Tank Fit

The handle

Replacing a toilet flush handle and trip lever

A handle that spins freely, sticks down, or snapped off is a ten minute fix. The two things that trip people up are mounting position (front, side or angle) and the mounting nut, which on most toilets is reverse threaded.

Match the mount

Look at where the handle sits. Front mount is on the tank face, side mount is on the left side wall, angle mount is on the front corner. Universal handles such as the Fluidmaster 640 come with an adjustable arm and fit front, side and angle mounts on most two-piece toilets. Some brands use a proprietary handle shape or a lever that must clear an internal canister: Kohler Class Five and some TOTO and American Standard models are best served with the OEM handle. Check your model with the tank stamp.

Manufacturer reference: Fluidmaster 640 Perfect Fit lever documentation.

Remove the old handle

  1. Shut off the supply and flush to drain the tank (optional but easier).
  2. Unhook the chain from the trip lever arm.
  3. Inside the tank, unscrew the plastic or brass nut on the back of the handle. Most are reverse threaded: turn clockwise, as you face it from inside the tank, to loosen. If it will not move, try the other way before forcing it.
  4. Slide the handle and arm out through the hole.

Install the new one

Feed the arm through, thread the nut on hand tight plus a quarter turn (overtightening cracks plastic nuts and can crack china), bend or trim the arm so it sits above the flapper without touching the tank lid or fill valve, and hook the chain with about half an inch of slack. Flush several times and check the flapper fully opens and fully closes.

Handle sticks down after flushing

usually the chain is too short, catching under the flapper, or the arm rubs the lid or fill valve. Adjust the chain clip and arm before replacing anything.
Fluidmaster 640Universal toilet tank handletypically $6 to $15
Fits
Front, side and angle mount two-piece toilets with a standard flapper and chain.
Does not fit
Toilets with push buttons, canister valves that need a specific lever (Kohler Class Five), and handles with decorative trim you need to match exactly.
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FAQ

Which way do you turn a toilet handle nut?

On most toilets the nut is reverse threaded, so you turn it clockwise, viewed from inside the tank, to loosen.

Will a universal toilet handle fit my toilet?

Universal handles fit most front, side and angle mount two-piece toilets. Toilets with canister valves or proprietary handles may need the OEM part.

Why does my toilet handle stay down after flushing?

The chain is too short or tangled, or the lever arm rubs the lid or fill valve. Adjust the chain to about half an inch of slack.

Do I need to turn off the water to replace a toilet handle?

Not strictly, but shutting it off and flushing gives you a dry tank to work in.

Next, in the tank