Find a Direct Fit Replacement Front Door Handleset
Replacing a front door handleset is straightforward once you know your door's measurements and what type of handleset you currently have. Follow the steps below to find a direct fit replacement. Questions? Call us at 954-776-5340 or contact us here.
Step 1
Determine your handleset type — tubular or mortise
There are two kinds of handleset locking mechanisms: tubular latches and mortise boxes. Identifying which you have determines what replacement options are available.
Tubular Handlesets
Easier to install — suitable for most DIYers. Fit standard pre-drilled doors with two bore holes: one for the deadbolt cylinder and one for the thumb-press latch and interior lever or knob. The most common front door handleset type.
Shop Tubular Handlesets →
Mortise Handlesets
More secure than tubular — resistant to brute force, with anti-pick latches and anti-saw inserts. Require a larger pocket chiseled into the door edge to accommodate the mortise lock body. Considered high-quality commercial-grade locks.
Shop Mortise Handlesets →The remainder of this guide focuses on replacing a tubular style handleset — the most common front door replacement scenario.
Step 2
Take the 4 key measurements
2. Backset
The backset is the distance from the center of the bore hole to the edge of the door. It will be either 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" and determines tubular latch length. Some brands like Kwikset offer adjustable latches that fit both.
3. Bore Hole Spacing — Latch to Deadbolt
Measured on the face of the door: center of the deadbolt bore to center of the handleset latch bore. Industry standard is 5-1/2" but many doors are not drilled to that spec. This measurement determines whether you can use a full escutcheon, ¾ escutcheon, or sectional handleset.
4. Latch Bore to Thru-Bolt Hole
The distance from the center of the handleset latch bore to the thru-bolt hole at the bottom of the handle. This determines if the handle length is compatible and whether it will cover the existing hole in the door.
Step 3
Pick your handleset style
Your bore hole spacing measurement determines which style will fit. There are three options:
Full Escutcheon
¾ Escutcheon
Sectional
Full Escutcheon
Deadbolt, handleset latch, and bottom thru-bolt all mounted to one solid plate on the exterior. Requires a 5-1/2" center-to-center latch-to-thru-bolt bore spacing.
¾ Escutcheon
Deadbolt and handleset latch on one plate; bottom thru-bolt on a separate smaller plate. Also requires 5-1/2" center-to-center spacing.
Sectional
Deadbolt, handleset latch, and bottom thru-bolt all on separate plates. Most flexible option — works with non-standard bore spacing since the components aren't connected.
Step 4
Choose your handleset function
Single Cylinder
Double Cylinder
Dummy
Single Cylinder
Locked and unlocked by a thumb turn on the interior and by a key on the exterior. The most common choice for front entry doors.
Double Cylinder
Keyed on both sides. Best for doors with glass sidelites — prevents someone from breaking the glass and reaching in to unlock. Keep a key accessible in case of emergency exit.
Dummy
No latch or lock — functions only as a pull handle. Used on the inactive side of a double door entry to match the active door's trim.
Step 5 — Shop
Once you have your measurements and know your style and function, you're ready to find your replacement. Read product descriptions carefully — they list all dimensions, finishes, and compatibility details. Not sure? Call us at 954-776-5340 or send us a message and we'll help you find the right fit.
Need help finding the right fit?
Call us at 954-776-5340 or contact us here. Browse our full handleset collection or return to the Help Center.