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 fairly straightforward, but it is essential to have the right tools to ensure a solid, clean and lasting fixing. Here are the essential tools to have to hand, whether you are a DIY enthusiast, a professional locksmith, or if it is the first time you have had to replace a worn handle.

The 6 essential tools for easy installation

* Screwdriver (Phillips and flat-head)

 For screwing in the handle fixing screws or removing the old hardware. An absolute must.

* Drill / driver

Ideal for drilling new holes in the frame or the front of a piece of furniture. Use appropriate 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 maintain precise measurements, particularly on interior doors, entrance doors or drawer fronts.

* Pencil

 For marking reference points before drilling, to 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 is used 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 handy accessory helps you position the drill holes precisely without any hassle. It also saves you from nasty surprises during installation.

In reality, an installation that is often very straightforward

In the vast majority of cases, fitting a door handle or a furniture knob is much simpler than it seems. A screwdriver and sometimes an Allen key (often supplied with the handle) are more than sufficient to carry out 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 a piece of furniture, a handle or a drawer knob can be screwed in within 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 Poignées, we make installation easy: 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 changes or fitting a bolt, cylinder, surface-mounted lock or mortise lock, the list of locksmithing tools becomes more technical: drill, precision screwdriver, lubricating oil can, file, ratchet wrench, and sometimes a hacksaw.

If you need to open the door in the event of a door slamming shut, a jammed latch or a broken lock, it is better to call a professional locksmith equipped for a quick emergency call-out, especially on a security door.

Good to know:

* To fit a non-reversible handle, check the direction in which the door opens. (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 latch bolt.

* On old or rustic furniture, pay attention to the drilling depth: it is better to use a drill stop. The last thing you want is to drill 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? Discover our selection of door handles and furniture handles on Milla Poignées, designed for lovers of quality hardware and savvy DIY professionals!