How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are an essential element of your home's decor. A new handle can transform your space and bring your decor to the present.
Over time, your doors' knobs can start to feel stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace them. This guide will help choose the best door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles enhance the appearance of your house while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They are available in a variety of colors, finishes, and types to complement your decor. If yours are starting to show signs of wear or just need an upgrade replacing them is simple and can be completed in just a few steps.
The first thing you have to find is the spindle or shaft through which the knob is attached to the door. Some have a tiny hole that you can put a narrow screwdriver into to remove the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a tiny slot or hole through which allows you to press a spring-activated detent pin with a flathead. The pin opens the latch mechanism and lets you pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle or shaft, in your hand Remove the knob and replace it. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure that the latch functions properly before tightening the new set screws.
After you've replaced the knob, put the rod of the latch over the door's hole and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are aligned then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some homeowners opt for a brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a modern and sleek appearance. This will match their other furniture. Some prefer a rustic style that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have one of your family members with mobility issues, you may want to choose the lever or rim lock that requires less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have been the most important factor in door handle design, other factors are being taken into consideration as well. Infection control and accessibility are key issues that have led to the creation of new designs for handle handles including ones that can be operated with the forearm of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open may wear out as time passes. It is simple to replace the latch on your door handle. This will make huge differences in how it opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you are using, the latch could be a separate component or a part of the knob. In either case, the same process for removing and reinstalling will apply. It's easy to remove the old latch, particularly when you have a door handle with a "magic" button. The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob, is the one you'll have to press to pop the latch out of the handle.
If your handle does not have this magic button you'll have to take off the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed by using a screwdriver to pry them off the handle. Some have a small slot in them where you can put your screwdriver into, while others snap off.
Next, you will want to loosen the two machine screws holding the latch and the plate to the door handle. You will need to store these shorter screws with a pointed tip in a safe place in order to reuse them in the future. After these screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and put it away.
upvc replacement door handles can now begin installing the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin that is on the interior of the latch is pointing towards the latching mechanism inside the handle, and that it lines up with the other screw chambers of the door handle. Then fix the exterior latch plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
It is common to replace a door handle if it feels loose, or does not lock properly. This is usually due to incorrectly aligned parts of the latching system, such as a striking plate that's either too small or has moved upwards or down on the doorjamb as time passes. This simple fix allows you to replace your old strike plate with a new, longer one that can provide greater security and ensure that your door stays shut.
To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material on the latch bolt. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole it means that the door won't latch because the plate is too short. If the mark is above the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.
Depending on the door depending on the door, you might be able to just install the new strike plate into the existing one, using the screws included with it. But, you may have to pre-drill holes and then chisel out some of the wood to ensure it's snugly fitted. If this is the case, be careful to not chisel out too much wood or you'll damage the strength of the doorjamb.
You can also try installing a new box strike plate, which provides the lock with a more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically, it requires two longer screws that secure the strike plate to the door frame. To accomplish this, you'll need to remove the existing strike plate and then drill and chisel out 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 is made of durable solid brass in a heavy duty thickness. This kit includes wood screws and machine screws, allowing you to pick the right hardware for your requirements. Be aware that wood screws have a pointy tip, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.