A loose door handle is widespread among the most frequently used doors. The handle moves but does not unlock or open the door. This article will discuss how to fix a loose door handle yourself. It is not that difficult if you have the right tools. You can also contact Lock repair and replacement in Oak Park for assistance.
Possible Reasons Door Handles Become Loose
Lack Of Maintenance
A door lock needs maintenance, just like many other household items. Daily usage without maintenance can make the door handle loose or wobbly. It will need maintenance to make it tight again.
Loose or Missing Screws
It is also possible that there might be a loose or a missing screw in the faceplate. Loose or missing screws can also cause the door handle to be loose.
Dust Build-up
Locks can have dust or dirt build-up in them over time. This build-up affects the locks and can stop them from performing their function. You can use pressurized air to clean the dirt and dust from the lock.
Problem with Lock Mechanism
There can also be a problem with the door handle mechanism. It can become damaged, or the parts can be displaced inside the lock. Lock mechanism problems can be prevented by using the handle with care.
Old Door Locks
Locks do not come with a lifetime guarantee. The age of a lock is an essential factor in determining the cause of loose door handles. When old locks are not maintained, some of the components do not work the way they are supposed to. As a result, these components need to be replaced. It can also happen because of dust build-up.
How to Fix a Loose Door Handle?
Remove the Handle
There are two types of door handles—one with Exposed Screws and one with Hidden Screws. You will have to determine which kind of lock you have. The process can get a little complex with Hidden Screws.
Exposed Screws
Exposed Screws mostly have two screws, one at the top and one at the bottom. They have a set screw on the inside of the door. Loosen the set screw with the screwdriver, and you will be able to remove the door handle.
Hidden Screws
A handle with hidden screws can get a little more complicated. Firstly, find the detent access hole. The detent access hole has a pin that stops the handle from twisting on the door. Hold down the pin and spin the shaft. After this, you will be able to remove the door handle easily.
Remove the Lock Base
After the removal of the handle, you will need to remove the lock base. You will need a flat-head screwdriver for this. Be careful in prying the ring lose slowly. Remove the lock base slowly without damaging the backing plate. If the backing plate is damaged, contact Lock Installation in Oak Park.
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Tighten the Screws
After removing the lock base, you will see a set of screws. Check all of these screws and tighten all of them while holding the backing plate carefully. You can also clean it with pressurized air if you see dust build-up inside.
Re-install the Lock Base and Handle
After tightening the screws, put the lock base back on the backing plate and tighten it. Once the lock base has been installed, place the handle on the shaft to position it with either a screw hole or detent hole, depending on the type of lock you have.
DIY vs. Locksmith
Fixing a loose door handle by yourself can be difficult or frustrating, depending on your experience and patience. On the other hand, a locksmith will guarantee professional service. Let’s take a look at some essential factors of DIY vs. a professional locksmith.
DIY
- It will require more time if you do it yourself
- There is a risk that you won’t be able to repair it yourself
- Without any experience, you could make the issue worse.
Locksmith
- It will save you time, but a professional locksmith service will cost money.
- A locksmith will be able to find out the problem quickly and will be able to advise you on prevention.
- A complete inspection of the lock will help tell the health of the lock and whether it is better to replace the complete lock.
- A locksmith will do maintenance of the lock to prevent further problems.
If you do not have any experience or proper tools, it is better to contact a professional locksmith service. If you do it yourself, make sure you have proper tools and follow the manual of a professional locksmith.
Conclusion
To sum up, a door handle can become loose after some time if it hasn’t been regularly maintained. The question that people ask is whether they can fix a loose door handle themselves. It depends on if they have the required tools and some technical experience. This article will certainly help those people who are wondering if they can fix it themselves. However, if you do not have the tools or knowledge to fix it, it is better to call a professional locksmith before making matters worse than before.
If you do attempt to fix it yourself, follow the steps mentioned above in the order.