How to Replace a Toilet Handle

First, determine what mounting position is best for your toilet. If you have a side-mount toilet, you can install the handle horizontally or vertically.

Start by removing the toilet lid and detaching the flapper chain(s) from the lever arm, then loosen the nut. Most lever mounting nuts are reverse threaded, so turn it clockwise to loosen (right) and counterclockwise to tighten (left). Once you have the old lever detached from the toilet tank, remove the lever from the tank hole.

All StrongARM lever kits come assembled, so it is important to take some time to disassemble it and know the parts. Start by removing the two red locking clips (D), and placing them to the side for later use. Next, separate the elbow (C) and arm (E), and remove the new mounting nut by turning it to the right.

Insert the handle into the tank hole, then attach the mounting nut by turning it left (counterclockwise).

Next, attach the elbow to the handle at a 30-degree angle, pointing from the top of the tank toward the bottom.

Insert the lever arm into the elbow, making sure it is parallel to the front of the toilet tank. If the lever arm is too close to the fill valve, you may need to adjust your fill valve's position to allow for clearance. 

When you have everything positioned correctly, insert both of the locking clips.

Next, use the provided hook (F) to attach the chain to the hole in the lever arm. Make sure that the hole you choose is closest to the center of the flapper and that the chain only has 1-2 extra links in slack. If the chain is short, lower the lever arm to be closer to the flush valve.

Be sure to that the chain only has 1-2 extra links in slack. If too long, the chain could prevent the flapper from closing, causing a running toilet. If there is not enough slack, it could hold your flapper open, causing the same problem.

Finally, replace the tank lid and flush the toilet. Confirm that the bowl clears and that the lever does not touch other parts of the tank. If the lever hits the lid while flushing, lower the arm.