How to install zinc door handles on a door with a non - standard size?

Oct 10, 2025

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Hey there! I'm a supplier of zinc door handles, and I know that installing door handles on a non - standard sized door can be a real headache. But don't worry, I'm here to guide you through the whole process.

First things first, let's talk about why you might have a non - standard sized door. Maybe it's an old door in an old building that was custom - made ages ago, or perhaps you've done some renovation and ended up with a door that doesn't fit the typical dimensions. Whatever the reason, it's not the end of the world.

Measuring Your Door

The very first step is to measure your door accurately. You'll need to measure the thickness of the door, the backset (which is the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the keyhole or handle hole), and the size of the holes if they're already there. Grab a good quality tape measure and take your time. Write down these measurements clearly. It's also a good idea to double - check them just to be sure.

When it comes to a non - standard sized door, you might find that the backset is different from the standard 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches. This can make it a bit tricky to find a handle that fits right off the bat. But as a zinc door handles supplier, I've got some solutions for you.

Choosing the Right Zinc Door Handles

Now that you've got your measurements, it's time to pick the right zinc door handles. There are a few things to consider here. First, you want to make sure the handles are compatible with the thickness of your door. Most zinc door handles can be adjusted to fit a range of door thicknesses, but it's still important to check.

You also need to think about the style of the handles. Do you want something modern and sleek, or maybe a more traditional look? We've got a wide variety of styles in our collection. For example, if you're into a classic French interior look, you might be interested in our French Interior Door Lock. It's not only stylish but also made of high - quality zinc, which is durable and resistant to corrosion.

If you've got an aluminium door, our Aluminium Door Lock Set could be a great choice. The zinc handles in this set are designed to complement the look of aluminium doors and provide a secure locking mechanism.

And for those who want a more high - tech option, our Magnetic Door Lock Set is worth considering. It uses magnetic technology for a smooth and reliable locking experience.

Preparing the Door

Before you start installing the zinc door handles, you need to prepare the door. If there are already holes in the door, make sure they're clean and free of any debris. You can use a small brush or compressed air to clean them out.

If you need to drill new holes, be extra careful. Use a drill bit that's the right size for the screws that come with your door handles. Mark the spots where you need to drill very precisely using a pencil and a straight edge. It's a good idea to practice on a scrap piece of wood first to get the feel of the drill and make sure you're drilling at the right depth.

Installing the Zinc Door Handles

Once the door is prepared, it's time to install the handles. Start by inserting the spindle through the hole in the door. The spindle is the rod that connects the two handles on either side of the door. Make sure it fits snugly.

Next, place one handle on the inside of the door and the other on the outside. Line up the holes in the handles with the holes in the door. This can be a bit tricky on a non - standard sized door, but take your time and make sure everything is lined up perfectly.

Insert the screws through the holes in the handles and into the door. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws, but don't over - tighten them. You want the handles to be secure but not so tight that you damage the door or the handles.

Testing the Handles

After you've installed the zinc door handles, it's important to test them. Try turning the handles to see if they operate smoothly. If you've installed a lock, insert the key and see if it turns easily and locks and unlocks the door properly.

3(001)French Interior Door Lock

If you notice any issues, such as the handles being too loose or too tight, or the lock not working correctly, you can make some adjustments. You might need to loosen or tighten the screws a bit to get the right fit.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, even after following all the steps, you might run into some problems. For example, the handles might not line up perfectly, or the lock might not engage properly.

If the handles don't line up, check the alignment of the holes again. You might need to make some minor adjustments by slightly enlarging the holes in the handles or the door. But be very careful when doing this, as you don't want to make the holes too big.

If the lock doesn't engage, it could be due to a misaligned strike plate. The strike plate is the part on the door frame where the lock bolt fits into. You can adjust the strike plate by loosening the screws and moving it slightly until the lock engages properly.

Conclusion

Installing zinc door handles on a non - standard sized door might seem like a daunting task, but with the right measurements, the right handles, and a bit of patience, you can do it. As a zinc door handles supplier, I'm always here to help you find the perfect handles for your door and provide any support you need during the installation process.

If you're interested in purchasing our zinc door handles or have any questions about the installation or our products, don't hesitate to reach out. We're eager to assist you in finding the best solutions for your door needs. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, we've got the products and the knowledge to make your project a success.

References

  • General knowledge from years of experience as a zinc door handles supplier.
  • Industry standards and best practices for door handle installation.