How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles that you have in your home are an important part of the interior design. A new handle will elevate your space and bring your 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 choose the right door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your home and make it easier for you to shut and open them. They are available in a range of colors, finishes, and types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs or need an upgrade You can replace them in a few easy steps.
You must locate the shaft, or spindle, through which the knob is connected to the door. upvc door handles have a small opening that you can use an screwdriver to take out the set screws that keep the handle in place. Some have a slot or hole where you can use a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated pin, also known as a detent. When you press this pin, the latch mechanism releases and lets you pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hand take the knob off and replace it. Make sure to align it properly and then test to see that the latch works properly before tightening the new set screws.
Once you've replaced the knob, put the rod of the latch over the hole in the door and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are aligned then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some people choose an brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a sleek and contemporary style. It will complement their other furniture. Some people prefer a rustic style that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have a member of your family with mobility issues, you might prefer the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the primary consideration for door handle design, other factors are becoming more important too. Accessibility and infection control have been major considerations in the creation of new handle designs. For example some handles can be operated using an arm.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open can wear down as time passes. Switching out the old latch to make room for an entirely new handle can be an easy DIY project and can make a big difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the type of knob you are using the latch could be part of the knob itself or it could be an independent piece that is attached to the door. In either case, you will follow the same process to remove and replace. Removing the old latch of its place is quite simple, especially if your door handle has what's called a "magic button". This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob is what you will need to press in order to pop the latch out of the handle.
If your handle doesn't have this magic button you'll have to take off the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using the aid of a screwdriver. Some have slots where you can put your screwdriver. Other handles just snap off.
Then, loosen the machine screws that attach the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the screws with a sharp point - you will have to store them in a secure location to reuse them in subsequent steps. Once the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and put it away.
You can now begin installing the new latch. Insert the latch plate into the door hole and secure it using the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and aligns with the other screw holes in the handle. Then, push the outside latch plate onto and secure it with the screws provided.
Strike Plate
It is common to replace a door handle when it feels loose, or does not lock properly. This is typically caused by incorrectly aligned parts of the latching system, such as the strike plate being too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb over time. This simple project will allow you to replace your existing strike plate with a longer, new one that will provide better security and ensure that your door stays shut.
To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply some lipstick or a similar marking material to the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate hole, this indicates that your door won't latch due to the fact that the plate is too short. If the mark is higher than the strike plate hole, it's most likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.
Depending on your door depending on the door, you might be able to just attach the new strike plate into place over the old one, using the screws included with it. 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 make sure you don't be too rough with the chiseling process or you may ruin the strength of the doorjamb.
Installing a new box-style strike plate will give the lock a more secure grip on the doors and will require more force to open them. It usually requires two larger screws to secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. To do this, you'll have to take off the existing strike plate, then drill and chisel out the wood to create space 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 an extremely thick. It comes with wood screws and machine screws, so you'll have the right equipment for your task. Be aware that wood screws have a sharp tip, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.