Door latches and handles - screw problems?

[@GosforthHandyman]

This eBay seller has loads of really nice hardware (including the knobs I'm using - affiliate link, see description for more details): ebay.us/xG3wsX Here's the bolt-through latch I'm using: www.toolstation.com/premium-sprung-bolt-through-tubular-mortice-latch/p58386

[@martynoxley3745]

If you can’t get the latches with the cut outs why not put the back plate with the screws in the vertical position? May not look the best but needs must!

[@duncangrant3747]

Thankfully retired now but installed thousands of these over the years,, nice job.. 100% correct about screw position too,, nice to see someone with pride in there work..

[@PaulSmith-pr7pv]

Awesome

[@B0jangle5]

You could put the handle plate so the holes are vertical, or any angle other than horizontal. Other than them getting caught on my dressing gown pockets I prefer the lever handles which leave plenty of space. Replaced some crunchy tubular latches with Yale ones which have a nice spring action.

[@Bobrogers99]

That was my reaction. The vertical arrangement should work. BTW, I also have lever handles throughout my house. Easier for older folks like me, and easier if you are carrying something.

[@llljustcallhimdave]

If you look at the lever and rose handles the screws are horizontal, normally with the bolt through fittings. Also some of the knob style handles I've seen are shown with the holes horizontal, also with the bolt through fittings.

[@GosforthHandyman]

You can but it's a bodge - especially in a period property where screw positions should match existing handles. 👍

[@robbristow]

@@GosforthHandyman But the handles are round so there is no alignment problem?

[@AC-gm6bq]

Its not a bodge...

[@highflyer-skyfpv6531]

agreed horizontally looks better but if you can't thru-bolt them, by doing ot the way shown the threads are hardly holding as they fall into the tubular latch hole. Done this way they won't be secure for very long at all. If you mount the holes vertically, it may not look as good but the full screw length will be fully in solid timber and will hold much better.

[@Macron87]

Just turn the coverplate 90 degrees, and have the two screws top and bottom. Better still, have screw-on cover plates that don’t have visible screw heads.

[@GosforthHandyman]

You can (90 deg) but that would be a total bodge. 😂

[@nigel4425]

@@GosforthHandyman Why is that a bodge? - Is there a rule that says the screws must be inline horizontally? I have replaced all door handles in a 120 year old house using the threaded handles - they are a serious game changer.

[@GosforthHandyman]

It's a bodge since it wouldn't match existing handles in the property (and generally looks odd).

[@B0jangle5]

​ @GosforthHandyman you've got me curious now. How are the other existing handles attached as I thought a tubular latch with cut outs is a fairly modern feature?

[@nigel4425]

@@GosforthHandyman OCD Much?

[@chris-townson]

I've hated doing this type of job in my house. A mix of rim locks and tubular latches. I'm rubbish at both. So much respect for those that aren't!

[@843thebear]

Great video, thanks. I had to fit latches with longer backsets to my new doors to move the door knob away from the door frame as otherwise you can scrape your knuckles on the door frame when turning the knob if it's too close.

[@nigelroberts4172]

What’s wrong with fitting the screws at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions???

[@Macron87]

Nothing. That would have been a much shorter video. Better still, get the screw-on type cover plates with no visible screw heads.

[@rhock1979]

Plus telling you to buy the dearest tubular latch, Instead of other type

[@GosforthHandyman]

It's a bodge.

[@BrodaPaul]

Didnt know you can buy latches with holes in them for screws and also through bolts! Good idea as alot of wear and tear on handles around the house. Might try them when the next one fails!

[@sjfarrell2.0]

Bit of a coincidence, I bought a few packets of these exact same latches from Hiatt, earlier in the week. Glad I bought the correct ones.

[@iantaylor6538]

Just checked on toolstation and even the cheapest latch at £1.28 allows for through bolts

[@Jules_Pew]

We hand the knobs with 3 screws and a sprung ball latch when we moved in. My 3 boys destroyed them while growing up. Now I have latch handles.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ha yes seen that many times! 😁

[@awantamta]

You always come up with the most fantastic tips for the simplest of jobs. Brilliant !

