How to Fit a Buster + Punch Door Handle and Thumbturn Lock

Quick answer

Fit a Buster + Punch door handle and thumbturn lock bundle by first checking your door thickness and existing bore holes, then installing the latch and thumbturn, followed by the handles and spindle. The most common mistake is overtightening the grub screws or using the wrong spindle length, which can bind the mechanism. Always test the thumbturn and handle action before closing the door.

Check your door and existing hardware before you start

Before buying or fitting, measure your door thickness and the backset (the distance from the door edge to the centre of the handle spindle hole). Buster + Punch bundles are designed for standard interior doors, but if your door has a non-standard backset or a split spindle, the handles may not fit. The DOOR HANDLE / LINEAR + THUMBTURN LOCK BUNDLE includes a pair of sprung door handles made from solid metal with linear-knurl detailing, torx screws and laser etched insignia. It works great on internal doors and can be combined with matching door accessories. However, note that these handle sets have not been tested using split spindles, and installation with through bolts is required. If your door uses a split spindle, you will need to choose a different handle or modify your approach.

Gather the right tools and parts

You will need a tape measure, pencil, drill with a 54mm hole saw (for the latch), 25mm spade bit (for the thumbturn), chisel, hammer, screwdriver, and a utility knife. The bundle includes the handles, thumbturn, latch, spindle, and fixing screws, but you may need a separate latch if your door does not already have one. The DOOR KNOB SET / CROSS is a knob alternative that also works on internal doors and can be teamed with matching accessories, but note that the latch is sold separately. For cabinet or cupboard doors, the T-BAR / PLATE / CROSS is a solid metal pull with diamond-cut knurled detailing that works great on cabinet doors and kitchen units, but it is not a privacy lock.

Mark and drill the door for the latch and thumbturn

Start by marking the centre line of the latch on the door edge, using the existing latch as a guide if replacing. Drill the latch hole with a 54mm hole saw, keeping the drill level. Then mark the spindle hole at the correct backset (usually 60mm or 70mm) and drill through both sides with a 25mm spade bit. For the thumbturn, mark a hole above the spindle at the same backset, typically 45mm to 50mm above centre, and drill a 25mm hole. Checkpoint: wrap tape around the drill bit to avoid drilling too deep and splintering the door face.

Install the latch and thumbturn

Insert the latch into the edge hole and secure it with the two screws provided. Make sure the bevel of the latch faces the direction the door closes. Then insert the thumbturn barrel into the face hole and fix it with the screws. The thumbturn should turn smoothly without binding. If it sticks, the hole may be slightly misaligned; enlarge it gently with a round file. Checkpoint: do not overtighten the screws, as this can distort the latch and cause the thumbturn to jam.

Fit the handles and spindle

Slide the spindle through the latch and align the handles on both sides. The DOOR HANDLE / LINEAR + THUMBTURN LOCK BUNDLE uses torx screws for fixing. Insert the screws through the inside handle into the outside handle and tighten them evenly. Checkpoint: tighten the grub screws just until the handle is secure; overtightening can strip the threads or prevent the handle from turning freely. Test the handle action before closing the door. If the handle feels stiff, loosen the screws slightly and retest.

Test and adjust the thumbturn and handle

With the door open, turn the thumbturn to lock and unlock the latch. The thumbturn should turn smoothly and the latch should retract fully. Then operate the handle from both sides. If the handle does not return to horizontal, the spindle may be too long or the grub screws too tight. Adjust as needed. Checkpoint: never force the thumbturn if it binds; this can damage the internal mechanism. If the thumbturn is hard to turn, check that the thumbturn barrel is aligned with the latch and that the screws are not over-tightened.

Step-by-step fitting guide

1. Measure and check compatibility: Measure door thickness and backset. Confirm your door does not use a split spindle, as Buster + Punch handle sets have not been tested with split spindles. If your door has a split spindle, choose a different handle set or consult a professional.
2. Mark and drill holes: Mark the latch centre on the door edge and drill with a 54mm hole saw. Drill the spindle hole at the correct backset and the thumbturn hole above it. Wrap tape around drill bits to prevent splintering and ensure holes are level.
3. Install latch and thumbturn: Insert the latch and secure with screws, ensuring the bevel faces the closing direction. Fit the thumbturn barrel and fix with screws. Do not overtighten screws; this can distort the latch and jam the thumbturn.
4. Fit handles and spindle: Slide the spindle through the latch and align handles. Fix with torx screws, tightening evenly. Tighten grub screws just until secure; overtightening can strip threads or bind the handle.
5. Test and adjust: With the door open, test the thumbturn and handle action. Adjust screw tension or spindle length if needed. Never force a binding thumbturn; adjust alignment instead.

Product facts

• DOOR HANDLE / LINEAR + THUMBTURN LOCK BUNDLE: A pair of sprung door handles made from solid metal and featuring elegant linear-knurl detailing, torx screws and laser etched Buster + Punch insignia. Works great on internal doors and can be combined with matching door accessories. Available in three metal finishes: steel, brass and welders black. Please note: our door handle sets have not been tested using split spindles. Installation with through bolts is required. This bundle is ideal for standard interior doors with a through-bolt fixing. If your door has a split spindle, this set is not suitable, so check before buying.
• DOOR KNOB SET / CROSS: A door knob set made from solid metal. Machined from solid metal bar and featuring our signature, diamond-cut, cross knurl pattern. Works great on all internal doors and can be teamed up with our matching door accessories. Latch sold separately. If you prefer a knob over a lever handle, this is a solid alternative, but remember to order a latch separately if your door does not already have one.
• T-BAR / PLATE / CROSS: A T-Bar handle made from solid metal. A solid base with diamond-cut knurled handle detailing, ensuring pleasure with every touch. Works great on cabinet doors, cupboards, kitchen units and just about anything that can open. Complete with a small disk. This is not a privacy lock; it is a pull handle for cabinets and cupboards. Use it for kitchen units or wardrobe doors, not for a bathroom or bedroom privacy door.