Fixing The Screen Door Handle: A Step-By-Step Guide

Repairing a screen door handle is a simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. In most cases, you will need to replace the handle, but there are some quick fixes you can try first. For example, if your handle is loose, you may simply need to tighten the screws with a screwdriver. If your handle is broken, you can replace it with a new one that fits your door. This can be done by removing the old handle and latch, measuring the distance from the edge of the door to the centre of the mounting holes, and installing a new handle with the same measurements.

Characteristics of Screen Door Handle Repair

Tightening a loose screen door handle

A loose screen door handle can be a simple fix and can be "handled" by any competent DIYer in no time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tighten a loose screen door handle:

Step 1: Identify the Type of Screws

Firstly, identify whether your screen door handle has exposed or hidden screws. Most modern door handles have exposed screws that connect the two halves of the handle to each side of the door. If your handle has exposed screws, you can skip to the next step.

Step 2: Remove the Handle and Cover Plate

If your handle has hidden screws, you will need to remove the handle and cover plate to access the screws. To do this, locate the release button, which is usually a metal tab or wire clip on the side of the knob. Using a small tool like an awl or a screwdriver, push the button while simultaneously pulling off the handle.

Once the handle is removed, you can take off the cover plate. Insert a small screwdriver into a small notch in the cover plate and twist it. The plate should pop off, but be careful not to chip any paint on the door.

Step 3: Tighten the Screws

With the cover plate removed, you should now be able to access the screws. Open the door and squeeze both sides of the assembly together. Tighten the screws on the chassis with a screwdriver. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can cause the inner mechanism to bind up, resulting in a non-functioning lockset.

Step 4: Reassemble the Handle

After tightening the screws, you can reassemble the handle. Snap the cover plate back onto the chassis, depress the release button, and slide the knob back on until the button pops through the hole.

Step 5: Test the Handle

Try the handle to see if it works properly. If it still feels loose or is not functioning correctly, you may need to replace the handle or make further adjustments.

By following these steps, you should be able to tighten a loose screen door handle and have it functioning properly again in no time.

Removing an old handle and latch

Step 1: Identify the Type of Screws

Before you begin, identify whether your door handle has exposed screws or not. Most handles are secured with mounting screws that are visible and easy to access. If you don't see any screws, check for a slot in the neck of the knob or lever, as you may need to use a tool like an Allen key or paperclip to release the handle.

Step 2: Remove the Handle

If your handle has exposed screws, simply loosen the mounting screws with a screwdriver. Turn the screws counterclockwise to loosen them, and then remove them. If your handle doesn't have exposed screws, you'll need to look for a recessed slot in the shaft of the handle. Insert a paperclip or a thin tool, such as an awl, into the slot and gently pull the knob away from the door to release the handle. Alternatively, you may find a small screw in the slot that you can loosen with a narrow screwdriver or an Allen wrench.

Step 3: Separate the Handles

Once the mounting screws are removed, pull the handles in opposite directions to separate them and set them aside. You should now be able to access the latch mechanism inside the door.

Step 4: Remove the Latch Mechanism

To remove the latch, find the screws on the side of the door that secure the latch plate. Loosen these screws and then carefully pry off the plate with a flat-head screwdriver. With the plate removed, you can pull the latch mechanism out through the side of the door. The latch is the bolt that fits into the strike plate on the door frame and keeps the door closed.

Step 5: Clean Up

As you work, be sure to keep your work area organised by placing the removed screws and hardware in a safe place. This will ensure you don't lose any necessary components and can properly dispose of them if needed.

Tips and Tricks:

If you plan on installing a new handle, it's a good idea to measure the existing holes in your door and purchase a new set that fits those dimensions. Additionally, if your old handle has a cover plate, you may need to use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully pry it off before accessing the mounting screws.

