RELIABILT Door Handles & Levers
RELIABILT door lever handles for passage and privacy applications. ADA-compliant lever operation.
RELIABILT lever handles are an ADA-compliant alternative to round knobs, operable without gripping or twisting. Required by building code in commercial spaces and recommended for aging-in-place homes. Priced from $12 to $25 individually. Available in the same satin nickel, matte black, and aged bronze finishes as the knob line. Lever handles use the same 2-1/8" bore and fit standard interior doors.
The lever design provides easier operation for people with arthritis, reduced hand strength, or when hands are full. All RELIABILT levers are reversible for left-hand or right-hand door swing and include an adjustable latch that fits both 2-3/8" and 2-3/4" backsets.
When Levers Are Required
| ADA / Commercial | All commercial buildings require lever handles (no round knobs). Levers must be operable with one hand without tight gripping. |
| Aging in Place | Levers are easier for arthritis, limited hand strength, or when carrying items. Recommended for all doors in accessible homes. |
| Building Code | Some residential codes now require lever handles on garage-to-house doors and exits. Check local requirements. |
How to Choose RELIABILT Door Levers
Decide between passage levers (no lock, for hallways and closets) and privacy levers (push-button lock, for bedrooms and bathrooms). If you need a keyed lock, see keyed-entry handles instead.
RELIABILT levers fit the same standard 2-1/8" bore hole and 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" adjustable backset as the knob line. This means you can swap from knobs to levers without any redrilling. When replacing existing knobs, the lever will mount in the same holes.
Levers are available in passage (no lock) and privacy (interior push-button lock) functions. For the best value on multi-door projects, check availability of lever contractor packs. If packs are not available, buy individual units and pair exterior doors with keyed-entry levers.
If ADA compliance is a requirement, levers must return to the horizontal position within 1/2 second of release and cannot require more than 5 lbs of force to operate. RELIABILT levers meet both of these requirements out of the box. Choose levers for any home where accessibility matters, including aging-in-place renovations.
Quick Installation Tips
Lever handles install in the same bore holes as round knobs. If replacing a knob with a lever, remove the old hardware, insert the new latch bolt (angled side facing the strike plate), then mount the exterior lever, thread the spindle through, and attach the interior lever with the provided screws.
Confirm the lever orientation before tightening. The lever should point slightly upward from horizontal when at rest, and return to horizontal after operation. If the lever points downward at rest, the spring mechanism may be installed incorrectly.
After installation, test the lever from both sides of the door. Verify the latch retracts fully when the lever is pressed, and the lever springs back to horizontal within a half second of release.
Common Problems and Fixes
| Lever droops below horizontal | The internal spring has weakened. Remove the lever, inspect the spring cassette, and replace it. RELIABILT uses a standard spring return mechanism that is available as a replacement part. |
| Lever catches on strike plate | The door may have shifted due to hinge settling. Adjust the hinges or reposition the strike plate so the latch centers in the opening. |
| Privacy lock does not engage | The push-button mechanism may be jammed. Remove the interior lever by pressing the release tab, then clean the button assembly with compressed air. Reinstall and test. |
Long-Term Care for Door Levers
Wipe lever handles with a soft damp cloth weekly to remove oils from hands. For satin nickel, use a non-abrasive cleaner. For matte black, avoid ammonia-based products that can dull the finish over time.
Lubricate the latch mechanism annually with graphite powder or dry silicone spray. Apply through the latch bolt opening on the edge of the door. This prevents the lever from feeling stiff or slow to spring back.
Tighten the lever mounting screws every six months. Levers experience more rotational torque than round knobs, so they loosen faster. A loose lever accelerates wear on the spindle and can cause the lever to sag permanently.
If a lever handle becomes stiff over time, the internal spring mechanism may need replacement. Remove the lever, inspect the spring cassette, and replace if the spring has lost tension. This is a common issue on high-traffic doors after 5-7 years of daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix knobs and levers in the same house?
Yes, as long as you stay within the same finish. A common approach is levers on frequently used doors (kitchen, hallways) and knobs on closets and low-traffic rooms. Use the same finish throughout for a cohesive look.
Are RELIABILT levers truly ADA compliant?
RELIABILT lever handles meet the ADA requirement for operation without tight grasping, pinching, or wrist twisting. They operate with one hand and less than 5 lbs of force. However, full ADA compliance also depends on door width, threshold height, and closing force, which are separate from the hardware.
Do levers work on left-swing and right-swing doors?
Yes. RELIABILT levers are reversible. The lever handle can be installed on either side and flipped for left-hand or right-hand door swing without any modifications.
For traditional round knobs, see RELIABILT door knobs. Levers are available in keyed-entry configurations for exterior use. Match with hinges and door stops in the same finish.
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