Installation — Handles & Knobs
Caselle Studio door handles and knobs are designed for standard interior doors and include adjustable mounting hardware for a clean, secure fit.
Our passage, privacy, and dummy sets are designed for non-handed installation, meaning they can be installed on either left-hand or right-hand doors.
For the best fit and finish, we recommend installation by a professional. However, most sets can be installed using standard household tools.
Details
Door Compatibility
Designed for standard interior doors measuring 1⅜″–2″ thick (35–50 mm).
Backset Compatibility
Compatible with standard 2⅜″ backset doors, unless otherwise stated on the product page.
Installation Type
Most passage and privacy sets install using a latch, spindle, rosettes, and through-bolt mounting system. Dummy sets install directly to the door surface and do not use a latch or spindle.
Tools You May Need
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Phillips screwdriver
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Flathead screwdriver
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Drill and drill bits
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Tape measure and pencil
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Level or square
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Chisel, if adjusting the latch or strike plate recess
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Allen key, if included with your set
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Safety goggles
A. Passage Handle or Knob Installation
Download passage schematics PDF here
For hallways, closets, and doors that do not require locking.
Step 1 — Install the Latch
Insert the latch into the edge of the door.
Make sure the angled side of the latch faces the door frame so the door closes smoothly.
Secure the latch using the provided screws.
Step 2 — Insert the Spindle
Slide the square spindle through the latch mechanism.
Make sure the spindle is centered and passes cleanly through the latch.
Step 3 — Position the Exterior Handle or Knob
Place the exterior handle or knob onto the spindle.
Align the rosette or mounting plate with the pre-drilled door holes.
Step 4 — Install the Interior Handle or Knob
Place the interior handle or knob onto the opposite side of the spindle.
Insert the through-bolts or mounting screws and lightly tighten.
Before fully tightening, check that both sides sit flat against the door surface.
Step 5 — Adjust Through-Bolts if Needed
Some sets use adjustable through-bolts to secure both sides of the hardware through the door.
If the bolts are too long and prevent the rosettes from sitting flush, they may need to be carefully shortened.
To check:
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Test-fit both sides of the handle or knob.
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Confirm both rosettes sit flat against the door.
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If either side sits away from the surface, remove the bolts.
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Trim carefully if needed.
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Reinstall and tighten evenly.
Do not overtighten. The handle or knob should feel secure while remaining properly aligned.
Step 6 — Install the Strike Plate
Position the strike plate on the door frame so it aligns with the latch.
Secure the strike plate using the provided screws.
If needed, adjust the frame recess so the latch engages smoothly.
Step 7 — Test the Door
Turn the handle or knob several times to confirm smooth operation.
Close the door and check that the latch engages properly with the strike plate.
B. Privacy Handle or Knob Installation
Download privacy (pin lock) schematics PDF here
For bedrooms, bathrooms, and rooms that require privacy locking.
Privacy sets include an interior locking function and an exterior emergency release.
Step 1 — Install the Latch
Insert the latch into the edge of the door.
Make sure the latch bevel faces the door frame.
Secure the latch using the provided screws.
Step 2 — Insert the Spindle
Slide the spindle through the latch mechanism.
Make sure it is centered before attaching the handles or knobs.
Step 3 — Position the Exterior Side
Install the exterior side of the handle or knob first.
The exterior side is the side with the emergency release hole.
Step 4 — Install the Interior Side
Install the interior side of the handle or knob.
The interior side is the side with the privacy locking function.
Align both sides and lightly tighten the through-bolts or mounting screws.
Step 5 — Adjust Through-Bolts if Needed
Before fully tightening, confirm that both rosettes sit flat against the door.
If the bolts are too long and prevent a flush fit, they may need to be shortened.
To check:
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Test-fit both sides.
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Confirm both rosettes sit flat against the door surface.
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Remove and trim bolts only if necessary.
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Reinstall and tighten evenly.
Do not overtighten, as this can affect the lock function or handle movement.
Step 6 — Install the Strike Plate
Attach the strike plate to the door frame and align it with the latch.
The latch should enter the strike plate smoothly when the door closes.
Step 7 — Test the Privacy Function
From the inside, engage the privacy lock.
From the outside, test the emergency release using a small pin or paperclip.
Confirm that the latch, handle or knob, and privacy lock all operate smoothly before final use.
How the Privacy Lock Works
Inside the room:
Use the interior privacy lock to lock or unlock the door.
Outside the room:
Insert a small pin, paperclip, or similar tool into the emergency release hole and press or turn gently, depending on the model.
