How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key element of your home's decor. A new handle can bring your home's decor modern.
Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to change them. This guide will help you select the right door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles add to the aesthetics of your home while also making it easier for people to open and close doors. They come in a wide range of colors, finishes and styles to complement your decor. If yours are starting to appear worn or simply require an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be completed in a few steps.
The first thing you have to do is locate the shaft or spindle through the knob's attachment to the door. Some knobs have a tiny 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 allows you to press the spring-activated detent pin using a flathead. The pin opens the latch mechanism, and lets you pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle, or shaft in your hand Remove the knob and replace it. Make sure you align it correctly and check to ensure that the latch functions properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, place the latch rod in position over the door's hole and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are in alignment, then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some people choose an brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a sleek and contemporary look. This can be matched with their other furniture. Others prefer a more rustic look which is great for farmhouse-styled spaces. If you have one of your family members who has mobility issues, you might prefer the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the most important factor in door handle design, other aspects are being taken into consideration too. Accessibility and control of infections are the main issues that have led to the creation of new designs for handle handles including ones that can be operated with a person's forearm.
Latch
The latch that keeps your door handle open can wear out from the wear and tear of use. Switching out the old latch to accommodate a new handle can be an easy DIY project and can make a big difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on what type of handle you are using the latch can be a separate component or a component of the knob. In either case, you will follow the same procedure for removing and replacing. It's simple to take off the old latch, especially when you have an entry handle that has a "magic" button. The button is located on the left side of the knob, this tiny pressure-slot is what you need to press to pop the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle isn't equipped with this magical button the first step is to take off 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 slot in which you can insert your screwdriver, while 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 shorter screws with a sharp point You will need to keep these in a secure location to reuse them in later steps. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and set it aside.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Insert the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism of the handle and is aligned with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then, push the outside latch plate onto and secure it with the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
It is typical to replace a door handle if it is loose or doesn't lock properly. Repair My Windows And Doors is usually caused by misaligned parts in the latching system, for example the strike plate being too small or has moved up or downward on the doorjamb over time. This easy project allows you to replace your old strike plate with a longer, new one that can provide greater security and will keep your door shut.
Apply a lipstick or another marking material on the latch bolt to check if it is the strike plate. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is lower than the strike plate's hole, it indicates that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate has likely been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
Depending on the door You may be able to simply install the new strike plate into the existing one using the screws that come with it. You may have to drill holes first and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a secure fit. If this is the case, be careful to not cut too much wood or you may ruin the strength of the doorjamb.
You could also try installing a new box strike plate which gives the lock a much more secure grip 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 have to remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate was specifically designed to work with rim locks from the past, and it's constructed of sturdy solid brass in a heavy duty thickness. It comes with both machine screws and wood screws, which means you'll have the right hardware for the job. Be aware that wood screws have a pointed tip, and machine screws have a blunter tip.