How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are an essential part of your home's decor. A new handle can bring your home's decor modern.
Over time the knobs on your door could become stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you choose the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles add to the appearance of your house while making it easier for people to open and close doors. They are available in a wide variety of finishes, colors, and types to match your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs or need an upgrade, you can change them in just a few simple steps.
The first thing you need to find is the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some have a small hole that you can put the screwdriver with a small diameter to remove the set screws that hold the handle in place. Others have a thin slot or hole where can be used with a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. This pin releases the latch mechanism, and lets you pull or push the knob.
Once you have access to the shaft or spindle, remove the old door knob and replace it with the new one. Make sure to align it properly and then check to ensure that the latch works correctly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, put the latch rod in position over the door's hole and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are aligned then tighten the screws on the latch plate.
Some people opt for a smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware to give it a sleek, contemporary look that complements other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic design that is a good match for rustic-styled rooms. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you may want to choose the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
Other factors are being taken into consideration more and more in the design of door handles. Accessibility and control of infections are key issues that have led to the development of new and innovative designs for handles, such as ones that can be operated using the forearms of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open will wear out due to the wear and tear of use. The replacement of the latch to accommodate the new handle is an easy DIY task and will make a significant change in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of knob you have, the latch may be part of the knob itself, or it might be an independent piece attached to the door itself. In either case, you will follow the same steps to remove and replace. Removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple, especially if your door handle is equipped with what's known as a "magic button". Located on the side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is the one you need to press to pull the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle does not have this magical button the first step is to take off any cover plates that sit over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver. Some have a tiny slot in them that you can slide your screwdriver through, while others snap off.
Next, you will want to remove the two machine screws that secure the latch and inner plate to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a pointy tip - you will have to store them in a safe place to use them again in the next steps. Once these are off you can remove the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and set it aside.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Insert the latch plate into the door hole and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it lines up with the other screw chambers inside the door handle. Then push the exterior latch plate onto the handle and secure it with the screws provided.
Strike Plate
It is common to replace a door handle if it feels loose, or doesn't lock properly. This is usually caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching mechanism, such as the strike plate being too short or has moved upwards or down on the doorjamb with time. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which can provide greater security for your door and will keep it shut.
To check if the problem is due to the strike plate, apply some lipstick or a similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole, it means that the door isn't latching because the plate is too short. 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 put the new strikeplate in place over the old one by using the screws supplied with it, based on your door. upvc door handles may have to first drill holes and then chisel some wood out to ensure a tight fit. If this is the case, be careful to not cut too much wood or you'll damage the integrity of the doorjamb.
Installing a brand new box-style strike plate will give the lock a stronger hold on the doors and will require more force to open the doors. It usually requires two larger screws to fix the strike plate into the door frame. You'll have remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This strike plate is specifically designed to work with antique rim locks, and it's made from robust solid brass with an extremely thick. It comes with both wood screws and machine screws, which means you'll have the correct equipment for your task. Remember that wood screws have a pointed point, and machine screws have a blunter tip.