Replacing or upgrading your door handle can be a straight forward project, with a few simple steps to follow. When your choosing your new handle, unscrew your old one and take it to the store to compare sizes. You’ll need to be certain if your door is left side or right side opening, so that you get the handle for the right or left side of the door. To undertake the job, you’ll need the following tools – a new handle, a latch set with screws a drill and safety goggles.

Be careful to check that your new set of door handles comes complete with a latch, as sometimes they are sold separately. Getting your old handle off can sometimes be tricky. If it has screws on the cover plates, remove those to loosen the old knob. Otherwise you may have to look for a slot on the side of the handle that has a piece of metal sticking out of it. You can use the end of a flathead screwdriver to push in on the metal, and the old doorknob or handle will pop loose. Take off the handle to reveal the plate below. Find a part of the plate where it butts against the door. Wedge a flathead screwdriver in the slot, and twist the plate lightly to pop it off. Now the plate has gone, you should see the screws, which can be removed with a power drill. If using a drill, always remember the safety checklist.

Remove the original latch by taking out the screws with a power drill or screwdriver. Screw the new latch in, getting the screws hand tight at first, and tighten with a power drill or screwdriver. Time to put the new handles in place. Set the screws by hand as before. Ideally use a screwdriver to ensure you don’t overtighten the screws. Test the key if you have one, and make sure the door shuts and locks properly.