a spindle that's too long will prevent the handle from returning properly
  • Misaligned strike plate — if the latch doesn't catch cleanly, adjust the strike plate rather than forcing the door
  • Over-tightening grub screws — can strip the spindle or crack a cast handle; tighten firmly but not excessively
  • Not checking the door handing — ensure your latch is handed correctly (or reversible) before drilling