How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles in your home are an essential part of the interior design. A new handle will elevate your space and bring your decor up to date.
Over time, your doors' knobs can start to feel stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to change them. This guide will help you pick the right replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your house and make it easier for you to open and close them. They come in a variety of finishes, colors and types to match your decor. If yours is beginning show signs of wear or simply require an upgrade replacing them is easy and can be accomplished in just a few steps.
The first thing to find is the shaft or spindle through the knob's attachment to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can use a screwdriver to remove the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a small slot or hole through which allows you to press a spring-activated detent pin with flathead. When you press the pin it opens the latch mechanism and lets you pull or push on the knob.
After upvc replacement door handles have gained access to the shaft or spindle, remove the old door knob and replace it with the new one. Check whether the latch works before tightening new set screws.
After you've replaced the knob, put the rod for latching over the door's hole and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are in alignment, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some prefer a smooth or brushed metal finish on their door hardware to create modern, sleek design that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Some prefer a rustic style that goes well with farmhouse-styled rooms. If you have members of your household who have mobility issues You might be interested in the rim lock or lever style door knob, which 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 control of infections are two major issues that have led to the development of new designs for handle handles, such as ones that can be operated using the forearms of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open can wear down over time. Changing out the old latch to make room for the new handle is a simple DIY job and will make a significant difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the type of knob you have, the latch may be a part of the knob itself, or it could be an independent piece that is attached to the door itself. In either case, the same process for removing and reinstalling will apply. It's simple to take off the old latch, especially if you have a door handle with a "magic" button. Located on the side of the knob, this small pressure-slot is the one you need to press to take the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle isn't equipped with this button the first step is to remove any cover plates that are positioned over the latch plate. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed with the aid of a screwdriver. Some have a small slot in them that you can put your screwdriver through, while others snap off.
The next step is to remove the two machine screws holding the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the screws with a pointy tip and you'll have to store them in a safe place 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.
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 that is on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers of the door handle. Then push the exterior latch plate onto and secure it with the screws provided.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons for replacing the door handle is that it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is typically caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching mechanism, such as a strike plate that is too small or has moved up or downward on the doorjamb over time. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with an extended one, which can provide greater security for your door and keep it closed.
Apply some lipstick or other marking material on the latch bolt to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is lower than your strike plate hole, it means that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate has likely been moved up or downward on the doorjamb.
You might be able to screw the new strikeplate into the one you have already installed using the screws that come with it, based on the door you have. 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 cause damage to the strength of your doorjamb.
You can also consider installing a new box strike plate which provides the lock with a stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically, it requires two longer screws to secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. You'll need remove the old strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This strike plate is specifically designed to work with rim locks from the past, and it's made from durable solid brass in an extremely thick. It comes with machine screws and wood screws, which means you'll have the right hardware for your job. Be aware that wood screws have a pointed tip, while machine screws are more blunt.