Best Door Handle Replacement Tips For Your Home

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Is your old door handle becoming too flimsy? Or does it simply not fit in with the new interior design that you’re incorporating into your home? Regardless of the reason, changing your old ones can be a quick and easy task, thanks to the abundance of amazing door handle replacement sets available on the market today.

This article will serve as your ultimate guide to door handle replacement, especially with the top 12 picks of door handles that will make your door more functional again. We’ve also included a handy guide on how to install them in simple steps. Let’s begin.

Types of Door Handles

Door handles have a variety of types. You were probably introduced to a few of them when buying your first handle. In this section, you may browse an in-depth review of each type to help narrow down your options.

Door Knobs and Door Levers

The two most common types of door handles are door levers and door knobs. Both are necessary for making doors easier to use and providing access to your home. They also come in a variety of styles and may also include a locking mechanism for added safety and security. However, there are some differences between the two.

Door knobs are made of round handles, whereas door levers are made up of levers of various shapes and lengths. They also have a cover plate, known as a rose, which secures the knobs and the handle body to the door. Knobs may also include strike plates, depending on the brand.

Door knobs also require more hand force and strength to rotate than door levers. They can be slippery and less grippy for children, as well as for people with muscle spasms and arthritis. Despite this, door knobs can be turned in both left and right, making them suitable for use on any door, regardless of their direction.

Door levers, on the other hand, are more convenient. They provide more leverage and are not as slippery as door knobs. You can turn them with your elbows or even your feet when your hands are full! In terms of their anatomy, door levers also typically have spindles, springs, deadbolts (for those with lock mechanisms), latches, and strike plates. They also come with backplates, which are similar to roses for door knobs.

The only drawback of these door levers is that the loose part of your clothing and bag straps can get caught due to their length and protruding nature.

Pull Handles

Pull handles, as the name implies, do not require latches and must be pulled or pushed to open the door. They are typically made of arched bars, for easier grip. Apart from that, these handles are also ideal for front doors.

Cabinet Handles

Commonly used for storage cabinets, cabinet handles can be considered as a sub-type of pull handles. This is because they commonly have the same appearance and require the same pulling and pushing as the other type. However, cabinet handles are used solely for opening a storage unit or a room from the outside, which means that they do not have nor need a locking mechanism or interior handle.

Flush Pull Handles

Do you own a sliding door? If yes, you’re probably familiar with flush pull handles. These pull handles, when installed on a door, do not protrude and instead appear like a pocket. As a result, they are fitted to the door and have a flush exterior, which allows sliding doors, like pocket doors, to slide smoothly and without obstruction.

12 Best Door Handle Replacement Sets and Kits to Buy

Ready for a change? Here are 12 well-made door handle replacement sets to restore the functionality of your door and enhance the beauty of your home.

1. Copper Creek Colonial Door Knob Kit

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Sometimes all we need is little privacy in our home to refocus and relax after a long day. A well-made door handle, like this one from Copper Creek, can help you with that. It is made of durable and sturdy steel and copper and has a black, matte finish that ensures corrosion resistance.

Moreover, this ball knob has adjustable latches and nickel-plated bolts. It can also be locked on the inside so you can have some alone time whenever you want. This knob also has a slotted emergency unlocking button on the outside that can be operated with a coin or a slotted screwdriver. All of these features make this door handle replacement ideal for your bedroom, bathroom, and home office.

2. Tuff Stuff Mortise Crystal Door Knob Handle Replacement Set

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If you want a door handle replacement that can elevate the overall appearance and vibe in your home, this crystal door knob from Tuff Stuff should be one of your top choices. Unlike the typical round design, it comes in a transparent, rigged glass knob. It is still comfortable to grip and gives your home a more classy and delicate appeal.

3. Schlage F10 Latitude Door Lever Set

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When searching for the best door handle replacement, Schlage is one of the most popular door handle manufacturers that you’ll come across, and for good reason. Their products, such as this latitude door lever set, are versatile, stylish, and high-quality. Mainly functioning as a passage lever, this door handle is ideal for closets, cabinets, and room doors that do not need to be locked.

