How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles in your home are an important part of the decor. A new handle can 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 choose the right replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles enhance the aesthetics of your home, while making it easier for people to open and close doors. They are available in a range of colors, finishes, and styles to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to appear worn or simply require an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be completed in a few steps.
You'll need to find the shaft, or spindle, through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that can be used with a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a thin slot or hole through which you can press the spring-activated detent pin using a flathead. This pin releases the latch mechanism and allows you pull or push the knob.
After you have ahold of the shaft or spindle, take the knob off of the door and replace it with the new one. Align it correctly and check whether the latch works before tightening new set screws.
Once you've replaced 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 the holes are aligned then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some people prefer a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a sleek and contemporary appearance. This can be matched with the furniture they have. Some prefer a rustic style that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have one of your family members with mobility issues, you might want to choose an rim or lever lock that require less pressure to operate.
Other factors are being taken into consideration more and more in the design of door handles. Infection control and accessibility are key issues that have led to the development of new designs for handle handles, such as ones that can be operated with the forearms of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open will wear out due to age and use. Switching out the old latch to make room for the new handle is an easy DIY task and it can make a big difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of knob you have the latch could be a part of the knob itself, or it might be an independent piece attached to the door. In either situation, the same procedure for removing and reinstalling is applicable. It's simple to take off the old latch, especially if you have an entry handle that has a "magic" button. The button is located on the left side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is what you need to press to take the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle doesn't come with this button, you will need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pull them off of the handle. Some have a tiny slot inside that you can insert your screwdriver, whereas 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 shorter screws with a sharp tip - you will have to store them in a safe place to reuse them in later steps. Once the screws are removed, you can take 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 latch plate in the door hole and secure it using the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism of the handle and is aligned with the other holes for screws in the handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate onto and secure it using the provided screws.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons for replacing the door handle is that it feels loose or isn't locking properly. This is typically caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching system, for example a striking plate that's either too short or has moved up or down on the doorjamb over time. york upvc door handle replacement allows you to replace your old strike plate with a new, longer one that will provide better security and keep your door closed.
To check if the problem is due to the strike plate, apply some lipstick or similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole it indicates that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. 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 screw the new strikeplate into the one you have already installed using the screws that come with it, depending on the door. You may need to drill holes first, and then chisel some wood out to ensure a perfect fit. If this is the case, be careful to not be too rough with the chiseling process or you may ruin the strength of the doorjamb.
You can also consider installing a new box strike plate which will give the lock a stronger grip on the door and requires more force to open it. It usually requires two larger screws to anchor the strike plate in the door frame. To do this, you'll have to remove the current strike plate, then drill and chisel away the wood to make room for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate is made from solid brass and has a heavy-duty thickness. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes wood screws as well as machine screws, allowing you to choose the right hardware to suit your requirements. Be aware that wood screws have a sharp tip, while the machine screws are more blunt.