How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key element of your home's decor. A new handle will elevate your space and bring your decor to the present.
Over time the knobs on your door could become stiff, or even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you select the right door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles add to the appearance of your home while also making it easier for people to open and close doors. They are available in a wide variety of finishes, colors, and styles that will complement your decor. If yours is beginning to appear worn or simply require an upgrade, replacing them is relatively easy and can be accomplished in a couple of steps.
The first thing you have to do is locate the spindle or shaft through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can access with a screwdriver to remove the set screws that keep the handle in place. Some have a tiny slot or hole that you can use to press an activated detent pin that is spring-activated using a flathead. The pin opens the latch mechanism and lets you pull or push the knob.
Once you have access to the shaft or spindle take the knob off of the door and replace it with the new one. Check that the latch functions properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, place the latch rod over the door's hole. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some homeowners opt for an brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek look. It will complement their 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 may prefer the lever or rim lock, which requires less pressure to operate.
Other aspects are being looked at more and more when it comes to the design of door handles. Infection control and accessibility are key considerations in the development of new designs for handles. For instance some handles can be operated with an arm.
Latch
The latch that holds the handle of your door open will wear down as time passes. Switching out the old latch to make room for a new handle can be a simple DIY job and it can make a big change in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of handle you choose the latch can be a separate component or a part of the knob. In either scenario, the same procedure for removing and installing will be used. The process of removing the old latch of its place is quite simple especially if the door handle is equipped with what's called a "magic button". The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob is what you have to press to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle doesn't have this button, you'll need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using the aid of a screwdriver. Some have a slot in which you can insert your screwdriver, whereas others just snap off.
The next step is to unscrew the two machine screws holding the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the screws that are shorter with a sharp point and you'll be required to keep them in a safe location to reuse them in later steps. After the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and put it aside.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin in the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism of the handle and is aligned with the other screw holes in the handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate using the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
It is not uncommon to replace a door handle if it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is typically caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching mechanism, such as a striking plate that's either too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb over time. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which can provide better security for your door and keep it closed.
To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply some lipstick or similar marking material on the latch bolt. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole this indicates that your door isn't latching because the plate isn't long enough. If the mark is over the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.
It is possible to screw the new strikeplate into place over the existing one using the screws that come with it, based on the door. However, you might need to pre-drill holes and then chisel out some of the wood to make sure it's a good fit. If this is the situation, be careful to not be too rough with the chiseling process or you'll damage the integrity of the doorjamb.
window handles repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can also consider installing a new box strike plate that will give the lock a more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. It typically requires two longer screws to anchor the strike plate to the frame of the door. You'll have remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.
This strike plate is specifically designed to work with antique rim locks and is made of robust solid brass with an extremely thick. It comes with machine screws and wood screws, which means you'll have the right equipment for your task. Be aware that wood screws have a pointed tip, while machine screws are more blunt.