So I'd like to change all the door handles in my new flat. Would have thought that was easy enough.. go down to local Bau und Hobby and they have.. 2 different types to choose from. Go over the border to Hornbach.. they have loads.. pick one that I like as a 'tester' and.. it doesnt line up (distance between hole for the handle and hole for the lock)...

Do a bit of research and.. blimey.. there's a standard distance between the handle and the lock for Switzerland.. and then there's the standard distance that everyone else uses.

So I'm stuck with Swiss outlets.. which isn't the end of the world..except I can only find OBI selling more than a couple of choices. Anyone else know any 'building merchant' type stores that might offer a better range ?

It's massively annoying - we had the same problem with fitting stuff in the kitchen. Switzerland has one set of "standard" measurements which doesn't seem to chime with the rest of Europe. No nipping up into Germany for a more cost effective alternative or a bit of variety to escape the humdrum of a choice of less than 5.

Haven't done a lot of DIY here so other people might be better placed to advise but I've heard from others that the building merchants often only sell in bulk and only to the building trade but perhaps there are exceptions to this.

What about Weldom in Hesingue, France?

Bauarena in Volketswil?

I got some great advice from Nev on how to tackle this very problem in here:

http://www.englishforum.ch/search2.p...nge+a+doorknob

In the thread there is also a link to an awesome website that sells restored and reproduction door furniture, but the hardware I used came from Hornbach. You'll need to go equipped with measurements of everything you can imagine (length from below handle to keyhole, etc.): the salespeople know their merchandise and can advise you.

G'luck

I find almost all I need for the house here http://shop.opo.ch/ishop/T%C3%BCr-%2...46B0243759579A

Salut Zämma