Introduction To The Intermediate Guide The Steps To Replacement Door Handles
How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles of your home are an essential part of the interior design. A new handle will elevate your home and bring your decor to the present.
As time passes, your knobs for your doors can begin to feel stiff and even break. These are signs it's time to change them. This guide will help choose the best door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles enhance the appearance of your home while also making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They come in a variety of finishes, colors, and styles to match your decor. If yours is beginning begin to 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 spindle or shaft through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can use a screwdriver to remove the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a slot or hole that you can use a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated pin, also known as a detent. When you press this pin and the latch mechanism opens, it releases and lets you pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle, or shaft in your hands take the knob off and replace it. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure that the latch functions properly before tightening the new set screws.
After you've replaced the knob, hold the rod of the latch over the hole in the door and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are aligned, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some people opt for the smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware to give it a sleek, contemporary look that matches other furnishings in their homes. Some people prefer a rustic design that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have one of your family members with mobility issues, you may want to choose the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have been the most important factor in door handle design, other factors are increasingly being considered too. Accessibility and control of infections are the main issues that have led to the creation of innovative new handle designs including ones that can be operated using the forearm of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the handle of your door open will wear down as time passes. Changing out the old latch to accommodate the new handle is an easy DIY project 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 part or a component of the knob. In either scenario, the same procedure to remove and install will apply. Removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple particularly if your door handle is equipped with what's known as a "magic button". It is located on the opposite side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is what you have to press to pull the latch right out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.
If your handle isn't equipped with this magic button the first step is to remove any cover plates that sit over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using the help of a screwdriver. Some have a slot in which you can place your screwdriver. Other handles just snap off.
The next step is to remove the two machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. You will need to store these screws with sharp tips in a safe place in order to reuse them later. Once these are off, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and set it aside.
You can now begin working on the new latch. Place the latch plate in the door hole and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin that is on the interior of the latch is facing the mechanism for latching inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers of the door handle. Then, push upvc door handles onto and secure it using the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
It is not uncommon to replace a door handle if it feels loose, or does not lock properly. This is typically caused by misaligned parts in the latching system, for example a strike plate that is too small or has moved upwards or downward on the doorjamb as time passes. This simple fix allows you to replace your old strike plate with a new, larger one that can provide greater security and keep your door closed.
Apply some lipstick or other marking material on the bolt for the latch to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate hole, this indicates that your door won't latch due to the fact that the plate is too short. If the mark is above or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate may have been moved up or downward on the doorjamb.
It is possible to put the new strikeplate in place over the old one by using the screws supplied with it, based on the door. 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 not to chisel out too much wood or you may ruin the integrity of the doorjamb.
Installing a brand new box-style strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger grip on the doors and require more force to open them. Typically it will require two longer screws that anchor the strike plate to the frame of the door. You'll have remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.
This rare strike plate is made from solid brass and has an extremely thick. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes both wood screws and machine screws, allowing you to pick the right hardware for your needs. Remember that wood screws have a pointed tip whereas machine screws are blunter.