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DIY: Fix a Loose Door Handledvslocksmith.com/2021/07/26/diy-fix-a-loose-door-handle

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

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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?

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.

Remove the Handle

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.

Tighten the Screws

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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.

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Locksmith

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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.