[@The1roygbiv]

Is it a rule that the screw holes in the plate be horizontal? My parents house in Chicago, IL USA which was built during WWII, had the screw holes in the vertical orientation which eliminated any interference between the screws and the latch.

[@williamgow6551]

Screwed spindle for door handles where quite common when I started to serve my time in older properties

[@GosforthHandyman]

Yup! Modern ones are generally rubbish. 😭

[@Liverpool1ne]

Didn’t realise when I bought the premium latches from Toolstation in polished chrome that they had this feature. Not an issue for us as using a Victorian scroll type handle on a backplate, however I’m glad to see you recommend this type as I found them to be decent quality and far superior to the cheaper versions. These plus new chrome hinges from the same place and new chrome handles (I recommend the Carlisle Brass brand as far superior to retail stores) and it has transformed our six-panel doors making them appear a lot more modern (and for a lot less £££ than the oak doors that my wife wanted). Even got £50 for the scrap brass 😂

[@chris_hertford]

I'm a convert to the American style latches and handles you just core a hole straight through the door, installs are so quick and the through bolts are much stronger.

[@johnthompson3462]

In BC Canada to ball handles are banned and onle lever handles allowed,for safety reasons Some people with bad Arthritis have difficulty with ball handles

[@Excel510]

Seen the comments and I feel the same, if needs must mount the backplate with the screws vertical instead of horizontal.

[@gingerelvis]

I bought some beautiful teak beehive knobs a while ago, it's worth getting nice handles for such a tactile piece of hardware that you touch regularly. One thing I found out through my own cockup was getting deeper backset latches to clear the doorframe and you're not racking your knuckles. They're a pain to find and more expensive than a standard backset latches but what can you do? I ended up getting Zoo latches, nicely made if a little overpriced.

[@jimh4072]

I like those round handles, I had the chrome version in a previous house.

[@cuebj]

Recently started going systematically through all our latches (all Howdens best, all 5 years old) as they're loose and squeaky. Disassembly shows very poor quality, and they're grinding themselves to dust inside! Greased and reassembled makes them OK. Too many other expenses at the moment to replace with better latches

[@GosforthHandyman]

👍👍

[@Excel510]

Thanks for posting, very clear well presented video, always a pleasure to watch.

[@andyc972]

Thanks Andy, didn't know that type of latch existed so good to know, I like the scooped sides too to keep good alignment !

[@krisgair5863]

That cheeper catch has rounded edges also, would be a pain to rebate that

[@GosforthHandyman]

It's designed for a separate cover plate with square edges. The round edges are so the rebate can be made with a router. 👍

[@krisgair5863]

​@@GosforthHandymanah that makes sence then 😅

[@bikerchrisukk]

You well overthink the little details...and I like it 👍

[@garyblake3130]

I was always taught slotted screw heads go in the direction of the grain and likewise that is what I teach, so downwards as you have done. Must admit round handles like that have never been a thing for me and have always preferred a lever, appreciate that with a rim lock that is what you have to use.

[@billybulmer7386]

Can’t open the buggers with wet hands can you?

[@raydriver7300]

That was interesting, as always, Andy. I fitted a new modern ‘hollow’ type door and didn’t know which way it should go. Guess who found out too late that there is writing on the top saying LOCK with an arrow pointing in the right direction? As always with some amateurs: 50% chance of being right and I was wrong again 🌞

[@worstuserever]

I would just add another caution to that; mark the lock-supporting solid block location elsewhere too before trimming to fit. All of our doorframes are slightly misshapen (is anything built in the UK actually square or plum?) such that every new door needed a trim on at least three sides. I took care to note the lock site as the factory markings would be lost. Obviously this only affects those of us doing it on the cheap! 😁

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers Ray! Yeah, seen that many times - it's crazy they don't include a lock block on both sides. 🙄😂😎

[@raydriver7300]

@@GosforthHandyman Now I know what it’s called. Told you I am an amateur 😂🌞

[@Monkeh616]

@@GosforthHandyman Makes the door 20p cheaper (for them)! I'd just build it with a solid centre rail to begin with.

[@buildingsbyair]

why cant the (2) screw handle be fitted so that they are vertical?

