How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles in your home are an important part of the interior design. A new handle can transform your space and bring your 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 select the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles add to the look of your home while also making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They are available in a range of finishes, colors and styles to match your decor. If yours is beginning to begin to show signs of wear or simply require an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in a couple of steps.
The first thing to find is the shaft or spindle through the knob's attachment to the door. Some have a tiny hole that you can insert a narrow screwdriver into to loosen the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a thin slot or hole that you can use to press the spring-activated detent pin using flathead. When you press the pin it opens the latch mechanism 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 you align it properly and then check to ensure that the latch works properly before tightening your new set screws.
After replacing the knob, hold the rod of the latch over the hole in the door and lock it in place with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are in alignment, then tighten the screws on the latch plate.
Some people opt for a smooth or brushed finish on their door hardware for an elegant, modern look that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic style which is great for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you may prefer the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have been the primary consideration for door handle design, other factors are increasingly being considered as well. Infection control and accessibility are the main issues that have led to the creation of new designs for handle handles like those that can be operated with a person's forearm.
Latch
The latch that keeps your door handle open is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. Changing out the old latch to accommodate a new handle can be a simple DIY job and it will make a significant change in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you are using the latch may be a separate component or an integral part of the knob. In either case, the same process to remove and install will be used. Removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple, especially if your door handle has what is known as a "magic button". It is located on the opposite side of the knob, this small pressure-slot is the one you need to press to pull the latch right out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle does not come with this button, you'll have to take off the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed by using a screwdriver in order to remove them off the handle. Some have a small hole inside that you can put your screwdriver into, while others simply snap off.
Then, unscrew the machine screws that hold the plate's inner and latch to the door handle. You will need to store these screws with a pointed tip in a safe place in order to reuse them in the future. Once these are off you can pull the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and place it in a safe place.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Install the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it with the provided hardware. Make sure that the square pin in 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 the handle and secure it using the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
It is typical to replace a door handle because it feels loose, or doesn't lock properly. This is usually due to misaligned parts in the latching mechanism, such as a striking plate that's either too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb as time passes. This project allows you replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which will provide more security for your door and ensure it stays closed.
Apply a lipstick or another marking material on the latch bolt to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole, this means that your door isn't latching because the plate is too short. If the mark is above the strike plate hole, 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 place over the one you have already installed using the screws that come with it, depending on the door. However, window handles repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk may need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel a bit of the wood to make sure it's a snug fit. If this is the case, you must be careful not to cut too much or you may ruin the integrity of your doorjamb.
You can also try installing a new box strike plate, which gives the lock a much stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. It usually requires two larger screws to anchor 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 the wood to make room for the new one.
This rare strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with a heavy-duty thickness. It's specifically designed to be used with antique rim locks. This kit includes wood screws as well as machine screws, allowing you to choose the right hardware to suit your needs. Be aware that wood screws have a sharp edge, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.