How to Install a Heavy-Duty Retrofit Storefront Door Handle Set

Hey guys, this is Gary with Door Closers USA. In today’s video, I’m going to show you how toremove an existing OEM storefront door handle set and replace it with ourheavy-duty retrofit handle set.

Your OEM handle set may look different, but all storefront handle systems use eitherset screws or through-bolts on the pull handle side or the push bar side.

Removing the Existing OEM Storefront Handle Set

On most storefront doors, you’ll find Allen set screws securing the push bar or pull handle.These are commonly located:

• On the push bar side
• On the pull handle side

In this example, there is one set screw on the top of the push bar and one on the bottom.You don’t need to fully remove them—just loosen them enough to release the handle.

Some storefront doors use a bolt that passes through the door and threads into the pull handle.Others use a rivnut system. Every door model is slightly different, but they all secure the handleusing screws or set screws somewhere on the assembly.

Once the set screws are loosened, remove the pull handle from the opposite side of the doorand set it aside for comparison.

Removing the OEM Cone Head Screws

After removing the pull handle, you’ll see the cone head screws securing the OEM handle set.These are flathead screws threaded into rivnuts in the door stile.

Remove the cone head screws, and the OEM handle assembly will come off the door.

OEM Handle vs. Retrofit Handle Comparison

At first glance, the OEM handle set and retrofit handle set look similar.The real difference is in the hardware strength.

• OEM handle: Uses smaller 1/4-20 hardware
• Retrofit handle: Uses heavier-duty 3/8-24 hardware

When you compare the bolts side by side, the difference is obvious.The 3/8-24 hardware is significantly thicker and far more resistant to shearing and breakage.

This added thickness directly translates into increased durability,especially on high-traffic storefront doors.

Single-Bend vs. Double-Bend Push Bars

OEM storefront push bars are often single-bend designs.Our retrofit handle sets are available in:

• Single-bend push bars
• Double-bend push bars

The bend style is purely a visual preference.Either option will work as long as the measurements are correct.

Preparing the Door for Retrofit Hardware

Because the retrofit handle set uses larger 3/8-24 hardware,the existing 1/4 in holes must be enlarged.

Before drilling, always verify your measurements:

• Push bar center-to-center: 33 in
• Pull handle center-to-center: 9 in

Once verified, use a 3/8 in drill bit and drill straight through the door.The existing holes act as pilot holes, making this step easy.

For the rivnut side, the rivnut must be drilled out completely.The retrofit handle is designed to use a through-bolt that threads directly into the new push bar.

Installing the Retrofit Handle Set

With all 3/8 in holes drilled, installation can begin.

Mounting the Push Bar

• Insert the through-bolt from the pull handle side
• Thread it into the retrofit push bar

Mounting the Pull Handle

• Install the cone head screw through the top hole and thread it into the pull handle
• Install the lower through-bolt into the pull handle
• Tighten all fasteners securely

Once the pull handle is mounted, slide the push bar into place and tighten the set screwto lock everything together.

Final Result

You now have a retrofit pull handle and push bar set installed using heavy-duty hardware.This is an ideal upgrade for:

• Older storefront doors
• Doors with repeatedly broken handles
• High-traffic commercial entrances

Retrofit handle sets are available in:

• Single-bend or double-bend push bars
• 9 in, 10 in, or 12 in pull handles
• Clear aluminum or dark bronze finishes

All retrofit storefront handle sets are available at DoorClosersUSA.com.If you’re unsure what you need, send us photos and measurements and we’ll help you selectthe correct configuration.

Thanks for watching.

Watch the Video

Prefer to follow along visually? Watch the full video below to see the completeretrofit storefront handle installation process.