[@grandpalarry7776]

In the US, we have many latch/lock sets that include the complete unit; latch, knob, backing plates, strike plate/keep, and screws. Are such sets available in the UK or must you purchase the components separately?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Sometimes! Although it's sometimes difficult to know exactly what you're getting in the sets. 👍

[@dmarriott9701]

Why not turn the plate through 90 degrees then both screws miss the latch and fix into solid timber/mdf

[@Neil_down_south]

I bought new handles for my interior doors. The latches are terrible. Any recommendations for replacement brand?

[@Tephnos]

Hi Andy, got a bit of an unrelated question, but I can't find info on this anywhere! Basically, if I want to mount something in an exact point on the wall (like a TV arm), but the mounting point ends up bang on the edge of a stud, is it suitable to just sister a new stud next to the old one and bolt it to the old one? In this configuration, you'd be putting coach screws through the edges of two studs, and I'm not sure if that will work just fine, or if it just leads to a weaker fixing.

[@MrLikerBiker]

If you use torx screws you won't have to worry about alignment. I like torx screws

[@daviddunbar5754]

Just out of interest why didn't you use either countersunk screws compatible with the latch or increase the countersink? I hate screws sticking out like that.

[@oskarsmillers]

and founded, that for cheap latches tongue slightly rounded from outside, not in perfect angle. and by some mm wider gap, and push from inside and doors open, without touching handle🤷‍♂️. Replaced to Yale ones, and job done, sorted

[@ChrisLivingInYork]

Hi Andy, excellent video as usual. Can’t seem to find the link to the door handles you mentioned in the video

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! Haven't had a sec to add them yet but check back tomorrow. 👍😁

[@gvanvoor]

Since there’s no wood where the hole in the latch is, I fail to see how that hole would help w.r.t. how well the handle is fixed unless you use through-bolts?

[@GosforthHandyman]

Bear in mind the plate is purely decorative so there's plenty wood to hold it in position. 👍

[@gvanvoor]

@@GosforthHandyman i meant the situation where the latch is in the way of the (regular) screws: might as well use shorter screws since there’s no wood where you drilled to put the latch in

[@S.JCarpentry]

Where did you get the handles with the threaded rod? I usually use through bolts and normally fit door handles. It's rare that a customer wants door nobs these days. On the rare occasion i do get asked to fit them be nice to have option. The last ones i fitted were from ironmongery but wasnt the best

[@GosforthHandyman]

I'll pop a link in the description later on - eBay. 👍

[@S.JCarpentry]

​@@GosforthHandyman cheers. I hope you managed to get the KZbin issue sorted as well.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Cheers! No, unfortunately no further forwards on the KZbin thing. 😥

[@woody1380]

...and another thing, why don't they make the rose bigger than the handle so the screw holes can be further out and you don't have ti screw in at an angle.

[@sylviagreybe672]

Very interesting video! Quick question: what would be causing a door to not want to close (really stiff/heavy pulling it and jumps out when I try to latch/close it completely)? I have tried adjusting and shimming out each hinge separately - nothing helps?

[@Liverpool1ne]

Useful informative stuff Andy. Could you tell us what the paint is on the woodwork, looks like a waterbased satin just interested what brand you went for? Cheers 👍🏻

[@freetolook3727]

Or...you can rotate the handle 90° so the screw holes are at top and bottom instead of horizontal. Then the door handle mounting screws go into wood instead of the latch! Problem solved!! 😂😂

[@ianthemonkeyhangerturner]

Why not turn the Handel round 90 degrees so the holes are vertical job dune Cheers Ian

[@hughtattersall7583]

There are different length of latches , short for lever, longer for knobs! Ditto the 90 degree turn.

[@hogthrob]

Yes, need longer for knobs, or you're forever hitting your knuckles on the door frame.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Correct on the latch lengths! Incorrect on the 90 deg turn. 😂👍

[@itwillbenicewhenitsfinished]

Great vid Andy. Do you sometimes have to cut the bolt that connects both handles if too close/thin door?

[@rhock1979]

With tubular latch where the screw will hit the tubular latch by screwing the back plate where the screw be locate one facing the top and other facing the bottom. I sure the scree will miss it due to location of holes on back plate

[@GosforthHandyman]

I think I'd need to see a picture. 👍🤔

[@MrLikerBiker]

I don't understand, why can't can't you rotate the plate by 90 degrees so that it is vertical? If it doesn't match the other handles then change them as well.

