How to choose the right size for your door handle?

Door handle dimensions for quick and easy fitting!

Ready to give your doors a new look? You've decided to take the plunge and replace your door handles. But before embarking on this adventure, let us guide you to avoid any headaches and unnecessary complications. Explore with us the various criteria and specific dimensions of handles to consider. Follow our expert advice for hassle-free installation!

Defining the three key dimensions of a door handle

Before replacing door handles, take precise measurements to ensure a perfect fit. Three key elements need to be considered:

Fixing centre distance: the basics

Before embarking on replacing your door handle, learn how to measure the fixing centre distance. This dimension, which equates to the distance between the two fixing screws holding the handle's cover plate on the door, is crucial. For this we invite you to read our blog how to determine if your door is right or left-handed, choose between the two most common standard dimensions, either 165 mm or 195 mm. This approach saves you from drilling new holes, especially if the current centre distance is 165 mm, which considerably simplifies the installation process.

Suppose the fixing centre distance of your door is 165 mm. In this case, it is wise to choose handles with exactly the same centre distance. This will save you from unnecessarily drilling additional holes.

In the case of handles on rose, note that the regulatory centre distance between the rose and the lock follower is 38 mm.

As this illustration shows, the follower is the part of a lock pierced with a hole intended to receive the square spindle of the lever and carrying an arm intended to transmit its movement.

Lock centre distance: security

If your door handle incorporates a locking system, take the time to measure the lock centre distance accurately. This measurement represents the distance between the handle square, inserted into the lock, and the keyhole or cylinder hole. Opt for a standard dimension of 70 mm to ensure proper functioning of the locking mechanism.

For example, for a lock centre distance of 70 mm, choose door handles that correspond to this measurement to ensure the locking mechanism functions correctly.

Fixing square diameter: the detail that makes the difference

The diameter of the fixing square corresponds to the size of the metal spindle. This spindle passes through the lock via the follower to connect the two faces of the handle. Depending on French and European standards, the diameter of the fixing square can vary between 6 mm and 8 mm.

In other words, for simplified installation, use a handle with a square diameter of 7 mm if your door lock has a 7 mm square.

Tip:

However, if the square of your old handles is too thin to fit modern doors, a simple solution is to insert an adaptor, also called a sleeve, on the spindle. This increases the thickness of the spindle to adequately match the dimensions of your door.

On the market, you will find different spindle dimensions depending on the type of door:

• For old doors fitted with a surface-mounted lock, spindle dimensions are generally 6 mm.
• Spindles complying with the European standard must have a diameter of 8 mm.
• As for spindles complying with the French standard, they have a size of 7 mm.

Millapoignées offers you a wide choice of 7 mm and 8 mm spindles compliant with current standards.

The different dimensions of door handles

Door handles offer you a great variety of shapes and sizes, perfectly suited to all decoration needs. You will also find different types of interior handles that embrace all decoration styles, from the most classic to the most modern, including vintage or industrial. Therefore take into account the following dimensions:

Lever handle dimensions

The lever handle, recognisable by its curved shape, is commonly used on interior and exterior doors.

Models vary in terms of lever length, plate thickness and rose diameter, offering an extensive choice for all tastes.

At Millapoignées, you will find a variety of lever handle models:

• Modern Irga door handle: this handle stands out with an elegantly rounded lever design that measures 145.5 mm in length, mounted on a 7 mm thick plate for exceptional ergonomics and the most comfortable grip.

• Elegant gold Raflésia door handle: featuring a gold finish, this model shines with its elegance on a square plate 7 mm thick. Its harmonious proportions of 144 mm in length accentuate both the geometry and refinement of this gold handle.

• Chrome door handle with industrial style Arnica: mounted on a 7mm thick square plate, this industrial-style handle brings an ideal contemporary touch to modernise your living room or office. It features a chrome finish and its refined 127mm long lever ensures an excellent grip.

• Modern Mandelli Grint door handle: the Mandelli Grint collection offers door handles, but also window handles with a resolutely contemporary design. Mounted on an ultra-thin plate of only 6 mm, displaying a subtle engraving on the aged brass lever with particular dimensions, this model is unique.

• Black Gladiola door handle: this understated model with natural elegance is fitted with a cover plate barely wider than the curved lever design measuring 163 mm in length.

• Original door handle - Ref Jumelle: manufactured in zamak, a fully recyclable alloy of zinc and aluminium, this handle stands out with its exceptional lever length of 170 mm. It elegantly redefines this exceptional model.

Dimensions of a sliding door handle

The sliding door is perfect for reconfiguring a room and saving space. It can be operated with recessed door handles available to you in various shapes and dimensions. In addition to being practical, these accessories also help to enhance the style of your interior decoration.

Here are some sliding door handle models from Mandelli that you can easily install in your home:

• Round flush pull in solid brass: this model is available in black, white, chrome, etc.

• Rustic pocket door handle: suitable for lovers of vintage style.

• Elongated recessed handle - ref Mandelli 1028c with lock: this type of accessory is suitable for people who are looking for security above all.

Rules and criteria to follow for correct alignment of handles on the door

To correctly align your door handles, you must comply with current regulations regarding the ideal height for placing this type of accessory. Also take into account the optimal position for its installation.

The ideal height for a door handle

A door handle must be installed between 0.90 m and 1.30 m from the floor. This dimension was set by Article 23 of the Order of 1 August 2006 which governs the height of handles in dwellings and individual houses.

Optimal handle placement on the door

Make sure to measure the axis correctly, i.e. the distance from the edge of the door to the axis of rotation of the square hole. This is where you need to insert the square spindle.

Lock centres measure approximately 40 to 50 mm. For the handle mechanism to work properly, remember to fix the spindle at the correct distance.

In short, by following this advice and choosing handles suited to the standard dimensions of your doors, you can achieve hassle-free installation of your handles. Explore an infinite variety of models, from elegant gold handles to modern and industrial handles.

Discover our full range of elegant handles and find the one that perfectly suits your interior. For a perfectly successful interior decoration, find inspiration among finishes such as brushed stainless steel, nickel (matt or polished nickel), chrome-plated brass or satin stainless steel which offer other coloured shades.