Assembling a new handle

To assemble a new screen door handle, you will need a replacement screen door handle and latch. You can either take your old handle to a hardware store or do some measuring to find the right replacement. Once you have your new handle, follow the instructions included with the packaging to assemble the new exterior handle. Typically, you will need to insert a spindle through the center hole and screw the inside and outside of the handle together.

• Remove the old handle and screen door latch. There are usually two mounting screws holding the old handle together. Unscrew both interior latch-mounting screws.
• Pull the interior and exterior handles apart and remove the center spindle.
• Measure the distance from the edge of the door to the center of one of the three vertically spaced mounting holes in the screen door. This distance is called the backset. Your new handle should have the same backset.
• Assemble the new exterior handle according to the instructions provided.
• Slide the spindle through the center hole of the new handle.
• Screw the inside and outside of the new handle together.
• Slide the interior screen door latch over the protruding spindle and screw the interior and exterior handles together using the two mounting screws.
• Hold the new strike plate in place with the door closed and mark the center of the mounting slots for maximum adjustability.
• Drill pilot holes in the door jamb and screw down the new strike plate.
• If the old strike plate is not compatible with the new latch, remove it and install the new one that came with the screen door latch kit.

Adjusting a striker plate

If your screen door handle won't latch, you can try adjusting the striker plate. First, try tightening the screws in both the handle and the striker plate. If the door still won't latch, examine how the door latch hits the striker plate. Observe whether the latch hits the plate at the top or bottom, and whether it is sticking at the front or back edge of the plate. Once you've identified where the latch is getting stuck, you can file that edge.

Insert a triangular or flat file that's small enough to fit inside the striker plate. File off enough metal to allow the latch to catch inside the plate and secure the door. If your filing action is shaking the striker plate, remove the plate and secure it in a vise for your repair. Then, reinstall the plate with longer screws.

If you're unsure whether the misalignment is horizontal or vertical, you can try the following:

• Place paper over the striker area.
• Mark the latch with chalk, ink, or wet paint.
• Turn the knob to keep the latch inside the door and close the door.
• Open the door and your mark should be clearly visible, indicating where the striker plate needs to be adjusted.

Troubleshooting a sticking push button

Initial Checks:

• Ensure that the button only sticks when the door is closed. If it doesn't stick when the door is open, adjust your striker as mentioned in the previous response about the door not latching.
• Loosen the retaining screws. Overly tight screws can exert pressure on the handle, causing it to malfunction. Try loosening them by half a turn and test the button again. Be careful not to loosen them too much.

Inspect the Button Spring:

The push-button handle has a cone-shaped spring. Remove the handle and inspect the spring. Ensure that the large end of the spring faces the door. If the small end is towards the door, it may slip into the door hole and cause binding.

Clean and Lubricate:

• Disassemble the latch hardware and clean it thoroughly. Grease appropriate points before reassembling. This helps prevent water from entering and freezing, which can cause the button to stick.
• You can use products like WD-40, lock de-icer, or graphite compound to lubricate the mechanism and prevent freezing.

Inspect the O-Ring:

Remove the inner door panel and take out the handle to inspect the rubber o-ring. It may have become unseated or broken, causing the button to stick.

Check the Door Handle Components:

• If the above steps don't work, the issue may lie with other components. Dismantle the door handle assembly and check each part individually. This includes the latch, spindle, and springs.
• Ensure the spindle is not too long or misaligned, causing a bind. The spindle should be cut to suit the door thickness.
• Check for debris or wood shavings in the latch or lock mechanism, as this can also cause sticking.

Deepen the Deadbolt Hole:

• If the handle and deadbolt move freely when the door is open, the issue may be with the strike plate or the deadbolt hole. Apply lipstick to the edge of the deadbolt and close the door, engaging the deadbolt. If there's lipstick on the latch rail or strike plate, adjust it accordingly.
• If there's no lipstick on the strike plate but a mark on the back of the deadbolt hole, you'll need to deepen the hole with a chisel.

If the issue persists after trying these troubleshooting steps, it may be necessary to replace the handle or seek professional assistance.

Frequently asked questions