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There are a number of ways to work out the height for your door handle. You can measure the height of the handles on the other doors in the house and use that. Alternatively, you can read the instructions that come with the door handle kit and use that height. Or you can use the standard height for a handle, which is 1050mm off the floor. After deciding the height of your door handle, measure and mark it on the side of the door. Before you start installing the door handle, place a door wedge under the door to stop it from moving while you're working. Move the wedge as you change the side of the door you're working on.
Before starting this next step, read the instructions in the door handle kit, every kit may be slightly different. After drilling the pilot holes, insert a larger drill bit in the cordless drill. Use this to make all of the pilot holes on the front, back and side of the door larger. Don't let the drill bit go through the other side of the door because it can make the wood splinter.
Attach the 25mm spade bit to the cordless drill. Make sure the door is properly wedged and won't move, drill the spade bit into the centre hole on the front of the door. Repeat this drilling process on the other side of the door. These holes are where the spindle for the door handle will be inserted.
Using the spade bit in your cordless drill, make a hole in the side of the door. This is where the barrel will be inserted. Before you start drilling, make sure you are square to the side of the door, so that the hole that you drill is at the correct angle.
Insert the latch from the door handle into the hole you've drilled in the side of the door. Use a pencil to draw around the faceplate. Remove the latch and faceplate from the door. Use a sharp utility knife to cut around the outline of the faceplate.
Use the sharp chisel and the hammer to chisel out a hole for the latch. The cuts made with the utility knife are your guidelines as to where to stop chiselling. Also, chisel inside the hole for the latch to fit. Insert the latch into the side of the door to see if its faceplate sits flush to the door. If it doesn't, chisel some more until it does sit flush.
Insert the latch into the side of the door. With a 2mm drill bit, drill pilot holes where the screws will attach the latch to the door. Use the cordless drill to drill in the two screws at the top and bottom of the latch.
To work out where to install the striker plate, almost close the door and mark on the door frame, where the middle of the barrel is. Hold the striker plate against the door frame, so that it's in the centre of the latch. Mark the top and bottom of the striker plate on the door frame.
Using the mark where the middle of the barrel is, drill a pilot hole in the centre on the inside of the door frame. Then attach the 25mm spade bit to the cordless drill and drill into the pilot hole.
Hold the striker plate up against the hole you drilled on the inside of the doorframe. Line it up with the top and bottom lines you drew on the side of the door frame. Use a pencil to draw around the striker plate. Remove the striker plate from the door. Use the utility knife to cut around the outline of the striker plate.
After cutting around the outline of the striker plate, use the sharp chisel and the hammer to chisel out a recess for the striker plate. The cuts made with the utility knife are your guidelines for where to stop chiselling. Insert the striker plate into the recess to make sure it sits flush. If it doesn't, chisel out some more wood.
Hold the striker plate against the inside of the door frame. Using a 2mm drill bit, make two pilot holes for the screws to attach the striker plate. Then use the cordless drill to secure the two screws at the top and bottom of the striker plate.
Remove the faceplates from the two handles. Insert the two grub screws into the smaller holes in the door and insert the bolt into the larger hole. Put a faceplate on one of the handles but before attaching it, make sure the handle turns in a downward motion. Insert a screw into one of the holes in the faceplate and slip the handle over the barrel, making sure the screw, goes into the grub screw. Tighten the screw. Repeat this procedure to attach the other handle. Tighten the grub screws on both handles. Tighten the screws at the top and bottom of the handle to secure it to the door.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
