Door Handles and Knobs
Door handles and knobs are the bits you notice when they fail loose sets stiff latches poor fit and call-backs. Get the right type first time.
When you're hanging doors, swapping tired ironmongery, or sorting a snag list, decent door handles and knobs save time and repeat visits. This range covers interior door handles, exterior door handles, door knobs, lever on backplate handles, UPVC door handles and replacement door handles that fit properly, feel solid in use, and suit the job. Match the fixing style, spindle size, handing and finish to the door, then pick a set that will stand up to daily use.
What Are Door Handles and Knobs Used For?
- Hanging out new internal doors on first and second fix, where interior door handles and door knobs finish the job properly and give a clean, reliable latch action.
- Replacing worn or loose hardware on refurbs, rentals, and snagging jobs, where replacement door handles save you from patching extra holes or revisiting a sticking latch.
- Fitting lever on backplate handles on bedroom, bathroom, and hallway doors, where you need a tidy all-in-one setup that covers old fixing marks and works with standard mortice latches.
- Swapping UPVC door handles on back doors, patio doors, and some window handles, where centre measurements and screw fixing positions need to match the existing gear exactly.
- Upgrading exterior door handles and door handle sets on entrance doors, where tougher finishes and secure fixings matter more than just how they look out the packet.
Who Uses These on Site?
- Chippies use door handles and knobs on first fix and second fix work, especially when hanging full house lots and needing hardware that lines up cleanly and goes on without faff.
- Joiners and fitters reach for lever on backplate handles when replacing old sets, because they often cover previous marks and make tidy refurb work quicker.
- Locksmiths and maintenance teams keep replacement door handles and door handle sets on hand for tenanted properties, schools, and offices where broken hardware needs sorting fast.
- UPVC door and window fitters rely on correctly sized UPVC door handles and matching window handles, because the wrong PZ or screw centres will waste a visit straight away.
- Builders and snagging teams use interior door handles and exterior door handles to finish plots, sort defects, and leave doors working properly at handover.
Choosing the Right Door Handles and Knobs
Match the handle to the door and latch setup first. If the measurements are wrong, nothing else matters.
1. Handle or Knob
If it is a busy household, office, or rental, lever handles are usually the sensible choice because they are quicker to use and easier for all ages. If you want a traditional look on lighter-use internal doors, door knobs do the job, but make sure the latch and clearance suit them.
2. Backplate, Rose or Existing Fixings
If you are replacing old hardware and want to hide marks or old screw holes, lever on backplate handles are often the easiest fix. If the door is new or being refinished, rose handles or knobs can give you a cleaner look, but only if your prep is tidy.
3. Internal, External or UPVC
Interior door handles can focus more on finish and comfort. Exterior door handles need tougher materials and secure fixings. For UPVC door handles, do not guess anything. Check PZ measurement, screw centres, overall length and spindle size against the old set before ordering.
4. Pairs, Sets and What Is Included
If you are doing a full plot or office fit-out, door handle sets save time because you can keep the finish and fixing style consistent. For one-off replacements, always check whether you are buying a pair, a single unit, or a bathroom lock set with the spindle and fixings included.
Door Handle Accessories That Save You a Return Visit
A handle is only half the job. Get the matching parts sorted and the door will shut, latch and lock properly first time.
1. Mortice Latches
If the old latch is worn, stiff, or the wrong backset, your new handle will still feel rough. Swap the latch at the same time and you avoid call-backs for sticking doors and poor return spring action.
2. Bathroom Locks and Thumbturn Sets
On bathroom and WC doors, a standard passage latch will not cut it. Match the handle with the right bathroom lock or turn and release set so the spindle centres line up and the finish stays consistent.
3. Hinges
There is no point fitting smart new door handles if the door still drops and binds. Fresh hinges sort sagging, poor gaps and latch misalignment before you start blaming the handle.
4. Spindles and Fixing Screws
Keep spare spindles and fixings nearby for replacement door handles and awkward refurb jobs. It saves hunting through old tins of screws when the supplied ones are too short or the existing spindle is chewed up.