The emergency release is intended for access in case of accidental locking.
C. Keyless Turnlock Handle or Knob Installation
Download keyless turnlock schematics PDF here
For bedrooms, bathrooms, offices, and rooms that require interior locking without a key.
Keyless turnlock sets include a thumbturn on the inside of the room and an exterior emergency release on the outside. They are intended for privacy use, not keyed security.
Important:
The thumbturn side should be installed on the inside of the room.
The emergency release side should be installed on the outside of the room.
Step 1 — Install the Latch
Insert the latch into the edge of the door.
Make sure the latch bevel faces the door frame so the door closes smoothly.
Secure the latch using the provided screws.
Step 2 — Insert the Spindle
Slide the square spindle through the latch mechanism.
Make sure the spindle is centered and passes cleanly through the latch.
Step 3 — Position the Exterior Side
Install the exterior side of the handle or knob first.
The exterior side is the side with the emergency release.
Align the rosette or mounting plate with the pre-drilled door holes.
Step 4 — Install the Interior Thumbturn Side
Install the interior side of the handle or knob.
The interior side is the side with the thumbturn lock.
Align both sides and lightly tighten the through-bolts or mounting screws.
Before fully tightening, check that both sides sit flat against the door surface.
Step 5 — Adjust Through-Bolts if Needed
Some sets use adjustable through-bolts to secure both sides of the hardware through the door.
If the bolts are too long and prevent the rosettes from sitting flush, they may need to be carefully shortened.
To check:
Test-fit both sides of the handle or knob.
Confirm both rosettes sit flat against the door.
If either side sits away from the surface, remove the bolts.
Trim carefully if needed.
Reinstall and tighten evenly.
Do not overtighten, as this can affect the turnlock function or handle movement.
Step 6 — Install the Strike Plate
Position the strike plate on the door frame so it aligns with the latch.
Secure the strike plate using the provided screws.
If needed, adjust the frame recess so the latch engages smoothly.
Step 7 — Test the Keyless Turnlock Function
From the inside, turn the thumbturn to lock and unlock the door.
From the outside, test the emergency release using a small flathead screwdriver, coin, or similar tool, depending on the model.
Confirm that the latch, handle or knob, thumbturn, and emergency release all operate smoothly before final use.
How the Keyless Turnlock Works
Inside the room:
Use the thumbturn to lock or unlock the door.
Outside the room:
Use the exterior emergency release to unlock the door if needed.
The keyless turnlock function is intended for privacy and convenience. It is not a keyed security lock.
D. Keyed Lock Handle or Knob Installation
Download keyed lock schematics PDF here
For rooms that require locking with a key.
Keyed lock sets include a keyed cylinder on the exterior side and a thumbturn or locking function on the interior side, depending on the model.
Important:
The keyed cylinder side should be installed on the outside of the room.
The thumbturn or interior locking side should be installed on the inside of the room.
Keyed lock sets may require more precise alignment than passage or privacy sets. For best results, we recommend professional installation.
Step 1 — Confirm Door Preparation
Before installation, confirm that your door is prepared for the keyed lock body, latch, strike plate, spindle, and cylinder components.
Check that the door thickness and backset match the product specifications.
If the door is not already prepared for this lock type, drilling, chiseling, or mortising may be required.
Step 2 — Install the Lock Body or Latch Assembly
Insert the lock body or latch assembly into the edge of the door.
Make sure the latch bevel faces the door frame so the door closes smoothly.
Secure the lock body or latch using the provided screws.
Do not fully force the components into place. If the lock body does not sit flush, the door preparation may need adjustment.
Step 3 — Insert the Spindle and Lock Components
Insert the square spindle through the handle or knob mechanism.
Insert the lock cylinder or lock rod according to the schematic for your model.
Make sure all internal components pass cleanly through the lock body and remain properly aligned.
Step 4 — Position the Exterior Keyed Side
Install the exterior side of the handle or knob.
The exterior side is the side with the keyed cylinder.
Align the rosette, escutcheon, or mounting plate with the pre-drilled door holes.
Step 5 — Install the Interior Side
Install the interior side of the handle or knob.
The interior side is the side with the thumbturn or interior locking function, depending on the model.
Lightly tighten the through-bolts, connecting screws, or mounting screws.
Before fully tightening, check that both sides sit flat against the door surface and that the spindle and lock cylinder remain aligned.
Step 6 — Install the Strike Plate
Position the strike plate on the door frame so it aligns with the latch or lock bolt.
Secure the strike plate using the provided screws.
If needed, adjust the frame recess so the latch and locking bolt engage smoothly.
