How to change door
& window furniture

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To change door & window furniture, you will need...

Things to think about when changing window & door furniture

• Doors, windows and their fittings give a house character, and door and cupboard handles and knobs, whether contemporary or traditional designs in brass, chrome or nickel, all add to the effect.
• Window stays and fasteners are often referred to as window furniture. The most popular materials are brass, coated alloy and chrome. A casement window will have a stay, a fastener or both.
• A window stay is a metal arm with evenly-spaced holes and is fixed to the opening section of a casement window. A pin secures the window in the required position when it is open as the stay rotates to drop over it. When the window is closed, the window stay slots over both pins.
• Generally the window fastener is attached about halfway up the opening section on a casement window and incorporates both a handle and separate securing plate that close together to hold the window shut.
• There are three types of mortice casement fastener, and the correct one must be chosen for your style of window. The types are the mortice, the wedge and the hook. If the casement is flush with the frame when it is closed, it will need a hook fastener attached. If the casement closes against the frame, you will need to secure the window with a mortice or a wedge fastener.
• UPVC frames are normally supplied already fitted with closing and locking mechanisms. However, with many designs it is still possible to change the handles. The key is to be able to find and access the retaining screws that hold the handles in place. If they are accessible, you may be able to change them, which is much easier and cheaper than changing the complete window unit. Check that changing a window fastener doesn't invalidate your guaranties.
• New timber window frames may have the stays and fasteners already attached, or you may have to fit them yourself. Do this when the frame has been installed.
• Generally you will not need a new latch if you are simply replacing the handles on internal doors. However, if you wish to replace a handle with a knob, you may want to change to a longer latch that takes the knob position further from the door edge and therefore makes it more comfortable to open. How to fit a new latch is shown in another Handy Guide - 'Fit an internal door'
• A pull handle is used when a catch rather than a latch mechanism holds a door closed, for example, on a kitchen/bathroom cupboard.

Step by step guide to changing a door handle

Step 1

Unscrew the existing handle and put aside. Fill the holes with wood filler and sand them smooth when dry and repaint.

Step 2

Position the new spindle and handle to check the spindle's length through the existing hole. Cut down with a junior hacksaw if necessary.

Step 3

Position the new spindle and handle and use a bradawl to mark the new fixing positions through the fixing holes in the plate.

Step 4

Pilot hole the marked off fixing points with a small wood bit. A 2-3mm bit is ideal. Do not go through the door, just to the depth of the screws.

Step 5

Fix the new handles in place. Use a handheld screwdriver, as it is easy to slip with a drill/driver and scratch and mark the handle surface.

Step by step guide to changing a pull handle

Step 1

Undo the existing knob by unscrewing the retaining screw that passes from the back of the door through into the back of the knob.

Step 2

Fill the hole with filler, sand smooth when dry and repaint the area. More than one coat may be required for a seamless finish.

Step 3

Measure the distance between the new handle thread positions. Decide on the best position for the handle and then transfer measurements to door face.

Step 4

Pilot hole with a bit the width of the handle screws. Clamping a block of wood to the back of the door will help prevent splitting wood on exit.

Step 5

Fix the handle in place. If the retaining screws are too long for the door, they can simply be cut down with a junior hacksaw.

Step by step guide to changing a mortice window fastener

Step 1

Remove the old fastener and mortice plate. If possible, try to use the existing holes and mortice rebate for the new window furniture.

Step 2

Hold the new fastener in place to check whether the fixing positions align with the ones from the old fastener. Only drill new fixing holes if required.

Step 3

Screw the fastener in place and check whether it will close into the existing mortice rebate. If necessary use a chisel to adjust the hole size.

Step 4

Position the mortice plate. These can be recessed, or surface mounted (as shown here) depending on window design and preference.

Step 5

Secure the plate in place. If you need to enlarge the mortice rebate, use a hammer and chisel. Fill any visible old holes with filler, sand smooth and paint.

Step by step guide to changing a window stay and pins

Step 1

Remove the old stay and pins. If possible, try to use the existing holes for the new window furniture. Place it over the holes to check.

Step 2

With the window in the closed position, mount the new stay and pins in place. Carefully lift off the stay, ensuring the pins don’t move.

Step 3

If you need new holes, mark through the fixing holes with a pencil. Be very careful to make sure you don't move either of the new stay pins.

Step 4

Drill pilot holes and fix both the stay pins in place. Place the stay over the pins to check that the pins have been accurately positioned.

Step 5

Position the stay, mark the fixing positions, pilot hole and fix in place. Fill any visible old holes with filler, sand smooth and paint.  

The expert practical advice contained in this leaflet assists you in carrying out your home improvement projects both safely and successfully.

If in doubt take professional advice and always follow manufacturers’ instructions.

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