Can I reverse privacy or passage levers the same way?

The release method is similar, but privacy and passage sets do not have keyed cylinders. Follow the product-specific instructions included with your set.

How do I determine door handing?

Stand outside the room. If hinges are on the right, it’s a right-hand door; hinges on the left indicate a left-hand door.

3 min read

Door Hardware DIY

How to Reverse a Cosmas Keyed Entry Door Lever (50 & 80 Series)

Step-by-step instructions to flip the handing on a Cosmas keyed entry lever, including the Cosmas 50 Series and Cosmas 80 Series. (Symmetrical Cosmas levers don’t require reversing.)

Before You Start

Identify your lever. These steps apply to Cosmas keyed entry levers that are handed (e.g., 50/80 Series). Symmetrical designs don’t need to be reversed.

Safety First: Work on an open, stationary door. Keep track of small parts. Protect finished surfaces with a towel or painter’s tape.

Tools & Supplies

Flat-head screwdriver (or the included Cosmas release tool)
Phillips screwdriver
Optional: tape measure, pencil

Instructions: Reverse a Cosmas Keyed Entry Door Lever

1) Unpack the Cosmas door lever

Cosmas door lever unpacked from the box — Lay out all parts: exterior lever (keyed), interior lever, latch, strike plate, screws, and tool.

2) Remove old hardware (if needed)

Door prepared with no knob or lever installed — Take off the existing lever/knob and latch. Clean the borehole and edge.

3) Insert and install the latch

Door with latch installed — Make sure the latch bevel faces the strike side of the jamb.

4) Install the lever set (don’t worry about up/down yet)

Cosmas lever installed before reversing — Insert the spindle through the latch, align stems through the latch holes, and snug the mounting screws until the set is firm. **Ensure the keyed cylinder is on the exterior side**, even if the lever is temporarily upside down.

5) Set the lock button to 45°

Lock button positioned at 45 degrees — Move the interior lock button to a **midway (≈45°)** position between LOCK and UNLOCK. This is required to release the levers.

6) Release and remove the exterior lever

Depressing the release tab with a flat-head screwdriver — Use a flat-head screwdriver or the included tool to depress the small tab on the exterior trim and pull the lever straight off. *Keep the lock at 45°.*

7) Remove the interior lever

Removing the interior lever by hand — Repeat the release on the interior side and slide the lever off the spindle.

8) Swap sides and snap into place

Tab detail on trim where lever snaps on — Place the former interior lever on the exterior side and vice versa. Depress the tab and push each lever on until it **clicks** over the catch.

Reinstalling the Cosmas lever handle — Check that the handles now angle correctly and operate smoothly.

9) Install the strike plate

Oil-rubbed bronze strike plate installed on jamb — Secure the strike on the jamb. Test latch engagement and lock/unlock.

Time: ~10–15 minutes • Difficulty: Easy • Applies to: Cosmas handed keyed entry levers (e.g., 50/80 Series)

Troubleshooting & Pro Tips

Lever won’t release: Verify the lock button is at ~45°. Fully depressed tabs release the lever.
Lever upside down after swap: Remove and re-seat; confirm keyed cylinder stayed on the exterior.
Latch won’t catch strike: Adjust strike plate position; ensure latch bevel faces the strike side.
Loose set: Snug the mounting screws from step 4; don’t overtighten into hollow cores.

Shop Related Products

FAQ

Do all Cosmas levers need reversing? No—many are symmetrical and work on either handing without adjustment.

Can I reverse a privacy or passage lever the same way? The release process is similar, but these sets don’t have keyed cylinders. Follow the included instructions for your function.

How do I know my door handing? Stand outside the room; if the hinges are on the right, it’s a right-hand door (and vice versa).

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