Furthermore, it comes with a universal latch that you can install using just a screwdriver. It also exudes a vintage aura thanks to its worn-out type of coating and its clean lines. Add in its durable metal construction and corrosion-proof coating, this door lever is a great addition to your rustic and minimalist home.

Read more: How To Replace Recliner Handle Spring

4. Berlin Modisch Contemporary Door Handle Replacement Set

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Fancy some dummy door levers for your closets and French door? This contemporary door handle replacement set from Berlin Modisch is a good buy. Available in two pieces, these exterior handles are both easy to install and use. They are fully reversible and will fit doors of various thicknesses. Even better, these levers are made of metal and have a black finish, which increases their durability and appearance.

5. HauSun Patio Door Handle Replacement Set

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Patios are undoubtedly one of our home’s high-traffic areas, which increases the likelihood of the door and door handles wearing out. Don’t worry, you can easily give this place some TLC by replacing the door handles with this awesome replacement set from HauSun. It comes with a wooden exterior handle and a steel interior door. Such a combination not only makes these handles durable but also stylish and sleek.

In addition to that, this set has a thumb latching system so there’s no need for keys. The handles can also be installed on either left or right-handed patio doors, so you just need to take your pick. They are perfect to use on your garage door as well.

6. HOMOTEK Door Flush Pull Handle Replacement Set

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Sliding doors are such a breeze to use, but not so much when their handles become flimsy, rusty, or both. Use this Homoset door handle replacement set to get a quick fix. Made of sturdy stainless steel, it is both stylish and ergonomic. Such a feature makes it weatherproof and lightweight to install. Also, these handles provide a good finger perch. Thus it is easy to grip whenever you use the door, whether it is for your walk-in closet or a hallway door.

7. EaseLife Door Handle Replacement Double Hardware Set

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Why limit yourself to just one type of door handle when you can get a door replacement set with two? Take the EaseLife Double Hardware Set, for example. It is made of steel and has a pull-type exterior handle as well as a flush, finger pull interior handle. For comfort, style, and durability, it also has polished, chamfered edges and a black powder coating. What’s more, this set fits doors of varying thicknesses for your convenience.

Read more: How To Replace An Outdoor Faucet Handle

8. Prime-Line Push Button Lock Door Handle Replacement Set

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Your storm door keeps your primary access door protected from the harsh weather, which is why it is also important that all its parts work properly, including the handles. If its handles need replacement, this set from Prime-Line is a good option. It has a push-button design and a night lock (a feature that allows you to lock the door from the inside) for safety and ease of use. It is also sturdy with its aluminum construction and coated in a black finish for extra durability.

9. Wrights Products Serenade Brass Door Handle Replacement Set

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You’ll get the most bang for your buck with this door handle replacement set from Wright Products. It is a solid brass door lever that is ideal for replacing old door handles with Mortise-style locks. This lock system conceals the locking parts or bodies within a steel case, ensuring that the handle provides optimal security for you. Additionally, both handles are crafted with narrow escutcheon backplates that give them a classic, stunning appearance. With that and all of its amazing features, this door handle set will match the door regardless of its material and style.

10. Kwikset Belleview Door Handle Replacement Set

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Superior security is also possible with the help of this Kwikset door handle replacement set. It is made up of a single-cylinder deadbolt and two types of handles: an interior doorknob and an exterior door lever. It also features SmartKey Security, which allows you to re-key the lock. This can be accomplished by using an existing key that operates the door, the SmartKey tool included in the set, and a new key.

That way, the door cannot be easily broken into with a standard key, giving you peace of mind even when you are away. This set is also available in a Venetian bronze finish, which will give your home a traditional, warm atmosphere.

