Interior door handle issue

Jim_Hodge · 25-03-2026 07:56PM #1

I know nothing about DIY so I hope somebody can help me in simple terms. I've an interior door with a brass? lever passage (I think that's what they're called) with a key lock and handle. The handle has suddenly gone kind of limp and it's not returning to a horizonal position. It feels like there's no resistance when opening the door now. Can it be fixed? Thanks.

Cyclingtourist · 25-03-2026 08:02PM

Spring either broke or popped out of position. Yes it can be fixed by someone.

June2025 · 25-03-2026 08:07PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340587#Comment_124340587

Agreed. Replacement probably best. Most types of handles or lock mechanisms are readily available in any hardware store on online, so you can probably get an exact match.

I have these throughout the house and the spring weakens over time and breaks. Simple to replace though and not expensive.

https://www.screwfix.ie/p/designer-levers-augusta-door-handle-pair-polished-brushed-brass/924KK?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19672046060&gbraid=0AAAAADmaiec_FurYQwRvZr2sfgBbXYm19&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI88W57967kwMVoZFQBh3D3xbREAQYCyABEgJqY_D_BwE

magicbastarder · 25-03-2026 08:18PM

it's one of those things that should make more sense to repair, but for about 30 quid should be fairly easy to replace.

IIRC you'd need a circlip tool to get the spring off, and unless you know someone with one and can locate the replacement spring easily, it'd probably be quicker to just replace the handle.

Jim_Hodge · 25-03-2026 08:49PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340617#Comment_124340617

Thanks all. Is it just the handles I'd need or is it the the bar and lock as well? I assume new handles is unscrew the old and screw on the new??

niallb · 25-03-2026 09:31PM

The spring is inside the lock itself.

You might be able to keep the old handles to match the others. I'd replace the bar though as the closer it is to square the slower it will wear

magicbastarder · 25-03-2026 09:35PM

no, the spring is in the handle.

you shouldn't need a new bar and lock - though new handles usually come with a bar anyway (coincidentally, i replaced all the internal handles in our house only last week). on some locks the new bar was just the tiniest bit too big to fit so i reused the old bar.

the trick is finding a new handle to match the ones in your house, i suspect. also, if you can take one off and bring it with you, you should be able to confirm the screw holes match, which would save you the hassle of drilling new ones.

niallb · 25-03-2026 09:38PM

Remove both sides of the hardware by unscrewing the plate that holds the handle. It should come off easily enough and then you can pull the bar out. Leave the handle and plate together. Most of them won't unscrew well.

You can loosen the lock in the door by manipulating the bar and then pull it out.

niallb · 25-03-2026 09:41PM

If it's just a small surround at the handle, it should unscrew and reveal a screw securing the handle.

Stick up a picture of the lock and door if neither of those looks like a match.

Jim_Hodge · 25-03-2026 10:11PM

WhatsApp Image 2026-03-25 at 21.08.28.jpeg

I'm getting a bit confused now. Would it be the handles or the lock mechanism

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340780#Comment_124340780

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340765#Comment_124340765

Sorry for being so thick!

niallb · 25-03-2026 10:37PM

Remove the four screws holding the handle to the door first and ease it off.

Maybe open the door first and drop a towel down so it doesn't close at an awkward moment.

I described two different kinds as I hadn't seen yours yet.

magicbastarder · 25-03-2026 10:45PM

unscrew the four screws and pull the handle off; this is what you'll be left with. one on each side.

on the reverse, you can see the spring mechanism (it's hooked to a pin above the handle) - this is what is broken or displaced on yours.

magicbastarder · 25-03-2026 10:47PM

if you buy a new door handle, you'll get what's in the pic above, plus some screws.

Jim_Hodge · 25-03-2026 10:48PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340884#Comment_124340884

Brilliant. Thank you.

Jim_Hodge · 26-03-2026 11:31AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124340884#Comment_124340884

Took off one handle this morning and you're spot on. That spring is clearly broken. I'll try and source a replacement handle tomorrow. Many thanks.

Jim_Hodge · 27-03-2026 01:15PM

WhatsApp Image 2026-03-27 at 12.12.38.jpeg

Got the new handle fitted this morning. It was slightly narrower and shorter but I think you can hardly see the join. Many thanks for all the excellent advice.

Long live Boards! It's invaluable for stuff like this.

Interior door handle issue

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