How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles of your home are an essential part of the design. A new handle will bring your decor and space up-to-date.
Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff or even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you select the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your house and allow you to open and close them. They are available in a range of colors, finishes, and styles to match your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or requires an upgrade, you can replace them in a few easy steps.
You need to locate the spindle, or shaft, through which the knob is connected to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that can be used with a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that keep the handle in place. Some have a small slot or hole that can be used with a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated pin called a detent. When upvc door handle press the pin and the latch mechanism opens, it releases and lets you 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 that the latch is working properly before tightening the set screws.
After replacing the knob, hold the rod for latching over the door's hole and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned, then tighten the screws on the latch plate.
Some people choose a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a sleek and contemporary look. This will match their other furniture. Some people prefer a rustic look that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you may prefer an rim or lever lock, which requires less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the primary consideration for door handle design, other factors are increasingly being considered as well. Accessibility and control of infections have been major considerations in the creation of new designs for handles. For example some handles can be operated using the arm of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open can wear down over time. Switching out the old latch to fit the new handle is an easy DIY task and will make a huge difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you have, 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. It's simple to take off the old latch, particularly in the case of a door handle with a "magic" button. The button is located on the left side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is what you have to press to take the latch right out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.
If your handle does not have this button, you'll need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver. Some have a small slot inside that you can insert your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off.
Next, you will want to loosen the two machine screws holding the latch and the inner plate to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a sharp point and you'll need to keep these in a secure location to use them again in the next steps. After these screws are removed you can pull the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and put it away.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Place the inside of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it using the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism in the handle and aligns with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate on and secure it with the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
It is typical to replace a door handle if it is loose or does not lock properly. This is usually due to misaligned components in the latching mechanism, for example a strike plate that's too short or moved up or down on the doorjamb with time. This easy project allows you to replace your existing strike plate with a new, larger one that will give you better security and will keep your door shut.
To check if the problem is due to the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door, then try 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 the doorjamb.
It is possible to screw the new strikeplate into place over the old one using the screws included with it, based on your door. But, you may have to drill holes first, and then chisel out some of the wood to make sure it's a snug fit. If this is the case make sure you don't be too rough with the chiseling process or you'll damage the integrity of the doorjamb.
Installing a new style box strike plate will give the lock a stronger hold on the doors and will require more force to open the doors. Typically, it requires two longer screws that secure the strike plate to the door frame. You'll need to remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with an extremely thick. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes wood screws and machine screws so you can choose the right hardware for your requirements. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed point, while machine screws are more blunt.