How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles of your home are an important part of the interior design. A new handle can elevate your space and bring your decor up to date.
Over time, your knobs for your doors can begin to feel stiff and even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you choose the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles add to the look of your home, while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They come in a wide variety of finishes, colors, and types to match your decor. If yours has begun to show signs or need an upgrade, you can replace them in a couple of easy steps.
The first thing to find is the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a tiny hole that you can put a narrow screwdriver into to release the set screws holding the knob in place. Some have a thin slot or hole through which you can use to press the spring-activated detent pin using a flathead. This pin releases the latch mechanism and lets you to pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hand, remove the old knob and replace it. Be sure to align it correctly and check to ensure that the latch works properly before tightening the new set screws.
After you've replaced the knob, place the latch rod in position over the hole in the door and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are aligned, then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some prefer a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware to create an elegant, modern look that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Some prefer a rustic style that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have one of your family members with mobility issues, you might prefer an rim or lever lock, which requires less pressure to operate.
Other aspects are being considered more and more for the design of door handles. Infection control and accessibility are the main issues that have led to the development of new and innovative designs for handles, such as ones which can be operated by the forearm of a person.
Latch
The latch that keeps your door handle open can wear out from age and use. Changing out the old latch to accommodate the new handle is an easy DIY project and it will make a huge difference in how your door opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you have depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be a part of the knob itself, or it could be an individual piece that is attached to the door itself. In either case, you will follow the same procedure for removing and replacing. It's simple to remove the old latch, especially in the case of a door handle with a "magic" button. It is located on the opposite side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is the one you need to press to take the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle does not have this button, you'll have to take off the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver in order to remove them off the handle. Some have a slot where you can insert your screwdriver. Other handles simply snap off.
The next step is to remove the two machine screws that hold the latch and inner plate to the door handle. It is important to keep these shorter screws with sharp tips in a safe place in order to reuse them in the future. After the screws have been removed, you can remove the latch plate as well as the mechanism from the hole and set it aside.
Now you can begin installing the new latch. Place the latch plate in the door hole and secure it using the hardware provided. Make sure the square pin on the inside of the latch is facing the mechanism for latching inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then, push the outside latch plate on and secure it with the screws provided.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons to replace the door handle is that it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is often caused by incorrectly aligned parts in the latching mechanism, for example an unbalanced strike plate that is too small or has moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb as time passes. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which will offer more security for your door and will keep it closed.
Apply a lipstick or another marking material on the bolt for the latch to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is below your strike plate hole, it means that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is above the strike plate hole, it's most likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.
You may be able simply to screw the new strikeplate into place over the existing one by using the screws supplied with it, based on the door you have. However, you may need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel out some of the wood to ensure it's a snug fit. If this is the case, you must be careful not to cut too hard or you'll damage the strength of your doorjamb.
Installing a new style box strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger grip on the doors and require more force to open them. It usually requires two longer screws to secure the strike plate in the door frame. upvc door handles repairmywindowsanddoors 'll have to remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate was designed to be used with antique rim locks and it's constructed of robust solid brass with a heavy duty thickness. This kit includes wood screws as well as machine screws so you can choose the right hardware for your requirements. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed tip, whereas machine screws are blunter.