If your old Doric chain winder has a missing, damaged, or broken knob, you’re not alone. This is a very common issue, and in many cases, the good news is that the entire chain winder doesn’t need replacing.
At Mr Windows, we often see chain winders where the mechanism is still working perfectly, it’s just the knob that’s worn out over time. Before ordering a full replacement, there’s one simple thing you should check first.
🎥 DIY Video: Fitting a New Knob to an Old Doric Chain Winder
This DIY video walks you through how to identify whether your Doric chain winder has a removable handle and shows how to replace the knob using a DS1 knob when suitable.
Step 1: Check for the Grub Screw
Take a close look underneath the handle on your chain winder.
If you can see a small grub screw under the handle, you’re in luck. This means the knob can be removed and replaced without changing the entire chain winder.
If there is no grub screw, the handle is fixed and not designed to be replaced separately. In this case, a full chain winder replacement will be required.
Not all Doric chain winders were manufactured with replaceable handles, so this step is essential.
When a Knob Replacement Will Work
If your chain winder does have a grub screw, you can replace just the knob using a DS1 replacement knob.
This option is designed to suit:
- Old Doric DS 1170 chain winders
- Old Doric DS 1177 chain winders
A DS1 knob is ideal for replacing:
- Cracked or broken handles
- Worn knobs that no longer grip properly
- Missing knob handles
It’s a simple DIY fix that saves time and avoids unnecessary replacement of the full unit.
Important Before You Order
This knob replacement only works if your original handle was secured with a grub screw.
If your chain winder does not have this screw:
- The handle cannot be removed
- A knob-only replacement will not work
- The entire chain winder will need to be replaced
If you just need to replace the knob, the correct replacement options are:
These options are designed specifically for knob replacement only.
We recommend checking this carefully before ordering parts to avoid buying the wrong item.
When a Full Chain Winder Replacement Is Needed
If your Doric chain winder does not allow for a knob replacement, the next step is replacing the complete unit.
You can find suitable full replacement options by searching:
These are complete chain winders designed to replace older Doric units where the handle is fixed.
Need Help Identifying Your Chain Winder?
If you’re unsure which Doric chain winder you have, or whether your handle is replaceable, our team is always happy to help.
Sometimes the right fix isn’t replacing everything, it’s simply replacing the right part.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just the knob on my Doric chain winder?
Yes, but only if your Doric chain winder has a small grub screw underneath the handle. If the grub screw is present, the knob can be removed and replaced. If not, the entire chain winder will need to be replaced.
What Doric chain winders does the DS1 knob suit?
The DS1 knob is designed to suit older Doric DS 1176 and DS 1177 chain winders, provided the original handle is secured with a grub screw.
What if my chain winder does not have a grub screw?
If there is no grub screw under the handle, the knob is not removable. In this case, a full chain winder replacement is required rather than a knob-only replacement.
Do all Doric chain winders allow knob replacement?
No. Not all Doric chain winders were manufactured with removable handles. Some older models require the entire unit to be replaced if the knob is damaged or missing.
Is replacing a Doric chain winder knob a DIY job?
Yes. If your chain winder supports a removable knob, this is a DIY-friendly repair that can be completed using basic tools by following the video and instructions in this guide.