Repair a lame door handle or replace it?

It's one of the biggest annoyances in the house: you grab the door handle, and instead of it springing back smoothly, it hangs limply. Or worse, you suddenly find yourself with a loose door handle in your hand. A broken door handle isn't just unpleasant to look at; it can also make it difficult to open or close the door properly.

Wondering if you can fix a broken door handle yourself or if it's time for a replacement? In this blog post, we explain the possible causes and why cheap door hardware often turns out to be expensive.

Why a door handle gets stuck

Before you rush to the hardware store or place a new order, it's a good idea to determine exactly what's wrong. If a door handle feels weak , the problem usually lies with the internals or the installation of the handle. Sometimes it's simply old age, but often it's related to the construction quality of the previously installed door hardware.

If your door handle is showing signs of wear, check the following:

• The Allen bolt: There's often a small Allen bolt (also called a crank screw) on the underside or side of the door handle. Has this vibrated loose? Then you're likely to have a loose, rattling door handle . Tightening it can temporarily solve this problem.

• Mortise lock: Sometimes the problem isn't with the door handle, but with the lock itself. If the door handle is stuck and won't move, the mechanism inside the door may be blocked or rusted.

• The spring in the door handle: This is the most common cause. Cheaper door handles often rely entirely on the spring of the mortise lock. If it slackens, the handle will sag. Better door handles have their own spring system.

• Friction from installation: Are the rosette screws tightened too much or crooked? This can cause friction, preventing the latch from springing back.

The difference in quality: loose mounting vs. fixed on rosette

If you want to repair a broken door handle , you often find that mopping with the tap running is like trying to clean it. This all depends on the basic quality.

Many standard brands sell door handles that are mounted loosely to the rosette. This means that the handle and the rosette or door backplate are two separate parts that rub against each other. This system is prone to errors, wears out quickly, and over time causes those annoying wobbly door handles. The connection simply gets tired.

At Lavuzo, we're doing things differently these days. We supply door handles that are permanently mounted to the rosette or backplate. Moreover, our models feature a built-in spring system. This means the handle always pushes itself back to the horizontal position, regardless of the condition of your mortise lock. This not only prevents a door handle from sticking but also ensures a much longer lifespan and a pleasant feeling when you open the door.

When should you replace the door handle?

Have you tightened the Allen bolt and checked the lock, but the door handle still sags? Then the mechanism is worn out. Repairing it in that case is often more trouble than it's worth, and the results are rarely permanent.

Replacing your door hardware is the smartest choice. By choosing Lavuzo door hardware, you're investing in quality. Thanks to our fixed, spring-loaded design (the handle is attached to the rosette with a spring), you won't have to worry about sagging door handles for years to come. It also instantly gives your interior a fresh new look.

Is your door handle broken ? Then browse our range of door handles and choose the peace of mind of Lavuzo. We often deliver door hardware throughout the Netherlands and Belgium within 24 hours at the best price for luxury door hardware. You'll get not only beautiful designs but also technically superior door hardware, so you truly get value for your money.