How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key part of your home's decor. A new handle can bring your home's decor up-to-date.
Over time, your door knobs may become stiff or even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you select the right replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles enhance the aesthetics of your house while making it easier for people to open and close doors. They are available in a wide range of finishes, colors, and styles that will complement your decor. If yours have started to show signs or need an upgrade You can replace them in a few easy steps.
The first thing you have to do is locate the spindle or shaft through the knob's attachment to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can access with a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that keep the handle in place. Some have a tiny slot or hole that allows you to press a spring-activated detent pin with a flathead. The pin opens 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. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure whether the latch works before tightening new set screws.
Once you've replaced the knob, place the rod of the latch over the door's hole and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned and then thread in the screws on the latch plate and tighten them.
Some prefer a smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware to give it a sleek, contemporary look that matches other furnishings in their homes. Some people prefer a rustic style that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have one of your family members with mobility issues, you may prefer the lever or rim lock that requires less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other factors are becoming more important too. Accessibility and control of infections have been major considerations when it comes to developing new designs for handles. For instance, some handle designs can be operated by a person's arm.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open can wear down over time. Changing out the old latch to fit the new handle is an easy DIY task and will make a significant difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of knob you are using, the latch may be part of the knob or it could be an individual piece that is attached to the door. In either case, you'll need to follow the same procedure to remove and replace. Removing the old latch of place is fairly easy, especially if your door handle has what is called a "magic button". The button is located on the left side of the knob, this small pressure-slot is what you have to press to pull the latch out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.
If your handle doesn't have this magic button, the first step is to remove any cover plates that sit over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pry them off of the handle. Some have a tiny slot inside that you can put your screwdriver into, while others snap off.
The next step is to remove the two machine screws that secure the latch and the inner plate to the door handle. You will need to store the screws that are shorter and have sharp tips in a secure location so that you can reuse them in the future. After the screws are removed, you can remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and set it aside.
You can now begin working on the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make upvc door handle repairs Repair My Windows And Doors that the square pin on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism of the handle and is aligned with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then push the exterior latch plate on and secure it using the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons for replacing a door handle is because it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is usually caused by misaligned parts in the latching system, for example a striking plate that's either too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb as time passes. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which can provide better security for your door and will keep it shut.
Apply some lipstick or other marking material on the bolt that you are using to check if it is the strike plate. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is lower than the strike plate's hole, it means that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is over the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
You might be able to install the new strikeplate in the old one using the screws included with it, based on the door you have. It is possible that you will need to drill holes first and then chisel some wood out to ensure a tight fit. If this is the situation, be careful to not cut too much wood or you'll damage the integrity of the doorjamb.
Installing a new box-style strike plate will give the lock a more secure grip on doors and require more force to open them. Typically it requires two long screws that secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. To do this, you'll need to remove the existing strike plate and then drill and chisel out the wood to make room for the new one.
This hard-to-find strike plate is designed to be used with rim locks from the past, and is made of sturdy solid brass in the heavy duty thickness. It comes with machine screws and wood screws, so you'll have the correct hardware for the job. Make sure to note that wood screws have a sharp edge, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.