How to replace a broken interior or exterior door lock handle

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  • OVERALL DIFFICULTY INDEX: 2/10
  • IF YOU HAVE NO TOOLS YOU SPEND $6 TO GET THEM FOR THIS JOB
  • IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE YOU SPEND 1 HOUR TO CARRY OUT THIS JOB 
  • NO SAFETY RULES TO OBSERVE
BEFORE YOU START
  • This is a very simple operation requiring no more than one slotted and one Philips screwdrivers.
  • You would need in some cases a small Allen key.
DISCLAIMER:
Our pictorials are of informative nature and do illustrate works carried out by ourselves at our own premises for our own use and satisfaction.
Readers who envisage to carry out similar works inspired by the below method shall do this at their own risks and liability.

Context of this interior / exterior door handle replacement, shown on an aluminum (aluminium) door

The below tutorial shows how to change the door lock handle of any interior or exterior door (obviously equipped with a door lock with handle), regardless if it has two handles, one of each side, or one handle only on the interior side. It is shown on an aluminum balcony / terrace door but the same applies to interior wooden door locks.

Removing the door handle of an aluminum door

1- The door handle is broken and needs to be replaced.​
2- Use a slotted screwdriver to pull out the cover of the opposite door handle.
3- Unscrew the handle from the door's frame.
4- Pull the handle to take it out of the door lock.
5- New door handles are usually sold as pairs. The kit includes two opposite handles and the needed accessories.

​Refitting the door handle of an aluminum door

6- Start by inserting the square axle into one of the new handles.
7- The axle will be showing on the other side.
8- Then insert both handles into the door lock. 
9- Insert the opposite door handle while holding the other one.
10- Fix both handles with the new screws supplied within the kit.
​

Finishing the job and lubricating the door lock

11- Fit the cover onto the handle base and push hard until you here a "click".
12- Add two drops of machine oil on the latch of the lock.
13- And another drop of specific oil for lock cylinder.
14- Keep the unbroken dismantled handle  in a box along with its accessories for using them as spares on next interventions.

See also our other tutorials for doors maintenance...

...and buy your aluminum door handle replacement kit here...
...or your home improvement tools and accessories from our partners' stores: