What Direction Should Lever Style Door Handles Be Oriented?

When it comes to choosing the right lever-style door handle for your home or office, it’s important to consider the orientation of the handle. The direction of the handle can affect the overall look of the door and can also impact its functionality.

Knowing which direction to install the lever-style handle makes sure the handle is easy to use, comfortable and looks good.

Typically, the curve of a lever-style handle should be oriented upwards so that it follows the natural curve of your hand. If the lever handle is straight, the orientation will depend on the swing of the door and whether it is left or right handed.

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Table of Contents

What is a Lever Style Door Handle?

If you are unfamiliar with lever-style door handles, they are a type of door handle that has a lever instead of a knob. Lever handles are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use, especially for those with disabilities or arthritis.

Lever-style door handles are available in a variety of materials such as brass, stainless steel, and aluminum. They also come in different finishes such as satin nickel, antique brass, and polished chrome.

One of the benefits of lever-style door handles is that they require less effort to open a door than traditional knob handles. This is because the lever handle can be pushed down with your elbow or forearm, making it easier for those with disabilities or carrying items to open doors.

Additionally, lever handles are more hygienic than traditional knob handles since they can be opened without touching them directly with your hands if needed. This is especially important in public places where many people touch the same door handle.

Overall, lever-style door handles are a practical and stylish choice for any home or business.

Determining the Orientation of Lever Style Door Handles

When installing a lever style door handle, it is important to determine the correct orientation to ensure proper functionality and aesthetics. Here are some factors to consider when determining the orientation of lever style door handles.

Door Handing

Door handing refers to the direction the door swings when opened. To determine the door handing, stand on the side of the door where the door closes towards you. If the hinges are on the left, the door is left-handed. If the hinges are on the right, the door is right-handed.

Swing of the Door

Another factor to consider is the swing of the door. If the door swings outward, the lever handle should be oriented upwards to prevent it from catching on clothing or other objects. If the door swings inward, the lever handle should be oriented downwards for ease of use.

Table for Orientation

Here is a table summarizing the orientation of lever style door handles based on the door handing and swing of the door:

Door Handing	Swing	Lever Orientation
Left	In	Down
Left	Out	Up
Right	In	Up
Right	Out	Down

By considering the door handing and swing of the door, you can determine the correct orientation for your lever style door handle.

Installation of Lever Style Door Handles

Tools Required

Before installing a lever style door handle, you will need the following tools:

Screwdriver
Tape Measure
Drill

Hole Saw
Chisel
Pin Tool (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to install a lever style door handle:

Begin by removing the old handle and latch from the door. This may require unscrewing the screws or using a pin tool to release the handle.
Measure the distance between the center of the bore hole and the edge of the door. This will help you determine the size of the hole saw needed to create the bore hole for the new handle.

Use the hole saw to create the bore hole for the new handle. Be sure to drill straight and at the correct depth.
Chisel out the area for the latch plate. This is where the latch will sit when the door is closed.
Install the latch and strike plate. Make sure they are aligned with each other and the bore hole.

Attach the new handle to the door. This may require screwing in screws or using a pin tool to secure the handle.
Test the handle to ensure it is functioning properly. Make sure the latch is fully engaged and the handle turns smoothly.
Install any additional hardware, such as hinges, as needed.

By following these steps, you can install a lever style door handle with ease. Remember to take your time and be careful when using power tools. With a little patience and the right tools, you can have a new handle installed in no time.

Choosing the Right Lever Style Door Handle

When it comes to choosing the right lever style door handle, there are a few factors to consider. From the type of lock to the style of handleset, you want to make sure you choose the right one for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Factors to Consider

Door Hinge Orientation: The first thing to consider is the orientation of your door hinges. If the door is hinged to the right, you will need a right-handed lever handle. If the door is hinged to the left, you will need a left-handed lever handle.

Functionality: You should also consider the functionality of the door handle. Do you need a handleset with a deadbolt for added security? Or do you just need a simple interior door knob for a bedroom or bathroom?
Style: The style of the door handle is also an important factor to consider. Do you want a traditional look or a more modern design? There are a variety of finishes available, such as brass, chrome, and nickel, that can complement your home’s decor.

Handleset vs. Interior Door Knobs

When it comes to choosing between a handleset and an interior door knob, there are a few things to keep in mind. Handlesets are typically used on exterior doors and offer added security with a deadbolt. Interior door knobs, on the other hand, are used on interior doors and do not have a deadbolt.

Handlesets come in a variety of styles, including single-cylinder, double-cylinder, and interconnected.

Single-cylinder handlesets have a thumb turn on the interior and a keyhole on the exterior.

Double-cylinder handlesets require a key to lock and unlock the door from both the interior and exterior. Interconnected handlesets have a lever handle on the interior that controls both the latch and deadbolt.

Interior door knobs are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match your home’s decor. They are typically used on bedroom and bathroom doors and do not offer the same level of security as handlesets.

FAQs

Are Lever Door Handles Directional?

Yes, lever door handles are directional. When installed, the lever should point in the direction that the door swings. This is called the door handing.

If the hinges are on the left side of the door, then the lever should point to the left. If the hinges are on the right side of the door, then the lever should point to the right.

This is important because if the lever is installed in the wrong direction, it can be difficult to use and may not work properly.

Can Lever Style Door Handles be Installed on French Doors?

Yes, lever style door handles can be installed on French doors. French doors have two doors that meet in the middle, so you will need two sets of handles.

The handles should be installed on the side of the door that opens. If both doors open, then you will need handles on both sides. If only one door opens, then you will only need handles on that side.

Can Lever Style Door Handles be Used on Front Doors?

Yes, lever style door handles can be used on front doors.

There are several types of lever handles that are designed for different functions. Keyed levers should be used for exterior doors, or any doors that need to be securely locked. Passage levers are used on doors that do not need to be locked, such as closet doors. Privacy levers are used on bathroom and bedroom doors, where privacy is important but a key is not necessary. Dummy levers are used on doors that do not have a latch or lock, such as French doors.

When choosing a lever handle for your front door, it is important to consider the style and finish of the handle. You want the handle to match the style of your home and the other fixtures on your front door.

Final Thoughts

Overall, lever style door handles are a great choice for any door in your home. They are easy to use, and they come in a variety of styles and finishes to match your decor.

Whether you are replacing old handles or installing new ones, lever handles are a great choice for any home.