How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles that you have in your home are an essential element of your interior design. A new handle can bring your home's decor and interior modern.
Over time the knobs on your door could become stiff, or even break. These are signs that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help choose the right door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles can enhance the aesthetics of your house while making it easier for people to open and close doors. They come in a wide range of colors, finishes and styles that will complement your decor. If upvc replacement door handles is beginning to appear worn or just need an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in just a few steps.
The first thing you need to do is locate the shaft or spindle through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can access with a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a tiny slot, or hole, that you can use to press an activated detent pin that is spring-activated using flathead. This pin lets go of 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. Check whether the latch works before tightening the new set screws.
After you've replaced the knob, hold the latch rod in position over the hole in the door and lock it in place with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are aligned then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some prefer a smooth or brushed metal finish on their door hardware for a sleek, contemporary look that complements other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic style that is a good match for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have one of your family members who has mobility issues, you may prefer the lever or rim lock, which requires less pressure to operate.
Other factors are being looked at more and more when it comes to the design of door handles. Infection control and accessibility are key issues that have led to the development of innovative new handle designs like those which can be operated by the forearm of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open can wear down over time. It is easy to change the latch on your door handle. This will make an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of knob you are using, the latch may be part of the knob itself or it could be an independent piece attached to the door itself. In either case, you'll need to follow the same process for removing and replacing. It's simple to remove the old latch, especially if you have an entry handle that has a "magic" button. The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob, is what you have to press to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle isn't equipped with this magical button, the first step is to take off any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed by using a screwdriver to pull them off the handle. Some have a tiny slot in them that you can insert your screwdriver into, while others simply snap off.
The next step is to remove the two machine screws that hold the latch and inner plate to the door handle. It is important to keep these shorter screws with sharp tips in a secure location so that you can reuse them in the future. Once the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and set it aside.
You can now begin installing the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin in the interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism of the handle and aligns with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then fix the exterior latch plate using the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
It is common to replace a door handle if it feels loose, or does not lock properly. This is often due to incorrectly aligned parts in the latching mechanism, for example a strike plate that's too small or shifted upwards or downwards on the doorjamb over time. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which will offer greater security for your door and ensure it stays shut.
Apply some lipstick or other marking material on the bolt for the latch 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 hole it means that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate may have been moved up or downward on the doorjamb.
You may be able simply to install the new strikeplate in place over the existing one by using the screws supplied with it, based on the door you have. It is possible that you will need to drill holes first and then chisel the wood to ensure a secure fit. If this is the case, be cautious not to chisel too hard or you'll damage the strength of your doorjamb.
You can also try installing a new box strike plate which provides the lock with a stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. It typically requires two longer screws to secure the strike plate in the door frame. You'll need remove the old strike plate before drilling and chiseling the wood to create space for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate is made from solid brass and has a heavy-duty thickness. It's specifically designed to be used with antique rim locks. It comes with both machine screws and wood screws, ensuring that you have the right equipment for your task. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed tip while machine screws are more blunt.
