Replace Kwikset Door Handle: Easy DIY Guide [5 Mins]

A Kwikset door handle, a common residential fixture, sometimes requires replacement due to wear or aesthetic preferences. This guide provides a streamlined, do-it-yourself approach to replacing Kwikset replacement door handle, achievable in approximately five minutes. Proper use of tools, such as a simple screwdriver, will ensure a successful installation. Understanding the mechanisms of a door’s hardware is key to easy, efficient hardware updates.

Image taken from the YouTube channel Top Homeowner , from the video titled How to Replace an Old Entry Door Handle with a Kwikset Smartkey Lever .

Replacing Your Kwikset Door Handle: A Simple 5-Minute DIY Guide

This guide will walk you through the process of replacing your Kwikset door handle quickly and easily. We’ll cover everything from identifying the parts to installing your new handle, ensuring a smooth and successful replacement. Replacing a Kwikset replacement door handle is a very straightforward task and typically requires minimal tools and time.

Understanding Your Kwikset Door Handle

Before we begin, let’s briefly understand the components of a typical Kwikset door handle. Familiarizing yourself with these parts will make the replacement process even easier.

• Exterior Handle/Lever: This is the handle on the outside of the door that you use to open it.
• Interior Handle/Lever: The handle on the inside of the door.
• Rose Plate/Escutcheon: The decorative plate that sits behind the handle, covering the mounting screws and providing a finished look.
• Spindle: The square rod that connects the interior and exterior handles, allowing you to turn the handle and retract the latch.
• Latch Bolt: The part that extends from the door edge into the door frame to secure the door closed.
• Strike Plate: The metal plate attached to the door frame where the latch bolt engages.
• Mounting Screws: These secure the handle and rose plate to the door.

Tools and Materials Needed

You’ll need just a few basic tools for replacing your Kwikset replacement door handle. Having everything ready beforehand will save you time.

• New Kwikset Door Handle Set: Make sure it’s compatible with your door thickness.
• Screwdriver: A Phillips head screwdriver is usually required. A power drill with a screwdriver bit can also be used, but be careful not to overtighten the screws.
• Optional: Small Flathead Screwdriver or Allen Wrench: Some handles may have a small set screw to loosen.

Step-by-Step Replacement Instructions

Follow these steps to replace your Kwikset door handle. Remember to work carefully to avoid damaging your door or the new handle.

1. Removing the Old Handle

This is the first and arguably easiest step.

1. Locate the Mounting Screws: These are usually visible on the interior rose plate.
2. Unscrew the Mounting Screws: Use your Phillips head screwdriver to carefully unscrew the screws.
3. Remove the Interior Handle: Once the screws are removed, gently pull the interior handle and rose plate away from the door.
4. Remove the Spindle: The spindle may come out with the interior handle, or it might remain in the door. If it remains, simply pull it out.
5. Remove the Exterior Handle: Gently pull the exterior handle and rose plate away from the door.

2. Installing the New Handle

Now, let’s install the new Kwikset replacement door handle.

1. Insert the Latch Bolt (if needed): If you are replacing the entire handle set, and the new set comes with a new latch bolt, you may need to remove the old one from the door’s edge. Usually, you just need to unscrew two screws on the plate on the edge of the door. To install the new one, simply reverse this process, ensuring the latch is oriented correctly (it should retract when pushed). This step is only necessary if your entire doorknob set is being replaced.
2. Insert the Spindle: Slide the spindle through the hole in the door, ensuring it’s properly aligned with the latch bolt mechanism. The spindle might have specific notches or orientations, so refer to the new handle’s instructions if needed.
3. Attach the Exterior Handle: Position the exterior handle and rose plate against the door, aligning the spindle with the corresponding hole in the handle.
4. Attach the Interior Handle: Position the interior handle and rose plate against the door, ensuring the spindle is properly inserted into the handle mechanism.
5. Secure with Mounting Screws: Insert the mounting screws through the interior rose plate and into the exterior handle. Tighten the screws firmly, but avoid overtightening.
6. Test the Handle: Open and close the door several times to ensure the handle functions smoothly and the latch bolt engages properly with the strike plate.

3. Adjusting the Strike Plate (if necessary)

Sometimes, after replacing the handle, the latch bolt may not align perfectly with the strike plate on the door frame. If this happens, you can adjust the strike plate.

1. Loosen the Strike Plate Screws: Slightly loosen the screws holding the strike plate to the door frame.
2. Adjust the Strike Plate: Gently move the strike plate up, down, or sideways until the latch bolt aligns properly with the opening.
3. Tighten the Strike Plate Screws: Once the alignment is correct, tighten the screws securely.
4. Test Again: Test the door again to ensure it closes smoothly and the latch engages properly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here’s a quick guide to troubleshoot potential issues you might encounter when replacing your Kwikset replacement door handle.

This table summarizes the most common problems and simple solutions. If you encounter any persistent issues, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or consider seeking professional assistance.

Alright, you’re all set! Hopefully, replacing Kwikset replacement door handle was a breeze. Go forth and enjoy that smooth, new handle!