When choosing a lever door handle, one common question among homeowners, contractors, and designers is:“Are lever door handles reversible?”
The short answer is yes — most modern lever door handles are reversible, meaning they can be installed on either left-hand or right-hand doors.
A reversible lever door handle is one that can be installed on either side of the door without needing to purchase separate left-handed or right-handed versions.
This flexibility allows the same handle model to work for:
Left-hand doors, which open inward with the Hinges on the left
Right-hand doors, which open inward with the hinges on the right
In short: a reversible lever handle ensures that the lever orientation, latch, and mechanism can be easily adjusted to match the direction your door swings.
Before installing any lever handle, it’s important to determine the handing of your door — this simply refers to which side the hinges are on when you open the door toward you.
| Door Type | Hinge Position | Door Swing | Handle Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Left-Hand Door | Hinges on the left | Opens toward you | Handle on the right side |
| Right-Hand Door | Hinges on the right | Opens toward you | Handle on the left side |
A non-reversible handle must match the door handing — otherwise, the lever will point upward or face the wrong direction.
That’s why reversible Lever Handles are so popular — they eliminate confusion and simplify installation for any door orientation.
Most reversible lever handles use a universal latch mechanism and modular lever design. Here’s how they operate:
Universal Spindle Connection
The handle connects to a square spindle that passes through the latch body.
Because the spindle is symmetrical, it works from both directions.
Adjustable Latch Orientation
The latch tongue (the metal part that extends into the strike plate) can be rotated 180° to match the door’s swing direction.
Reversible Lever Arms
On many models, the lever arms can be removed and swapped between sides to ensure the correct downward orientation.
Hidden-Fix Design
Modern concealed screws and rose plates allow for easy reinstallation without visible damage or misalignment.
Hangfat Metal lever handles are engineered with precise spindle fittings and rotatable latch mechanisms, allowing true universal installation across all door types.
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Universal Fit | Suitable for left-hand or right-hand doors, reducing inventory needs. |
| Easier Installation | Installers don’t need to determine door handing before fitting. |
| Cost Efficiency | One model fits multiple door types — ideal for large construction projects. |
| Aesthetic Consistency | Same handle style used throughout buildings regardless of door orientation. |
| Convenient Replacement | Quick swap without needing new hardware when doors are replaced or reversed. |
In commercial projects and residential interiors, these benefits save both time and cost, while maintaining visual uniformity across rooms.
If you need to reverse the orientation of your lever handle, follow these steps:
Use an Allen key or small screwdriver to loosen the set screw located beneath the handle neck. Gently remove the lever.
If the handle is reversible by design, simply swap the levers between sides of the spindle or rotate them to the desired orientation.
Pull the latch out slightly.
Rotate the latch tongue 180°.
Reinsert it so that the bevel faces the correct direction of door closure.
Reinstall the lever handles, tighten the screws, and check that the handle pushes down correctly and springs back smoothly.
All Hangfat Metal lever handles use spring-return mechanisms that ensure proper alignment and comfort regardless of installation direction.
| Application | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Residential Interiors | One universal model fits all room doors. |
| Commercial Buildings | Reduces complexity during mass installation. |
| Hotel and Apartment Projects | Ensures uniform aesthetics across left- and right-opening doors. |
| Renovations | Allows reusing the same handle when changing door swing direction. |
This versatility is one reason Hangfat Metal lever handles are trusted by builders, architects, and designers worldwide.
While most modern handles are reversible, certain specialized designs may not be:
Asymmetrical lever designs, where the curve or contour faces one direction only.
Lock-integrated lever handles, where the locking cylinder orientation cannot be swapped.
Lever pad or split spindle handles, designed for specific lock mechanisms.
In these cases, Hangfat Metal offers both left-hand and right-hand models to ensure perfect alignment and ergonomic comfort.
At Hangfat Metal, we focus on producing high-precision, reversible lever handles that combine functionality and design elegance. Our advantages include:
Universal installation compatibility for both door handings
Precision-engineered spindles and latches for smooth operation
Durable zinc alloy and stainless-steel construction
Available finishes: matte black, brushed nickel, antique bronze, polished chrome
Hidden-fix and modular designs for modern architectural needs
Tested for over 200,000 operation cycles ensuring long-term durability
Each handle embodies our dedication to ease of use, premium craftsmanship, and long-lasting performance.
Previous:
