An adapter for either a handle set or a lever set door lever is equipped with a pair of springs to provide a pre-load on the spindle. The pre-load prevents sagging of the lever due to the large mass of the lever. A sleeve in the adapter is formed out of a compressible material that accepts the spindle in a press-fit configuration. This allows for greater manufacturing tolerances while still providing a solid and secure engagement between the spindle and the adapter. As a result, any free play in the lever is eliminated and the lever is maintained in a horizontal, home position when the lever is not in use. Following use through rotation of the lever, the springs promptly return the lever back to the home position while the sleeve prevents any slop or free-play in the lever's motion.