Loose door handle

[sddsddean]

One of our bedroom door handles has become loose, because the screws that hold the handle on only go into the hardboard ‘skin’ of the door. Over the years, the holes have elongated (as they are only in hardboard, not wood) meaning the whole handle is now loose. You can’t move the orientation of the screws, as the handle would have to be in an odd place and you can’t use bigger (thicker) screws as they won’t fit in the handle mounting plate. The only thing I can think of is to fill the holes with Araldite or something, then put the screws in before it goes off. Hopefully, if I ever have to remove it again, I can! Any other bright ideas?

[TWR]

Use raw plugs, they will do the job.

[sddsddean]

Thought of that, but the holes are only about 2mm dia. Don't think I'd get a rawlplug that small. I'm loathe to drill a bigger hole in the hardboard in case a bigger rawlplug doesn't work. Also, the skin is only about 3-4mm thick...would a rawlplug hold?

[vulcan]

A toggle bolt would work but the only problem is if you remove the handle later, you lose the wings
http://0.tqn.com/d/ho.../-/-/toggle_molly.jpg

[douglas9401]

If all else fails you could remove the door latch and fit a roller catch in its place. That way it wouldn't matter where the handle was positioned, you could repair the existing holes and repaint.

[whiskeryron]

There is presumably a handle the other side of the door, would it be feasable to drill straight through & put both handles together with bolts & nuts ?

WR.

[TWR]

If you split a Raw plg Sdd, just use what you need, I've obviously done it & It does work.

[TWR]

To add, Yes, a raw plug will hold.

[The Builder]

The "pukka" way is to remove handles and latch, then chisel out part of the core of the door, and glue in a new section of timber. You do it from the door edge, leaving the faces untouched.

Lots of handles come with through bolts (as mentioned by Ron). You could replace your handles with these. This is probably the easiest way.
TWR is right about the Rawlplugs. I've used that method many times. I usually glue the plugs in as well. It all can be a bit fiddly though ....... and a bit hit & miss. You will need to drill out the holes to the size of the plugs. Use plugs like these.............

http://www.screwfix.c...ed-brown-300pcs/22982

.... the ones that have a "lip" on them to stop the plug from disappearing into the door when you apply pressure.

[sddsddean]

Thanks for the replies. Don't really want to change the handles...the wife won't let me as they all match (women!!). Can't really use a through bolt as there is a screw on cover over the screw heads and anything too proud won't work. I'll have a go with a glued rawlplug and hope! I've got some lipped ones so hopefully it should work...wish me luck!

[TWR]

You can bye them at any DIY shop Sdd.

[boxtops]

I'm afraid I'd use superglue....

[tonyav]

I have used the small Yellow ones in the past, I shortened them with a Stanley knife.

[sddsddean]

Wouldn't surprise me methyl. It would be nice just to have one straight wall in the house! Bl00dy modern mass produced houses!