The latch and lock bolt should enter the strike plate without rubbing, sticking, or requiring force.
Step 7 — Test the Keyed Lock Function
With the door open, test the handle or knob several times.
Insert the key into the exterior cylinder and test the lock and unlock function.
From the inside, test the thumbturn or interior locking function, if included.
Then close the door and test again to confirm the latch and lock bolt engage correctly with the strike plate.
Do not force the key, thumbturn, or handle. If the lock does not operate smoothly, loosen the mounting screws slightly and check alignment before retightening.
How the Keyed Lock Works
Outside the room:
Use the key to lock or unlock the door.
Inside the room:
Use the thumbturn or interior locking function to lock or unlock the door, depending on the model.
Keyed lock sets are designed for rooms where key access is required. Proper alignment is important for smooth operation and long-term durability.
E. Dummy Handle or Knob Installation
For decorative use, inactive doors, closet doors, pantry doors, or double doors where a latch is not required.
Dummy sets do not use a latch, spindle, or strike plate.
Step 1 — Mark the Position
Hold the dummy handle or knob in the desired position on the door.
Use a tape measure and pencil to mark the placement.
For a consistent look, match the height of other handles or knobs in the room.
Step 2 — Attach the Mounting Plate
Secure the mounting plate to the door surface using the provided screws.
Use a level or square to ensure the hardware is straight before fully tightening.
Step 3 — Attach the Handle or Knob
Attach the handle or knob to the mounting plate.
Tighten securely using the provided screw or Allen key, if included.
Step 4 — Check Alignment
Confirm the handle or knob sits straight and feels secure.
Dummy sets are pull-only and do not operate a latch.
Helpful Notes
- Designed for standard interior doors 1⅜″–2″ thick (35–50 mm).
- Compatible with standard 2⅜″ backset doors, unless otherwise stated.
- Passage, privacy, keyless turnlock, and keyed lock sets use a latch or lock body and spindle.
- Dummy sets are decorative/pull-only and do not use a latch or spindle.
- Passage, privacy pin-lock, and dummy sets are generally non-handed unless otherwise stated.
- Keyless turnlock and keyed lock sets may have a defined interior and exterior side. Always install the thumbturn or locking side on the inside of the room and the emergency release or keyed side on the outside.
- Do not overtighten screws, as this may affect alignment, handle movement, or lock operation.
- Always test the handle, knob, latch, and lock function before final use.
- If your door has non-standard drilling, thickness, backset, or latch preparation, professional installation is recommended.
Common Questions
Do I need to choose left-hand or right-hand?
No. Caselle Studio handles and knobs are currently designed for non-handed installation, so they can be installed on either left-hand or right-hand doors.
Which side goes inside for privacy sets?
The side with the privacy locking function goes inside the room.
The side with the emergency release hole goes outside the room.
Do I need special tools?
Most installations can be completed with a screwdriver, tape measure, and standard household tools.
A drill, chisel, or level may be helpful depending on your door preparation.
Can I install the hardware myself?
Yes, if your door is already prepared for standard interior door hardware.
For the best fit and finish, or for doors that require drilling or adjustment, we recommend professional installation.
What is a dummy handle or knob?
A dummy handle or knob is decorative and pull-only.
It does not turn, lock, or operate a latch.
What should I do if the rosette does not sit flush?
Check the through-bolts or mounting screws.
If the bolts are too long, they may prevent the rosette from sitting flat against the door. Test-fit the hardware first and carefully shorten the bolts only if necessary.
What should I do if the latch does not catch properly?
Check that the latch is aligned with the strike plate.
You may need to adjust the strike plate position or slightly deepen the recess in the door frame.
Which side goes inside for keyless turnlock sets?
The thumbturn side goes inside the room.
The side with the emergency release goes outside the room.
Which side goes outside for keyed lock sets?
The keyed cylinder side goes outside the room.
The thumbturn or interior locking side goes inside the room, depending on the model.
Is a keyless turnlock the same as a keyed lock?
No.
A keyless turnlock is a privacy function. It locks from the inside and can usually be opened from the outside using an emergency release.
A keyed lock uses a physical key from the outside and is intended for rooms where keyed access is required.
Do keyed lock sets require professional installation?
We recommend professional installation for keyed lock sets, especially if your door is not already prepared for the correct lock body, backset, strike plate, and cylinder alignment.
Keyed locks require more precise alignment than standard passage or privacy sets.
Need Help?
If you have questions about installation or compatibility, please contact us before installation.
Email: contact@casellestudio.com