How To Install Entry Door Exterior Handle

Next create a rough opening around your frame that s at least 1 inch wider and taller than the outside of the door system you re installing then insert the new door into the opening and place shims on the hinge side of the door making sure there s a gap of 1 8th inch between the edge of the door and the jamb.

How to install entry door exterior handle.

The posts for the handle s lock cylinder and thumb latch should easily slide into the dead bolt and latch bolt assemblies. Place the corresponding doorknob or lever on the interior side of the door fitting the two parts together. The standard residential door prep for entry doors is two 2 1 8 bore holes 5 1 2 center to center. By learning how to install an exterior door you effectively update one of the key features of your home s appearance this guide reviews how to install an entry door including how to remove the old door position the new one and update such hardware as the hinges and door knob.

Step 4 secure the interior hardware photo by ryan benyi. Prehung exterior doors are available at home centers and lumberyards. Follow our instructions for installing a front door handle and lockset to get a fresh look you love and enhance your home s curb appeal. Place the exterior handle on the door by inserting the spindle or axle on the handle through the latch cylinder at 90 degrees.

This prevents water damage to the opening. Align the spindle on the back of the assembly with the throughbolt and the slot in the latch. Install a sill pan or flashing tape to the sill. With the new dead bolt and latch bolt in place fit the handle over the door s existing holes.

If the deadbolt comes with an interior plate and a decorative outer plate with a recessed screw just place the interior plate over the hole from the inside. Some sill pans can be created from bending sheet metal or they can be purchased as a kit. If you plan to install a new entry knob and deadbolt pick them out before you order the door. Some kits come in three pieces to better fit the opening.

Slide the adjustable throughbolt up or down as needed and press the handleset onto the door. Install the exterior handle photo by ryan benyi. Sectional handlesets have a seperate deadbolt body so the b measurement is actually variable. If you have more that 5 1 2 inches here you can still use a sectional handleset on your door.

Insert the exterior part of the lock into the door by feeding the long metal piece through the opening in the center of the bolt. Next you ll install the outside handle assembly. Many kits come with both options. If you can t find what you re looking for in stock you can order it.

See measurement b in the image to the right. It should feel slightly snug when the two parts join.