11. IRONZON Finger Door Lock Handle Replacement Set

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Manual door handles, like the previous items, can truly transform your home. But if you want a true keyless door handle, the IRONZON door handle is one of the best picks. It is intended to work by using your fingerprint to lock the door and gain access to your home. In fact, you can program it with up to 50 fingerprints! This is possible thanks to its fingerprint pad on the exterior lever itself. Below the fingerprint scanner is a numeric keypad where you can enter a number combination to serve as a secondary key code. Furthermore, this electric door handle replacement is not only easy to use, but it also has a simple and minimalist appearance.

Read more: How To Unlock Twist Lock Door Handle

12. Geek Smart Fingerprint Door Lock Knob Handle Replacement Set

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If you have toddlers or pets at home and want to prevent them from entering your workstation without your permission, a smart, electronic lock like this one from Geek Smart may be the solution. It has a fingerprint pad scanner and voice prompts, allowing you to program up to 20 fingerprints. Not only that, but this handle has a simple mode switch and automatically locks after 10 seconds of being opened. This set also includes all of the necessary parts and assembly hardware for fuss-free installation.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Door Handle Replacement Set

Choosing the best door replacement set for your outdated ones entails considering not only their types but also other important factors. These factors can make or break your decision and assist you in determining which of our featured products is best suited to your needs.

Size

Before buying a door handle, it is important to compare the old handle to the new one that you’re getting. Do you want a new handle that is slightly larger or smaller than the previous one? Doing this means that you must consider all of the handle’s essential parts.

If you’re installing a door handle that needs a hole to insert its cylinder/lock body and the latch assembly, measure the hole in your door and see if it fits or if it needs adjustment during installation. Deadbolts with handles, for example, require a hole diameter of 1.5 to 2.125 inches. The backset of the door handle, which is the distance from the edge of the door to the center hole, is also important because it determines whether the latch will fit your door. Choose a door handle that is 2.75 inches or 2.375 inches in length too, as these are the standard sizes.

Remember to also account for the thickness of your door. Interior doors must be at least 1.375 inches thick, and exterior doors must be at least 1.75 inches thick. Your door should have these measurements as closely as possible for a fast and easy setup.

Function

Another factor to keep in mind is the function of the new door handle replacement that you’re getting. You would want to buy a replacement that serves the same function as the old one. Doing so allows you to make only a few adjustments as their mechanisms and parts are almost similar.

• Privacy: These are door handles with a twist lock system on only one side, usually from the inside. In addition, they usually have an emergency door slot that can be unlocked from the outside. As a result, they’re perfect for the bedroom, bathroom, and home office. The most common examples are door knobs and levers.
• Entrance: Generally equipped with a keyed-lock mechanism, these are door handles that provide access to a room. The handles can be locked and unlocked from both sides, making them suitable for the front door, home office, and storage room. The common types of door handles that have this function are door knobs and door levers (that are accompanied by a matching deadbolt).
• Passage: These are only used for access and passage from one room to another, which is why they are often used in hallways. They also only need to be opened and closed with a latch rather than a lock mechanism. You’ll find this function on door knobs, levers, and pull handles (particularly the flush pull handles for sliding, storm, and patio doors).
• Dummy: These door handles have no mechanical function other than being pulled and pushed to open and close fake doors, cabinets, and closets. This includes non-turning door knobs, door levers, and pull handles.

Durability of Materials

The materials used in the door handle replacement set you’re buying have an impact on its durability. Door handles are made of a variety of materials, the most common of which are metal, alloy, wood, ceramic, and plastic. These materials are used in all parts of these handles, including the handle, the backplate (also known as the rosette), the lock body, the latch system, and the screws.

• Metals and alloys: Handles that are made of both pure metal and alloys (mixed metals) are known to be durable and long-lasting due to their natural strength and resistance to water and corrosion. They are low maintenance and are naturally hygienic, too.
• Wood: Handles with wooden levers are also sturdy and do not crack or warp easily. However, wood absorbs water in both liquid and gaseous forms, causing its surfaces to swell and become moldy.
• Ceramic: Door handles with glass knobs have surfaces that are easy to clean. Even so, they are brittle, making them fragile and prone to cracking, shattering, and chipping. Porcelain, which is another type of ceramic commonly used for door handles, is more durable than glass but is also fragile and may eventually break over time.
• Plastic: Door handles with plastic parts are often the cheapest and most affordable option. They are lightweight and easy to use, but they are not as durable as their contemporaries. Though it is waterproof, it easily warps under heat, and the color/paint will fade over time.

