Are your door handles feeling floppy?

If your door handles have become ‘floppy’, this can be a sign that the internal parts of the handle have worn. Other signs of wear include the handle becoming difficult to lift up or push down. A worn handle will eventually break without any further warning.

If you suspect that your handles are worn, it is best to get them replaced rather than try to struggle on. Breakage of a handle will often lead to you being locked out – they don’t just break when it’s convenient! So it is always best to get the handles checked and replaced if they are showing signs of wear, to avoid the inconvenience and cost of an emergency locksmith visit.

In addition to being annoying, a floppy door handle can be a potential security risk – if the internal parts are failing or have failed, this means that your lock is not longer fully functioning to protect your home.

Common causes of a floppy door handle:

Loose Screws:

Over time, the screws securing the handle to the door may loosen, causing the handle to become wobbly.

Worn-out Components:

The internal components of the handle, such as springs and spindle, may wear out, leading to a lack of tension and a floppy handle.

Misaligned Latch:

If the latch is misaligned, the handle may not engage properly, resulting in a loose or floppy feel.

Why it’s important to address the issue:

Security Concerns:

A floppy handle compromises the security of your home or business. It may indicate that the door isn’t closing or latching properly, leaving your property vulnerable.

Increased Wear and Tear:

Ignoring a floppy handle can lead to increased wear and tear on the door components, potentially resulting in more extensive and costly repairs down the line.

Inconvenience:

A wobbly handle can be inconvenient and frustrating to use daily. It’s a small issue that, when resolved, can significantly improve the functionality of your door.

What NOT to do:

Tightening Screws Excessively:

While tightening loose screws is a common instinct, doing so excessively may strip the screw holes or damage the handle, worsening the problem.

DIY Lubrication:

While lubrication can help with some issues, blindly applying lubricants without understanding the root cause can make matters worse.

Ignoring the Problem:

Ignoring a floppy handle won’t make it go away; in fact, it may exacerbate the underlying issue, leading to more extensive repairs.

What to do instead:

Inspect for Loose Screws:

Check for any visibly loose screws on the handle. If found, tighten them with a screwdriver, but be cautious not to overtighten.

Evaluate Internal Components:

If the handle is still floppy, consult a local locksmith to evaluate and replace worn-out internal components such as springs or spindles.

Address Misalignment:

A locksmith can also assess and correct any misalignment issues with the latch or striker plate, ensuring that the handle engages properly.

Why choose us?

Quick, professional  and efficient:

We can assess the problem and provide a cost-effective solution quickly and efficiently. We will always explain things clearly and make sure you are happy before we begin any work.

We have over 10 years of experiencing in repairing, replacing and fitting all types of locks and handles. We have extensive knowledge of the mechanisms of each lock type and provide a professional service.