Door handle spindle buying guide

The main purpose of a door handle spindle is to rotate inside the spindle hole (or hub) of a lock case and operate the latch when the door knob is turned or the handle is pressed. These rods are also used to hold door handles or knobs in place if they are not directly connected to a backplate or escutcheon.

But not all door handle spindles are used to connect two door knobs or handles. Some models only serve one side of the door while others are fixed in place and cannot be rotated. The design of door handle spindles differs from one model to another and the most common types are as follows:

• Plain square spindles

• Drilled square spindles

• Slotted square spindles

• Half spindles

• Flexible spindles

• Dummy spindles

• Threaded spindles

The features of each of these types of spindle depend on your lock case. Pay attention to the following factors:

• The hardware between the spindle and the door handle or knob (e.g. pins, nails, etc.).

• The size of the square aperture, or spindle hole, on the lock case (i.e. 6, 7 or 8 mm).

• The type of latch mechanism.

Spindle sleeves

If the size of the spindle does not match the square aperture of the lock case or door handles, it is possible to use a spindle sleeve to adjust the size of the spindle. A spindle sleeve can be used to change the size of the spindle from 6 to 7 mm or 7 to 8 mm.

Plain square spindles

These square door handle spindles don't feature any holes which means they can be cut to non-standard lengths for different types of doors. A plain spindle can usually be cut and drilled as required, and can be bought in lengths of up to a metre.

Drilled square door handle spindles

These door handle spindles feature several holes to house the pins or nails used to fit the door handle or knob. This type of connection is not always very secure and tends to leave door handles or knobs feeling loose.

Grooved door handle spindles

These door handle spindles are different in that they feature grooves or slots on one or two sides of the spindle. These grooves are used to house grub screws to secure the door knob or handle firmly. Some door handles feature a combination of grooves and holes with one grooved side and one drilled side.

These spindles feature a a very simple design. When a grub screw is inserted into the hole of the door knob or handle, it wedges into a groove which, in turn, opens up. The screw deforms the door handle spindle slightly which provides a secure and firm connection.

Half spindles

Half spindles feature a flat washer or S-shaped lock at the end of the spindle shaft. These spindles are used when the latch only needs to be operated from one side of the door using a single door handle or lever. The spindle is inserted into the spindle hole on the side of the lock with no handle. The washer or S-shaped piece holds the spindle in place while the shaft protrudes just enough on the other side of the door to install the door handle. These spindles are used mainly for front doors in shared buildings.

Flexible door handle spindles

These spindles feature a spring-loaded tab which provides a secure and reliable connection between the spindle and door handle without having to use a grub screw. This type of door handle spindle can only be installed on doors where the door handle or knob is connected to a backplate or escutcheon.

Dummy door handle spindles

Dummy door handle spindles feature a plate which is fixed perpendicular to the spindle shaft. Screw holes are used to face-fix the plate to the surface of the door. This type of assembly does not allow the spindle to rotate and is only used for decorative door knobs that aren't connected to latches.

Threaded spindles

Threaded spindles can feature threads at one or both ends and provide a very secure connection. They are generally used for door knobs and can be adjusted.