In most households, the most common type of door handle is the lever on the backplate. The main reason is their durability and easy installation. However, fitting them isn't that much of a task if the right steps are followed. They require proper tools and handling so that they are installed without any damage to the door or the lever itself.
Do you also want to know how to fit lever on backplate to provide your home with that elegant look with these door handles? If yes, you have jumped to the right article. It would list some of the best ways you can fit the lever on the backplate. It would mention easy steps that could be followed exactly to get good results.
Let's not wait any longer and find out how to fit lever on backplate with increased efficiency.
Materials Needed To Fit Lever On Backplate
If you want to install the lever on backplate then you can use the following easy-to-use tools to make the process smoother yet faster:
- A lever handle with a backplate
- Screws and a screwdriver
- Drill and drill bits
- Tape measure or ruler
- Level
How To Fit Lever On Backplate? 6 Steps
Fitting the lever on the backplate not only requires you to fit it on the backplate but also on the door. It is not as difficult as it may seem to you; the following are some steps that you can follow to fit it the right way with ease:
Step 01: Remove The Old Hardware
If you are planning to replace the old door handles, the best way is to start by removing them from the door. To disassemble it, you would need a screwdriver and some unscrewing. However, installing a new handle or handle (How to install a doorknob?) would require drilling the door with different holes. Depending on the design of them, the holes could be of different sizes.
Once you unscrew it, please remove it from the door. Before installing a new one, clean the door's surface so that there is no debris, dirt, or grease. A clean and smoother surface not only ensures better adhesion but also provides better alignment of the lever with the backplate and the door.
Step 02: Aligning The Backplate
Ensuring the proper location of fixing a backplate is essential, as it could ruin the whole door if done incorrectly. Therefore, it is always recommended to follow the kit instructions that come with the lever for accurate measurements. They are different for different lever sizes and designs. After you have taken the proper measurements, align the backplate to the door.
The backplate must be straight and aligned properly with the door to maintain the handle's aesthetics and functionality. Thus, make sure to use a leveller to check whether it is straight so that it fits perfectly.
Step 03: Marking Screw Holes
The backplate on which the lever fits is usually connected to the door with the help of some screws. Mostly there are 4 screws on the backplate, each on every corner. Once the backplate is aligned, mark all the holes in the door and, using a drill bit, make holes in the door. Try to first drill with a drill bit that is smaller in size to make sure that it doesn't split any of the door material.
After making these holes with the right drill bits, make use of a screwdriver to tighten up screws in these holes so that the backplate is attached to the door properly. A tip for making the holes for these screws is that the drill should be held perpendicular to the door to ensure that the holes are straight.
Step 04: Attach Lever To Backplate
It is now time to attach the backplate to the door. Hold it steadily against the holes in the door you just made in the last step. Insert screws through the holes of the backplate into the pilot holes of the door. Make sure that they are properly aligned.
Then use a screwdriver to tighten these screws fully. A pro trick to maintain the level of the backplate is to tighten them alternatively so that there is no slippage and the backplate is in place. The screws should be screwed gently so that there is no damage to the door or the screws.
Step 05: Install The Interior Lever
In the previous steps, you successfully installed the backplate on the door. Now, it's time to install the lever on it. For this, install the spindle through the latch mechanism into the door. It is used to connect both ends of the lever, interior and exterior.
Make sure to slide the interior lever onto the spindle with proper alignment with the backplate. This will make sure that it is firm and steady and there is no misalignment. In some cases, this interior lever is secured to the backplate with a set of screws. Thus, you can screw them firmly to the backplate.
Step 06: Install The Exterior Lever
The lever has two sides. Thus, with the interior part fitted to the door, it's time to fit the exterior lever on the other side of the door. Repeat the same steps as you did in the installation of the interior lever; make sure that it fits perfectly to the spindle and is level with the door.
Finally, screw any other set screws to tighten these levers on the backplate, which is then attached to the door. A screwdriver can be used here to make sure that they are firmly attached. To test the functionality of the lever, use it multiple times so that there is no looseness or binding and retrace all fully when the lever is depressed.
Conclusion
We are pretty sure you know now how to fit lever on backplate? It is a pretty easy process that requires the installation of the backplate on the door; it is then followed by fitting the lever, both interior and exterior, onto the backplate with the help of some screws. Once the lever is installed, it is tested for its functionality and proper alignment with the backplate and the door.
FAQs
How do I ensure proper alignment of the lever and backplate?
A lever, which is a measuring and levelling tool is mostly used to make sure that the lever and backplate are in line and there is no misalignment. Also, it is made sure when attaching the backplate to the door that they are steady and held firmly when being screwed to the door. Also if you are wonering what is the right size lever for my backplate, it depends on the design of your door handle.
What is a lever on a backplate in door knobs or handles?
There are many different designs of lever-on backplates out there in the market that are famous for their aesthetics and smooth functionality. The backplate conceals screws and turn and release mechanisms for a neat and stylish finish. The levers on it are mostly screwed with a set screw that could be tightened up with a screwdriver to make sure that it is properly functional.
What tools do i need to fit a lever on backplate like a professional?
Use of proper tools when installing the lever on backplate can not only make the process easier but also ensures that it is properly functional. The screwdriver, leveler and marking pens are some tools that you can use for the easy installation. Other materials you may require are the lever, backplate and the door handle.