Fix Loose Door Handle Screws

This type is found commonly on lever style door handles.

Fix loose door handle screws. If the shaft is threaded then twist the handle on the shaft until it is flush with the door. Release the tab or button remove the inside doorknob by locating the button like our model metal tab or wire clip on the side of the knob that acts as a release. Using an awl or small screwdriver push the button in all the way and at the same time pull off the handle. That s because modern door hardware uses a hidden mechanism called a detent to fasten the doorknob that can only be released using a small screwdriver tip or the end of a paper clip depending on your style of hardware.

If exposed screws are being used you will have to find the set screw which is normally found on the inside of the door. Straighten a paper clip and insert it into the hole. However before you begin to do this you should take the time to adequately determine which type of door knob you have in place. A loose lever requires some readjustment to properly fit into the rod assembly.

This type is usually found on round doorknob hardware. Using either a screwdriver or allen key loosen the set screw and remove the handle which will uncover the shaft. By loosening the set screw with either an allen key or screwdriver you should be able to remove the handle and expose the shaft. Apply a bit of pressure to the paper clip to trigger a release button inside the hardware.

This screw fits in a groove on the round lever rod. The detent is a spring activated pin concealed or small thin plate attached to the spindle that protrudes into a doorknob notch which prevents rotation. If a doorknob loosely spins on the spindle the cause is usually that a set screw similar to a grub screw has loosened up and has lost its grip on the handle spindle. Levers handles slide onto a rod assembly with a set screw.

Once triggered the lever or lock trim can be removed from the door. The set screw helps keep the handle in place when you rotate it to open the door. If any screws are exposed during this process remove them to release the lock and remove it from the door. In order to tighten the screws in a loose door knob or loose door handle you need to work on removing your loose door knob or loose door handle from the door that it is currently on.

When dealing with a lever door handle fixing the problem will require only the most basic of tools and about 10 minutes of time. To depress the detent use the end of a metal paper clip or the point of an awl inserting it into the hole and pressing the detent down while twisting and removing the door handle shaft off the spindle.