How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles that you have in your home are an essential element of your design. A new handle will bring your decor and space up to date.
Over time, your knobs for your doors can begin to feel stiff and even break. These are indications that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you pick the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will enhance the appearance of your home and allow you to open and close them. They are available in a variety of colors, finishes, and types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning appear worn or simply require an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be completed in just a few steps.
The first thing you have to find is the shaft or spindle through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some have a small hole that you can insert an incredibly small screwdriver to remove the set screws that hold the knob in place. Some have a small slot or hole in which you can use a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. This pin lets go of the latch mechanism, and lets you pull or push the knob.
After you have ahold of the shaft or spindle, take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Make sure to align it correctly and test to see that the latch functions properly before tightening your new set screws.
After replacing the knob, place the latch rod over the door's hole. Secure it by securing it to the rod system on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are lined up and then thread in the screws on the latch plate and tighten the screws.
Some people opt for a smooth or brushed finish on their door hardware to create modern, sleek design that matches other furnishings in their homes. Some prefer a rustic design that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have a member of your family with mobility issues, you may want to choose an rim or lever lock that require less pressure to operate.
Other aspects are being considered more and more for the design of door handles. Accessibility and control of infections are the main issues that have led to the development of new and innovative designs for handles, such as ones that can be operated with the forearms of a person.
Latch
The latch that opens your door is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. It is simple to change the latch on your door handle. This will result in an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you have depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be part of the knob itself or it might be an independent piece that is attached to the door. In either case, you'll need to follow the same procedure to remove and replace. Getting the old latch out of the way is relatively simple, especially if your door handle has what is known as a "magic button". The button is located on the left side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is the one you need to press to pop the latch out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.
If your handle does not come with this button, you will need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver. Some have a small hole inside that you can slide your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off.
The next step is to unscrew the two machine screws that secure the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a sharp point and you'll have to store them in a safe location to use them again in the next steps. Once the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate as well as the mechanism from the hole and set it aside.
You can now begin installing the new latch. Install the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin that is on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
One of the most frequent reasons for replacing the door handle is that it feels loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to incorrectly aligned parts in the latching mechanism, for example an unbalanced strike plate that is too short or moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb as time passes. This project allows you replace your old strikeplate with an extended one, which will offer better security for your door and ensure it stays closed.
Apply some lipstick or other marking material on the bolt for the latch to check if it is the strike plate. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is below your strike plate hole, it indicates that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate may have been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
You might be able to put the new strikeplate in place over the existing one using the screws that come with it, based on the door you have. However, you might need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel some of the wood to ensure it's snugly fitted. If this is the case, you must be careful not to chisel too hard or you'll damage the integrity of your doorjamb.
You can also try installing a new box strike plate that gives the lock a much more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. upvc replacement door handles requires two longer screws to anchor the strike plate in the frame of the door. It is necessary remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.
This strike plate is specifically designed to work with antique rim locks, and is made of durable solid brass in a heavy duty thickness. This kit includes both wood screws and machine screws so you can pick the right hardware for your needs. Remember that wood screws have a pointed tip, whereas machine screws are blunter.