Abstract: The latch operating spindle is of the type requiring the exact same specific positioning orientation with the latch regardless of the latch side at which the latch operating device is mounted and the spindle is connected to its latch operating device normally operable partially rotatable by the operating device in a normal engaged position, but selectively movable along its rotational axis against compression spring urging to a freely rotatable position in which the spindle may be reversely repositioned adapting it for the alternate positioning use. The mechanism of the latch operating device is preferably thumb lever actuated and includes a slideable rack selectively directly moved by the thumb lever operably engaged with a rotatable pinion.