How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are an essential part of your home's decor. A new handle can bring your home's decor up-to-date.
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 choose 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 shut and open them. They come in a wide range of colors, finishes and styles to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or just need an upgrade, replacing them is relatively easy and can be accomplished in a couple of steps.
You must locate the shaft, or spindle, through which the knob is inserted to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can use a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that keep the handle in place. Some have a small slot, or hole, that allows you to press the spring-activated detent pin using flathead. This pin releases the latch mechanism and lets you to pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle, or shaft in your hand Remove the knob and replace it. Check that the latch functions properly before tightening the set screws.
After replacing the knob, place the rod of the latch over the hole in the door and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are aligned, then thread in the screws on the latch plate and tighten the screws.
Some people prefer a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a sleek and contemporary look. This will match the furniture they have. Some people prefer a rustic style that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have a member of your family who has mobility issues, you may prefer an rim or lever lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other aspects are being taken into consideration as well. Accessibility and control of infections have been key issues in the development of new designs for handles. For example some handles handle designs can be operated by a person's arm.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open may wear out as time passes. It is simple to change the latch on your door handle. This will make a big difference in how it opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you use the latch can be a separate piece or an integral part of the knob. In either case, you'll need to follow the same process for removing and replacing. Getting the old latch out of the way is relatively simple especially if the door handle is equipped with what's called a "magic button". This little pressure-slot, located on the side knob is what you will have to press to pull the latch out of the handle.
If your handle doesn't have this magic button you will need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pry them off of the handle. 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 inner plate to the door handle. These are the screws with a sharp point You will have to store them in a safe location to use them again in the next steps. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the latch plate as well as the mechanism from the hole, and then set it aside.
Now you can start on the new latch. Place upvc replacement door handles of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism in the handle and is aligned with the other screw holes in the handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons to replace the door handle is because it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is often due to misaligned components in the latching mechanism, for example the strike plate being too short or moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb with time. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which will offer more security for your door and will keep it closed.
To check if the problem 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 then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, it indicates that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is over the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
You may be able simply to put the new strikeplate in the one you have already installed using the screws included with it, based on the door. You may need to first drill holes and then chisel some wood out to ensure a tight fit. If this is the case, be careful not to cut too deeply or you could ruin the strength of your doorjamb.
You can also consider installing a new strike plate which will give the lock a stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. It usually requires two larger screws to fix the strike plate into the frame of the door. You'll have remove the previous strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This hard-to-find strike plate is made to work with rim locks from the past, and it's constructed 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 sharp tip, while the machine screws are more blunt.