How to Fix a Loose Door Knob or Handle?

If you're having trouble with your door knobs or handles, then you need to check them out. If you have a loose door knob or handle, then it's likely that the screw is stripped or the bolt is corroded. If the screw or bolt is stripped, then you can easily fix the problem by replacing the screw or bolt. However, if the bolt or screw is corroded, then you'll need to replace the entire handle assembly. If the door knob or handle has become loose, then you can tighten it up by using the following steps:

  1. Remove the door knob or handle.
  2. Unscrew the door knob or remove the screws from the doorknob or handle.
  3. Turn the door knob or handle to the right or left until the door knob or handle is tight.
  4. Put the door knob or handle back in place.
  5. Screw the door knob or handle in place.

Reasons Doorknobs or Handles Become Loose

When you install a new door, you might notice that the door knob or handle is loose. This is usually because of a bad installation. If you have a few minutes, you can fix the problem by tightening the screws. But if you have more time, you can also have a professional do it for you.

Doorknobs and handles are designed to hold doors in place. However, as time goes by, they tend to become loose and cause problems. Here are some reasons why your door knobs or handles may become loose:

The first reason why your door knobs or handles may become loose is because of wear and tear. This happens because of the use of your doors. If your doors are used frequently, your knobs and handles will become loose.

The next reason why your door knobs or handles may become loose is because of the weather. If your doors are exposed to the elements, they will rust and the knobs and handles will loosen.

The third reason why your door knobs or handles may become loose is because of the way you use them. If you are not careful, you can damage them by using them too much.

If you want to fix your door knobs or handles, you can use a wrench. You can also take your door knobs or handles apart and then put them back together.

Popular Types of Door Knobs

Fixing the doorknob or handle will depend on its design and how it’s secured to the door and spindle.

Exposed Set-Screw Doorknob:

The exposed set-screw doorknob is a simple doorknob that has a screw that’s exposed on the outside of the knob. This design is used in older homes, and it’s a very easy doorknob to install. This doorknob can be found in many different finishes.

Hidden Screw Doorknob:

A hidden set-screw doorknob is a more modern design. This doorknob has a small hole on the back side of the doorknob where the screw is hidden. This doorknob is used in new homes because it’s easy to install and it’s very easy to find.

Latch Door Knob:

The latch door knob is a simple doorknob that has a latch that secures the knob. This is a very popular doorknob because it’s easy to use. This doorknob is usually made of plastic or metal, but it can be done in any type of finish.

Fixing the Loose Doorknob or Handle

When it comes to your home, nothing is more important than your door. It’s the gateway to your home and the one place where you can’t afford to be unsecure. If you leave your door unlocked, you might be letting in a burglar, or worse, your kids. However, a loose door knob or handle can be just as dangerous. 

1. Remove the Knob or Handle

Exposed screws

Then you will have to tighten the set screw. Make sure that the set screw is fully tightened before you replace the handle. You should also check for any corrosion on the shaft, which might be preventing the handle from turning. You can use a soft cloth and polish the handle. If the handle still won't turn, you can try using a small magnet to pull the handle up. If it works, then you should try using a small screwdriver to push the handle down. If that doesn't work, you can use a small screwdriver to tighten the set screw.

Hidden Screws

To display the hidden screws, you will have to determine where the detent access hole is when looking at the knob. The detent is a pin that is spring-activated and sticks out of the little hole in the knob preventing it from rotating. When you locate the pin, using a flathead screwdriver, press down on the pin, and from the spindle shaft, remove the handle.

2. Remove the Shaft

With the doorknob removed, use a pair of pliers to remove the shaft. Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the screws that hold the shaft in place.

3. Find the Screws and Tighten

You should be careful when you are tightening the screws because they might come loose. The screws are very small, so you can easily lose them if you don't tighten them properly.

4. Reinstall the Door Knob

Now that you have tightened the screws, you need to reattach the door knob. The best way to do this is to put the door knob on the back plate and then place the door handle on the front plate. Now, you need to slide the door knob onto the door knob hole. Slide the door knob in until you feel resistance. Then, tighten the door knob by turning the knob clockwise. 

5. Replace the Backing Plate

Put the new backing plate on the base and reinstall the spindle by tightening the screws. Then, you can put the doorknob back on the door. 

6. Take off the Spindle

After you have removed the base, take the spindle out. The spindle is a threaded rod with a handle at one end and a locking collar at the other. The locking collar is a metal collar that is attached to the spindle with screws. It is used to keep the doorknob from turning. The spindle is also the part that is inserted into the doorknob.