Article explaining in detail what a door spindle, also known as "a square spindle", is

Before purchasing a door for your home or flat, it is useful to learn the vocabulary related to their individual characteristics. A professional salesperson will answer your questions, and if you know the key points, you can begin your own research online and familiarise yourself with manufacturers' offerings.

What is a square spindle?

"A square spindle" is a metal rod with a square cross-section, which serves to connect two door handles together. It passes through the mortise latch or tubular latch (located inside the door) and the two handles on each side of the door. Turning a knob (or pushing down on a lever handle) will rotate the spindle, which in turn moves the latch back and forth, allowing the door to open.

The photo below shows the square spindle protruding from the door lock as well as the handle that fits onto the spindle. It is clearly visible that this part serves to hold the handle in place and to operate the lock. This steel component connects two door handles or door knobs together on each side of a door.

Is there a standard size (width) for the square spindle in France?

In France, historically the standard is that of locks with a 7mm square spindle, which is supported by Leroy. Usually, door locks with this spindle width are not of the best quality and we recommend our customers to choose 8mm locks — the quality of the lock is very important! This position is supported by the fact that the European standard is, however, the 8mm spindle.

Good news for customers of the MILLA shop: we supply both 7 mm and 8 mm spindles, so the customer does not need to check their lock type beforehand. Our handles are universal!

To summarise, there are several standards for square spindles. Spindles can have a thickness (diagonal) of:

• 6mm x 6mm - intended for doors with old rim locks, available here: 6mm square spindle
• 7mm x 7mm - found on doors fitted with locks on the French market. 
• 8mm x 8mm - the European standard found in countries such as Belgium

In the photos below, you can see two spindle (pin) thicknesses: 7mm and 8mm.

So, does one spindle size/standard fit all door handles and door knobs? Unfortunately, the answer is NO. While the modern industry standard for spindles is 8 mm square, as stated, there is in France a wide range of 7mm locks. 

The square spindle is too wide and does not fit the lock?

This problem is common on the French market, which keeps its "old-fashioned" standards, where locks generally had a 7x7 mm hole. If you have purchased a handle from the MILLA online shop, we will send you free of charge spindles and a 7mm to 8mm adapter (reducer, reduction) to install your handles.

If the handles are designed for 8x8mm spindles and the lock only accepts 7x7mm spindle holes — do not panic — MILLA shop has found a solution! For every handle sold, we include the 7/8mm adapters and suitable spindles.

If the square spindle is too wide and does not fit into the door lock, you may have purchased the handle outside of France, for example in Belgium or Italy. And for this type of problem, the Milla team has found a solution! Simply use a smaller bolt and the appropriate adapters. Do not hesitate to contact us at contact@millapoignees.fr if you have any questions.

If 7 mm spindles are used with handles designed for 8 mm squares, an adapter must be used. Here is an example of a 7mm to 8mm adapter for the 8mm square spindle:

The square spindle is too long and does not fit the handle?

It can happen that the handle spindle supplied is longer than the thickness of the door. In this case, fitting becomes complicated: the handle does not sit flush against the door, the adjustment is unsteady and this can generate excessive play during rotation. In the long term, a poorly adjusted spindle can even damage the internal mechanism of the lock or cause premature wear of the handles.

In a correct installation, the spindle should protrude slightly on either side of the door drilling, just enough to allow the handle to be fixed. If it is too long, it must be cut down. A hacksaw is sufficient to carry out this operation, provided a straight cut is made. It is also advisable to lightly file the edges after cutting to prevent them from damaging the grub screw or causing obstruction during assembly.

At Milla Poignées, we offer different spindle lengths suited to common door thicknesses. If needed, we can also advise you on the length to choose or supply pre-cut spindles. Some handles even come with marked-cut spindles, which greatly facilitates adjustment without any specific tool.

Lengths of square spindles (square pins)

There are many lengths available for door handle spindles:

Most spindles are available in the following lengths:

1. 80mm
2. 90mm
3. 100mm
4. 120mm
5. 140mm

Spindles from 9 cm to 10 cm in length are intended for doors with a width of 40 to 45 mm. For wider doors, longer pins must be used. Different lengths are available at Millapoignees; please specify before ordering. We have the full range of spindle lengths — ask us at any time.

There are different types of square spindles for door handles. One type is in two parts and the other is in one single piece:

Both solutions used work well.

Types of square spindles for handles?

1. Drilled square spindle for door handle
2. Non-drilled square spindle for door handle
3. Split square spindle for door handle