Choose the Right Door Handles and Knobs for the Job
Use this as a quick guide before you start drilling or ordering replacements.
| Your Job | Category or Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hanging new internal doors in a house lot | Interior door handles or door handle sets | Matched finish, pair packs, standard spindle size, easy fit with common mortice latches |
| Replacing old hardware on painted refurb doors | Lever on backplate handles | Larger plate to cover marks, straightforward screw fixing, works well for quick changeovers |
| Traditional finish on bedrooms or lounges | Door knobs | Round grip, classic look, suited to lighter internal use with the right latch backset |
| Swapping a failed patio or back door handle | UPVC door handles | Correct PZ measurement, matching screw centres, suitable spindle length, weather resistant finish |
| Upgrading a front or external side door | Exterior door handles | Tougher finish, secure fixing points, suited to heavier doors and regular daily use |
Common Buying and Usage Mistakes
- Buying on looks alone and ignoring measurements. On UPVC door handles especially, wrong screw centres or PZ size means the set simply will not fit, so check the old handle before you order.
- Reusing a tired latch with a new handle. If the latch is stiff or worn, the new handle will still feel poor and may not return properly, so swap both parts together where needed.
- Choosing knobs for doors that need easier access. Door knobs can look right, but lever handles are often the better call for family homes, care settings, rentals, and high-traffic doors.
- Assuming every set comes with the same parts. Some door handle sets include fixings and spindle, some do not, so check the listing before turning up on site short of bits.
- Fitting new handles to a dropped or poorly aligned door. If the hinges or latch position are off, the handle will not fix the real problem, so sort the door fit first.
Door Handles vs Door Knobs vs UPVC Door Handles
Door Handles
Standard door handles are the practical all-rounder for most internal and external timber doors. They are quicker to use than knobs, easier on the hand, and usually the best option for busy homes, offices and rental stock.
Door Knobs
Door knobs suit traditional interiors and lighter-use rooms where the look matters as much as the hardware. They can be slower to operate and need the right latch position, so they are not always the best fit for every door in the building.
UPVC Door Handles
UPVC door handles are a more exact replacement job than either of the above. They are built around lock centres, screw centres and spindle sizes, so they are ideal when the measurements match and useless when they do not.
Lever on Backplate Handles
Lever on backplate handles are often the easiest fix on refurb work because they cover old marks and give you latch or lock options in one piece. If you want a fast, tidy swap on older doors, these usually save the most messing about.
Maintenance and Care
Keep Fixings Tight
Check through bolts and face fixings now and then, especially on busy doors. A loose handle quickly turns into ovalled holes, sloppy action and damaged latch followers.
Clean the Finish Properly
Wipe handles and knobs with a soft cloth and mild cleaner. Harsh chemicals can dull plated finishes and make exterior door handles look tired long before the rest of the door does.
Oil the Latch, Not the Whole Door
If the action gets stiff, use a light lubricant on the latch and moving parts rather than soaking the handle. Too much oil just drags in dust and leaves a mess round the furniture.
Watch for Door Drop and Misalignment
When a handle starts feeling heavy or the latch catches, check the hinges and keeps before blaming the hardware. A dropping door puts extra strain on the handle set and shortens its life.
Replace Worn Sets Before They Damage the Door
If the spring has gone, the spindle hole is worn, or the plate is pulling out, replace the set before it chews up the door face. It is cheaper than repairing timber and repainting later.
Why Shop for Door Handles and Knobs at ITS?
Whether you need interior door handles, door knobs, lever on backplate handles, UPVC door handles or full door handle sets, we stock the range properly. That means the finishes, styles and replacement options trades actually need, all in our own warehouse and ready for next day delivery.
Door Handles and Knobs FAQs
What is the difference between door handles and door knobs?
Door handles use a lever action, so they are generally easier and quicker to operate, especially on busy doors. Door knobs give a more traditional look, but they need a proper grip and the right latch setup to feel right in use.
Are these door handles and knobs suitable for interior and exterior doors?
Some are, some are not. Interior door handles are fine for rooms and corridors, but exterior door handles need finishes and fixings that can cope with weather and heavier use, so always check the listing before fitting them outside.
Do your door handles come in pairs or as single units?
Most standard door handles are supplied as pairs, but not every product is. Some replacement door handles, specialist sets, and certain UPVC door handles can vary, so it is worth checking the pack contents rather than assuming.
Are UPVC door handles compatible with all UPVC doors and windows?
No, not across the board. UPVC door handles and window handles need matching measurements such as screw centres, spindle size, overall length and PZ centres, so take the old one off and measure it properly before ordering.
How do I choose the right size door handle or knob for my door?
Start with the door type and the hardware already fitted. Check latch backset, fixing hole positions, plate size, spindle size, and for UPVC door handles the PZ and screw centres as well. On refurb work, plate size also matters if you need to cover old marks.
Do door handles and knobs come with fixings and spindle included?
Usually yes, but not always. Many door handle sets include the spindle and standard fixings, but some specialist or replacement lines may differ, so check what is in the box before you head to site.
