Children, full of energy and mischief, can be hard on your doors—especially the handles. With every tug, turn, or tandem swing, those door handles endure a rough ride. Over time, screws loosen their grip, leaving handles shaky or even detached. This not only causes frustration but also raises safety concerns. If you find yourself in this predicament, fear not—you can easily childproof those door handles, keeping your home child friendly and safe.
Why do kids damage door handles
Children don't mean to damage door handles. They often play with them out of curiosity or need, especially to open doors or explore. This repeated use can loosen screws, making the handles wobbly. Sometimes, they pull so hard that the handles break.
Some children might turn door handles or use them to pull up. This is in addition to normal wear. This extra use can make the handle wobbly or misaligned.
How to childproof door handles and prevent damage
To avoid frequent repairs or replacements of door handles, you can childproof them and ensure their durability. Here's some simple solutions:
1. Bolt through fitting for added durability
If you're looking to ensure your door handles stay securely attached, especially in high-use areas, a bolt-through fitting is the way to go. This method is especially popular in settings like schools, offices, or homes with children. With bolt-through fittings, the bolts go straight through the door and the lock or latch case, making the handles far more stable.
By fastening the handles together through the latch with a bolt-through fitting, the force exerted by pulling the handle is transferred to the internals of the door and the opposing handle, not just the handle itself. This provides much-needed stability and reduces the likelihood of handles becoming loose or detaching over time.
However, it's important to note that bolt-through fixings are typically only available on rose handle. Door handles on rose, also known as lever on rose door handles, are a type of door handle that have a circular backplate, or rose that the lever attatches to. When considering this solution, it’s essential to ensure that the locks and latches you are using are compatible with bolt-through fittings. You should look for holes in the lock or latch case that will allow the bolts to pass through securely. We also offer square on rose handles, which are similar to traditional round rose handles but feature a square-shaped backplate. These can also be used with bolt-through fixings and provide a sleek, modern look to your interior doors.
Keep in mind that door handles on backplates are not designed to support bolt-through fittings. For the best durability and security, opting for round roses is the best choice.
2. Opt for handles with secure mounting systems.
To make your door handles last longer, pick those with secure mounts. Look for handles with reinforced screws or ones that allow for easy change. Some modern handles feature self-aligning screws, preventing loosening with use. Opting for a durable handle with a strong mount reduces maintenance needs.
3. Child-Resistant Door Handles
For safety, you can choose child-resistant door handles. These often have locks or mechanisms that stop young children from opening doors. They also protect handles from damage due to pulling.
Such handles might have buttons or slides that are tough for kids but easy for adults. They're perfect for private or secure areas like bathrooms, storage rooms, or offices.
4. Regular Maintenance and Tightening
Even with childproofing, check door handles for looseness on a regular basis. Frequent use can cause any handle to loosen. Tighten screws every few months to keep them secure.
Check hinges and latches at set intervals to ensure their smooth operation. If you see rust or difficulty in turning the handle, replace the hardware to avoid damage.
The Right Door Handles for Families
At The Door Store, we understand that your home needs to be both functional and stylish, particularly when it comes to door hardware. That's why we offer a wide range of durable and child-friendly door handles. Our handles come in various designs, ranging from sleek contemporary styles to more traditional options, so you can find the perfect match for your home's aesthetic.
