Door Lever Repair Arlington, VA

MacArthur Locks & Doors got a request for an emergency locksmith service from an Arlington, VA, resident whose door lever lockset was not working. The lever was moving, but the lock would not unlatch. We immediately dispatched one of our locksmiths to fix the door lever lockset. When our locksmith arrived, they discovered that the latch assembly's tumbler was loose and damaged due to wear and tear, and the lever was misaligned. We fixed the door lock quickly, and in less than an hour, it was working properly again. The customer appreciated our speedy response and quick door lever repair.

If you do not keep an eye on door handles around your home, they can become loose and eventually break. That can be a huge inconvenience, leaving you or other household members stranded until the handle is replaced or removed. Learning to fix a loose lever door handle is important if you want to avoid this problem. However, knowing how your door handle works is important, so you do not get stuck during a repair. Use these quick fixes to tighten a lever door handle and prevent it from getting loose again.

How to Fix a Loose Door Lever

Find the Screws

Look at the faceplate to find the screws that attach your door handle. If you have a lever-style door handle, there may not be any visible screws. In this case, look for the detent access hole or pin, which is usually located on the side of the door handle. The hole or pin may be small, round, rectangular, or have a projecting shape.

To remove a locked door handle, first look for any set screws that may be holding it in place. Then, use a screwdriver to loosen or remove any set screws you find. To remove the door handle, first depress the metallic detent pin with a flathead screwdriver, Allen wrench, or your finger. Then, while depressing the pin, gently move the lever handle away from the door. 

With the handle off, use your flathead screwdriver to loosen the ring holding the door handle's base apart so you can access the screws. If it is difficult to pry loose, look for a second detent on the base's side and press it to release the base.

Check the Screws for Any Damage.

To ensure that the screws in your door are not damaged, it is important to loosen them and check for any flaws. Inspect the screws closely for any sign of wear or damage, such as a stripped drive or bent or warped shafts. If the screws are damaged, it will be impossible to fix the door without replacing them. If you need replacement screws for your lever door handle, head to your local home improvement retailer. Be sure to bring the old screws with you to get the correct size and length for your new ones.

Align the Lever Handle.

It is important to ensure the lever door handle is properly aligned, especially since the handle has been removed from the door and the screws have been loosened. If the handle is misaligned, it can cause tension, leading to screws gradually coming loose and the door handle wearing out faster.

Replace and Tighten the Screws.

To secure the door handle assembly and faceplate, thread the screws through both sides. It is crucial to keep the lever door handle straight as you tighten the screws; otherwise, it may not function properly. Repeat this process on both sides of the door.

It is important to keep door handle screws in good condition. If they become damaged, it can cause problems with grip and cause the screws to loosen. Therefore, replacing any damaged door handle screws with new ones is advisable, and also consider adding a thread locker adhesive solution to the screw threads.

Put the Door Handle Back in Place and Tighten It.

It is important to ensure the set screw is tightened to prevent your door handle from coming loose. You can do this by using a screwdriver or Allen wrench. Once the screws are tightened, you can slide the handle over the detent pin and secure it.

After completing the door handle procedure on one side of the door, check if the fix was successful. It is important to keep your lever door handles tight to avoid damaging the screws. If you feel they are becoming slack, take action and call us at MacArthur Locks & Doors immediately to prevent further wear.

Locksmith Service Near Me

If you live in the DMV area and are having trouble with a loose lever handle, following the above steps should help solve the problem. However, if your lever handle is broken, hire a locksmith from MacArthur Locks & Doors. We are available 24/7 and can provide front door handlesets and high-quality door locksets. Contact us today for free estimates.