How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key part of your home's decor. A new handle will bring your home's decor up-to-date.
As time passes, your knobs on your doors may begin to feel stiff or even break. These are signs that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you select the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your home and allow you to open and shut them. They are available in a range of finishes, colors and styles to complement your decor. If yours have started to show signs of wear or requires an upgrade, you can replace them in a couple of easy steps.
You must locate the spindle, or shaft, through which the knob is inserted to the door. Some have a small hole that you can put an incredibly small screwdriver to release the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a thin slot or hole that you can use to press an activated detent pin that is spring-activated using flathead. The pin opens 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. Be sure to align it properly and test to see that the latch works correctly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, you can place the rod for the latch into the hole on the door. Secure it by securing it to the rod system on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are aligned, then thread in the latch plate screws and tighten the screws.
Some prefer a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware for an elegant, modern look that matches other furnishings in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic design that is a good match for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have family members who are unable to move You may want to consider choosing a rim lock or lever style door knob that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally 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 are key issues that have led to the creation of new designs for handle handles including ones which can be operated by the forearm of a person.
Latch
The latch that opens your door can wear out from age and use. It is simple to replace the latch on your door handle. This will make a big difference in how it opens and closes.
Depending on the type of knob you have depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be part of the knob or it might be an independent piece attached to the door itself. In either situation, the same procedure for removing and installing is applicable. The process of removing the old latch of place is fairly easy especially if the door handle is equipped with what's called a "magic button". It is located on the opposite side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is what you have to press to pop the latch out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.
If your handle does not have this magical button the first step is to take off any cover plates that are positioned over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed by using a screwdriver in order to remove them off the handle. Some have slots where you can place your screwdriver, whereas others simply snap off.
Then, loosen the machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. It is important to keep these screws with sharp tips in a safe place in order to reuse them later. Once the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate as well as the mechanism from the hole, and then set it aside.
Now you can begin installing the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it using the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin that is on the interior of the latch is facing the mechanism for latching inside the handle and that it lines up with the other screw chambers of the door handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons for replacing a door handle is because it is loose or doesn't lock properly. upvc door handles is usually caused by incorrectly aligned parts of the latching system, for example a strike plate that is too short or has moved upwards or down on the doorjamb with time. This project allows you replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which will provide better security for your door and ensure it stays shut.
Apply a lipstick or other marking material on the latch bolt to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole, it means that the door won't latch because the plate isn't long enough. If the mark is above or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate has likely been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
Depending on the door you have, you may be able to simply screw the new strike plate into the existing one, using the screws that come with it. You may have to first drill holes and then chisel the wood to ensure a secure fit. If this is the case, you must be cautious not to chisel too hard or you'll ruin the strength of your doorjamb.
You could also try installing a new box strike plate which gives the lock a much stronger grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically, it requires two longer screws that secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. It is necessary remove the previous strike plate before drilling and chiseling the wood to make space for the new one.
This strike plate is made to work with antique rim locks, and is made of durable solid brass in a heavy duty thickness. It comes with wood screws and machine screws, ensuring that you have the correct equipment for your task. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed point, whereas machine screws are blunter.