Is there a set screw missing in the small hole on the side of the door handle that could help tighten the loose lever without replacing the entire handle?
Asked by Adi Van der Roest 
4 months ago
Last Updated: August 1, 2024
Hey, have you noticed how loose the lever on this door handle is? The faceplate with the screws seems fine, but there’s a small hole on the side. I tried using a hex key to tighten it, but no luck. Do you think there might be a set screw in that hole that I’m missing? Any ideas on how to tighten this lever without having to replace the whole handle? Trying to avoid that if possible! 😅 Thanks for any advice!
Was the screw able to turn? That screw is likely the one responsible for tightening it.
You can’t even spot a screw in there. I gave the hex key a shot, but it didn’t appear to have any effect.
I’m curious if someone loosened it so much that it came out. There should definitely be a screw in there.
I’m pretty sure we didn’t remove it, but who knows what the previous owners might have done. My guess is that if there’s no screw, the entire knob should just come off… it’s wobbly, but it’s still attached.
Hey , that tiny hole is actually used to release the handle. You just need to insert a small wire and push, and the handle will come off.
Hey , do you have any idea how to tighten it up if there’s no set screw?
I’m zooming in on the photo and upon closer inspection, it seems that is indeed the set screw. Just make sure you’re using the right size Allen wrench. Simply tighten it down while pushing in on the handle. Shine a light there to ensure the Allen wrench fits well and is turning the screw properly. Thumbs up! 👍🏼
Thank you, I’ll give it another shot with a flashlight.
Haha! I’ve never seen a door handle with a set screw there before! It’s actually a push hole to release the handle. Challenge me if you think otherwise. The internal springs seem to be worn out. The things you come across on the internet, I tell you!
You clearly don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s crazy what people say online. I’m a painter and I always remove doorknobs. There’s always a screw in there
BS haha
LOL clown
Yeah, most likely the set screw wiggled out over time. I suggest getting a used knob at a place like Habitat for Humanity for a few bucks and taking the set screw from that, or trying Ace Hardware for the set screw. They have a lot of random things like that in their drawers! 👍🏽
That sounds like a great plan! Appreciate it!
Please be aware, there are too many foolish people on this thread. No set screw in there!! It’s a small hole to insert a pin that releases the handle. You see, not all doors operate in the same way. The internal springs are worn out.
There’s no screw in that hole, it’s actually for removing the handle by inserting a pin and pulling it out.
If the handle feels loose, there’s not much you can do, the inner swivel is likely worn out.
The lever shaft is probably worn down, so it will get wobbly until it breaks off. Just plan on replacing it soon. You can find a matching replacement on Amazon for around $40.
It might even be less expensive than Schlage
It all depends on whether you want them to complement the rest of the house. These were quite popular in upscale homes in the 80s. It’s quite surprising that someone is still producing replicas.
That hardware is pretty cheap and I’m sure it’s old and worn out. A new one is only $15, so it might be worth cutting your losses and getting a new one.
It appears to be an Allen set screw, but the fitting seems to be rounded, possibly from an attempt to use a small Phillips screwdriver. If it were a push release pin, there would be some play, even if the pressure mechanism was not working properly.
The screw should be tightened by turning it clockwise and loosened by turning it counterclockwise.
That particular hole is designed for removing the handle using a pin. Over time, handles tend to become loose due to wear and tear, so it’s best to just replace it.
When using lever handles, make sure to switch the knob to the proper side to avoid any obstructions. I believe that area is where you push to release the handle.