[@pedanticsmith5613]

..And buy top quality latches. My bathroom latch gave up the ghost after a couple of years. I only managed to free myself because I had a screwdriver in the bathroom.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Oh no! Yes, seen that many times too - glad you got out! 😁

[@SoundAssault]

I quite like my screws vertical, as it happens.

[@shaun30-3-mg9zs]

Great video Andy , some time's it's good to watch any DIY video from fitting a door handle to fitting a 13 amp socket, and your video's explain how to do jobs very well. Take care mate👍

[@GreeBoman]

Thats some angle you screwed those 3 screws in at!

[@ianpearse4480]

Great share. Cheers Andy.

[@Doug....]

Really useful tips Andy. Thanks 👍👍

[@GosforthHandyman]

No worries Doug! 👍😁

[@billdoodson4232]

Those latches are a real pain. The ones that come from Screwfix and Toolstation in packs of 10 or whatever cheaper than a chocolate bar are particularly rubbish. I have taken ages to fit something suitable for some customers, then the want to know why its cost them £70.

[@stanwest3529]

I think you have fitted the wrong length latch for doorknobs should be longer so as not to catch your knuckles on the door frame the latch you have fitted is for levers

[@iantaylor6538]

Of course if you hadn't wiped the pencil line off the door before you fitted the backplate you would have had a line to get the screws horizontally in line..

[@oskarsmillers]

Good tips. Personally I don't like Round handles for doors.🤷‍♂️but anyway good idea for through bolts, especially when mdf doors. And worth to invest for better quality handle, as top coats lasts much longer, unless you wanna change till next door repainting or cosmetic house upgrade)

[@firesurfer]

Current standards for accessibility, recommend levers not knobs. Public spaces are required to use levers. BS 8300 2 2018. ''It should be possible to operate all door opening furniture one‑handed, without the need to grasp or twist. Care should be taken in the selection of security and fire exit fittings, such as short lever turn buttons, bolts, latches or locks, with the aim of making them manageable for all users. Wherever possible, door opening furniture used in conjunction with locks and latches should have a lever action. NOTE 1 Knobs with a spherical, circular or similar design, as well as small symmetrical turn buttons, are difficult to use by many people with limited dexterity or limited upper body strength. The torque force required to operate keys and cylinder turns should not exceed 0.5 N·m.''

[@JohnComeOnMan]

Seems like a lot of faffing about when Home Depot has rows and rows of handle and latch kits. I can't remember a time when I didn't buy one that way.

[@StueeRoss]

Turning the backplate 90° so the screws are vertically aligned and thus driving fully into wood instead of the latch is NOT a bodge. It’s actually better practice if you think about the efficacy of the fixing, but I agree it is aesthetically less pleasing and so best avoided, ideally. But if those are the handles and latches you have and they’re in good condition, binning them all and buying new just to have horizontal screw holes would be downright irresponsible, IMHO.

[@stuartjones2242]

you need to just turn the plate cover 90

[@Chrisc-sn6uh]

I dont know if its only at my work/ area but we call through bolts, sex bolts. 😂

[@enl999]

Why make life harder by installing the handle after the cover plate?

[@GosforthHandyman]

You've lost me? How could you install the handle before the cover plate?

[@enl999]

@GosforthHandyman maybe i have wording wrong, but wasn't the round thing separate from the actual knob, so you could have screwed that on, then put the knob on and attached that with the grub screw, or an i missing something?

[@Monkeh616]

@@enl999 You need the knob to align the plate.

[@GosforthHandyman]

Ah, gotcha! Yeah, you can do but as Monkeh says it's just easier to align. 👍

[@violettasokolov6187]

thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

[@stephengwilt]

I am baffled. why wouldn't you just turn the plate 90 deg so the screws where top and bottom as opposed to side to side ? problem solved

[@bascodelagamma]

👍

[@charlesarnold4963]

Are you having a laugh? Mount the plate so that the screws align vertically of course.

[@williambelford9661]

Just put the screws top and bottom 🙄

[@garvielloken3929]

Nooice!

[@GosforthHandyman]

💪😎