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 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 (B) by turning it to the right.

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

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. 

Once everything is positioned correctly, insert both 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 doesn't reach the lever arm, adjust the angle of the elbow so the lever arm sits lower in the tank.

Be sure the chain has only 1-2 extra links in slack. If the flapper chain is too loose, the flapper will not lift off the flush valve opening, causing a slow or weak flush. If the flapper chain is too tight, the flapper will not seal, causing your toilet to run.

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.