Overall Style and Design

Selecting the overall style and aesthetic value that you want for a door handle replacement is always a matter of personal preference. This includes the color of the finish, shapes, pattern, and the overall design of the handles. For good measure, choose one that matches the interior style that you are incorporating in your home.

• Traditional: For homes with this interior design, door handles with elegant patterns, an emphasis on symmetry, and rich, dark colors are ideal. Handles with wooden knobs and intricate metal carvings are the best examples of this.
• Rustic: Door handles with warm, dark tones/finishes and distressed paint are the most suitable for this.
• Modern: This interior design focuses on the “form follows function” principle, which states that the material’s overall form or construction dictates its function. For that reason, there is an emphasis on simplicity (and lack of clutter or adornment), as well as the use of neutral colors and clean lines. The door handle replacement that you choose should possess such qualities.
• Contemporary: This style emphasizes simplicity while also aiming to make the home look sophisticated and refreshing to stay in. As such, door handles with a sleek appearance, such as those made of metal and alloys, are an excellent choice.
• Transitional: Also known as a combination of traditional and contemporary styles, this home design emphasizes texture and material. Hence, door handles with various shapes, straight lines, subtle patterns, and neutral colors are best to give your home an inviting feel. Handles with glass, wood, and steel materials are some of your options for this.

How to Install a Door Handle Replacement Set

After getting the best door handle replacement for your home, the next thing to do is to assemble and set it up. Of course, you can always hire a professional to do it for you, but if you enjoy DIY and are up for the challenge, installing it yourself can be a simple task.

Note: As the installation of pull handles mainly requires changing and reattaching screws to fasten these handles to the door, this installation guide will only cover door knobs and door levers.

Remove the Old Door Handle

1. Once you have all the necessary tools and materials, start by wedging the door open on both sides. You can use a door wedge or any heavy box or piece of furniture to do this. This will stop the door from moving and prevent you from being locked in/out.
2. Remove any exposed screws from the door handle’s cover plate/backplate using a screwdriver. If yours does not have exposed screws, look beneath the cover plate as they are usually hidden there. You will need to remove them first. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the notch of the plate until it is loose. Tip: It is best to keep the screws in a cup or container to avoid misplacing and losing them. You can reuse and repurpose them for another DIY project.
3. After removing the cover plates and the screws on both the interior and exterior sides, proceed by taking off the old door handle on both sides (including the knobs/levers and the spindle).
4. Slide off the latching mechanism and set it aside. Remember that the latching mechanism for door levers is composed of a deadbolt, latch bolt, and a lock body. For door knobs, the latching mechanism includes the inner cylinder and the latch.

Install the New Door Handle Replacement

1. Insert the new latch on the hole located to the side/edge of the door and tighten its screws with a screwdriver. Proceed by removing the old strike plate if its needs replacement and attach the new one using its screws.
2. Install the knobs or levers on both sides of the door. Start on one side first by aligning the handle to the latch bolt. Place the screws and tighten them with a screwdriver until secured. Do the same to the other side.
3. Installing is basically finished at this point but go check and test your work to see if it functions properly. Adjust the screws if the parts seem to be too snug or too loose.

A Total Gamechanger

Whether you want to replace your old door handles for functionality, style, or both, you’ll never run out of options with the various replacement sets available now. Our featured products, however, are a cut above the rest. They tick all the boxes in terms of style, function, durability, and usability. Choosing one of them also helps add a hint of glamour or simplicity to your home, completing its look while also ensuring safety and accessibility for the whole family. Make your decision today and buy the one that is best suited to your home!

Want to further ensure that your door has a flawless look and a smooth operation? Discover how with this helpful guide to using hidden door hinges!