how do i fix this door handle, keep loosing and screw not fiting in the door tightly

[musama]

 

 

  

[JacobZ]

Hi @musama,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

You should be able to twist the chrome cover plate off to reveal the inside of the handle.

There are usually 4 holes in the mounting plate that screws can go through. If you pop the cover plate off and find 4 holes, it would be a simple case of moving the screws to the other holes.

Alternatively, it looks like there's a screw on the inside of the handle which may allow you to rotate the handle in relation to the mounting plate which would allow the screws to go into a different location.

Pop the cover plate off and let me know what you find.

Jacob

[musama]

Hi Jacob, thanks for your help

pictures are attached and yes there are 4 holes altogether in door handle

you recommend using 4 screws or 2?

also these screws look small, should i use longer ones.

also how do i prevent this happening again and how to ensure screws and handle stays in when i try different holes.

Can i use wood anchors in current holes or not?

should i drill the holes before screwing in or not?

 

   appreciate your help

[JacobZ]

Hi @musama,

Having thought a bit more, I think there is a bigger issue at play. 

Hollow core doors, which I'm fairly confident this door is, have a lock block installed on one side of the door. If installed in the lock block, two screws are fine.

If you've had issues with the handle pulling off the door, I suspect the screws are not hitting the lock block which could mean it is on the opposite edge of the door.

If you clear out the holes that the screws previously went into, can you see a hollow behind it? When the screws come out, did it bring timber with it?

If the lock is not installed into the lock block, it will only be screwed into a thin MDF veneer, which does not have the holding power needed to keep a door handle in place.

From here, I would try predrilling the holes for the screws in these locations.

If your drill bit punches through very quickly and no timber comes out, then my suspicion that there is no lock block is likely correct.

If this is the case, you may need to flip the door and reinstall the handle on the opposite edge or use a bolt and nut through the door.

Let me know what you find, I'm happy to assist further if required.

Jacob