We bet you haven't really thought about flush door handles until you have to replace them or install one on your door. Don't worry, we've got this DIY job covered. We researched how to install a flush door handle and here's what we learned.
To install a flush door handle, you need to:
- Purchase a door handle that fits in the door's cavity.
- Make the necessary adjustments in the cavity size so that the handle can properly sit in the recessed portion.
- Mark the screw holes and drill the pilot holes.
- Position the flush door handle and put the screws to secure it in its place.
Keep reading to learn the tools and materials you need to prepare for this step-by-step guide on installing different kinds of flush door handles. We'll also teach you how to fit a handle in case your new flush door doesn't come with one. Let's get started!
Installing a Flush Pull Handle
Flush doors are made from a single piece of material giving them a smooth and simple look. Some flush doors are bare while some are finished to match your house's interior or exterior. Some even come with carvings and embellishments to enhance their appearance.
But of course, functionality takes precedence over form and that's what most people like about the practicality of flush doors. They are great space savers while serving their purpose well.
Even their hardware is designed to suit their simplicity and functionality. And speaking of functional parts, they must have handles to make it convenient for people to use these doors.
Unlike conventional door handles, flush door handles aren't protruding. As the name implies, the handles are recessed into the doors' surfaces making them less obvious and obtrusive.
Since they are flushed into the door, they have to come in the perfect fit so that they can serve their purpose properly. This also makes them easy enough to operate so that using the door is a smooth experience every time.
Check out this flush pull handle on Amazon.
In case your flush door is in need of a new handle, you don't need to panic and call a contractor right away. You can do this task by yourself as long as you have the right tools with you.
Here's a guide on how to install a flush pull handle to give you more confidence in your DIY project.
Tools and Materials Needed
- hammer
- chisel
- power drill, Phillips head bit, and 3-millimeter drill bit
- Phillips head screwdriver
- new flush door handle
- pencil
- measuring tape
- safety goggles
Procedure
- Use your measuring tape to get the length, width, and depth of the door's recessed portion for the handle.
- Buy the handle that fits this measurement.
- Make the necessary adjustments to the cavity so that the handle will sit on it properly. Use your chisel and hammer as needed.
- Position the flush door handle in the cavity and mark the screw holes.
- Put on your safety goggles before you proceed.
- Using the 3-millimeter drill bit, drill pilot holes in the indicated positions.
- Fasten the screws to secure the handle in its position.
- Test how the flush door handle works and make adjustments when needed.
That's it! Congratulations, you've attached your flush door handle by yourself!
How do you fit a flush pull handle?
Some flush doors do not come with handles or even a cavity where you can install the handle. In this case, you need to figure out how to fit the flush pull handle all by yourself.
Don't worry because we're here to help you out.
Tools and Materials Needed
- hammer
- chisel
- power drill, Phillips head bit, and 3-millimeter drill bit
- Phillips head screwdriver
- new flush door handle
- pencil
- measuring tape
- spirit level
- silicone-based adhesive
- safety goggles
Click this link to find this spirit level set on Amazon.
Procedure
- Mark where you want to position your flush door handle. You can use your measuring tape to determine the right height from the floor and the center for the handle.
- Get your flush door handle and position the face plate in your desired location.
- Trace its shape on the door.
- Make sure that the position is level with the floor by using your spirit level.
- Measure the thickness of the handle to know the depth of the cavity that you need to create.
- Carefully make a cavity on the door using your chisel and hammer.
- Always check the alignment and if the depth is already enough for the door handle to sit on the recess. Adjust as needed.
- Once the cavity is set, let the flush door handle sit inside so you can mark the screw holes.
- Drill the pilot holes.
- Apply adhesive along the interior perimeter.
- Press the flush door handle into the cavity.
- Put the screws to secure the handle in its place.
- Test the handle if it will work properly.
There you go! That's how you fit and install a new flush door handle all by yourself.
If you need to install back-to-back handles, you can cut out a hole instead right through the door. No need for creating a cavity. You can proceed to screw the handles in place so you have handles on both sides of the flush door.
How to Install Round Flush Pull Handles
Not all door handles are the same. Some are simple, some are elegant. Some are protruding, some are recessed. Some are round, some are slim.
If you have a round flush pull handle, the procedure would almost be the same as above. But you'll need a hole saw and an appropriate drill bit to be able to create a precise round cavity on the flush door.
Find this round flush door handle on Amazon.
Check your hole saw kit for the same size as your handle. This will make the job easier and your output smoother. Without the hole saw, it would be difficult to make a perfect round-shaped recess on the door.
Check out this hole saw kit on Amazon.
Check the right hole depth that you need to create and drill the hole slowly and carefully. You can use a chisel and a hammer to help you define the hole, make it deeper if needed, and smoothen its surface once you're through. Put the round or cup flush pull handle over the recess to see if it fits perfectly.
These handles don't usually come with screws. Rather, you secure them in place with the help of your trusted silicone-based adhesive. Apply a sufficient amount inside the cavity and press the cup handle inside for about a minute before you leave it to dry.
Click this link to find this silicone-based adhesive on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
It may not be your typical door handle but installing a flush door handle is easy enough to do. You can make it a DIY project to save on labor costs and you'll definitely feel a sense of pride each time you use it.
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