What tools do you need to fit a door handle?

The 6 essential tools for fitting a door handle

Installing a door handle or a furniture knob is quite straightforward, but it is essential to have the right tools to ensure a secure, neat and lasting fit. Here are the essential tools to have to hand, whether you are a DIY enthusiast, a professional locksmith, or if it is your first time changing a worn handle.

The 6 essential tools for easy installation

* Screwdriver (Phillips and flat-head)

 For tightening the handle's fixing screws or removing the old furniture fitting. An absolute must.

* Drill / screwdriver drill

Ideal for drilling new holes in the frame or the front of a piece of furniture. Use suitable drill bits depending on whether the material is wood, MDF (a material made from bonded wood fibres) or metal.

* Tape measure or ruler

To centre the handle correctly and achieve precise measurements, particularly on interior doors, front doors or drawer fronts.

* Pencil

 To mark reference points before drilling and avoid positioning errors.

* Spirit level

 Useful for checking the perfect alignment of two handles on a double door or on tall furniture.

* Allen key / hex key

 Often supplied with handle sets, it allows you to tighten certain locking screws, particularly on modern lever handles or stainless steel handles.

The list is short and the tools are easy to find! No reason to dread fitting your handles!

What if the handle comes with a template?

Good news: some furniture handles or door handles come with a paper or rigid plastic fitting template.

This small accessory helps you position the drill holes precisely without any hassle. It saves you from unpleasant surprises during installation.

In reality, an often very simple installation

In the vast majority of cases, fitting a door handle or a furniture knob is much simpler than it appears. A screwdriver and sometimes an Allen key (often supplied with the handle) are more than enough to complete the installation.

Modern models of interior door handles or stainless steel handles are designed to be easy to fit, even without much DIY experience. For furniture, a handle or a drawer knob can be screwed in in just a few minutes, with a simple Phillips screwdriver.

… and to make things easier for you, there is no need to be a DIY expert!

At Milla Handles, we make installation easier: a fitting guide is included in every parcel, and you can find our detailed installation tutorials directly on our website.

And what about locksmithing?

For lock replacement or the fitting of a bolt, a cylinder, a surface-mounted lock or a mortice lock, the list of locksmithing tools becomes more technical: a drill, a precision screwdriver, an oil can with lubricant, a file, a ratchet wrench, and sometimes a hacksaw.

If you need to open the door in the event of a door slamming shut, a stuck latch or a broken lock, it is better to call a professional locksmith equipped for a quick repair, especially on an armoured door.

Good to know: 

* To fit a non-reversible handle, check the opening direction of the door. (To avoid having to worry about this, opt for reversible door handles!)

* Remember to check the screws included with your door handles, in particular the threaded screws, nuts, or square spindle of the lever latch.

* On old or rustic furniture, pay attention to the drilling depth: it is better to use a drill stop. You do not want to drill right through the door of your furniture!

* Some decorative handles in zamak, brass, or brushed stainless steel require more precise fixings or specific fittings. Check the enclosed instructions and follow the fitting guidelines.

Need handles that are easy to fit and stylish? Browse our selection of door handles and furniture handles on Milla Handles, designed for lovers of quality hardware and savvy DIY enthusiasts!