How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key part of your home's decor. 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 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 look of your home while also making it easier for people to open and close doors. They are available in a variety of finishes, colors, and styles to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or simply require an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done 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 access with a screwdriver to remove the set screws that hold the handle in place. Others have a thin slot or hole in which can be used with a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. When you press the pin, the latch mechanism releases and allows you to pull or push on the knob.
Once you have access to the shaft or spindle take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Align it correctly and check that the latch is working properly before tightening new set screws.
After replacing the knob, 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. Ensure that the holes are in alignment, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some people prefer an brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek style. It will complement the furniture they have. Others prefer a more rustic style that is a good match for farmhouse-styled spaces. If you have members of your household who are unable to move, you may want to consider choosing an rim lock or a lever-style door knobs that require 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 have been major considerations when it comes to developing new handle designs. For instance, some can be operated with the arm of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the handle of your door open can wear down as time passes. Changing out the old latch to fit an entirely new handle can be an easy DIY project and will make a huge change in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you have depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be a part of the knob itself, or it might be an independent piece attached to the door. In either situation, the same procedure to remove and install is applicable. Removing the old latch of its place is quite simple, especially if your door handle has what is called a "magic button". The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob, is what you need to press in order to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle does not have this magic button you'll have to take off the cover plates placed over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pry them off of the handle. Some have a slot in which you can place your screwdriver. Other handles simply snap off.
Then, unscrew the machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a sharp tip - you will be required to keep them in a safe place to reuse them in subsequent steps. After the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and put it aside.
Now you can start on the new latch. Place the inside of the latch into the hole in the door, and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism of the handle and is aligned with the other screw holes in the handle. Then, push upvc replacement door handles on and secure it using the provided screws.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons for replacing the door handle is because it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is often caused by malfunctioning components of the latching mechanism, for example an unbalanced strike plate that is too small or has moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb with time. This simple project will allow you to replace your old strike plate with a new, longer one that can provide greater security and keep your door closed.
To check if the problem is caused by the strike plate, apply some lipstick or similar marking material on the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door, and then try to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate hole, it means that the door won't latch because the plate isn't long enough. If the mark is higher than the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
You might be able to put the new strikeplate in the one you have already installed using the screws included with it, depending on the door. You may have to first drill holes and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a tight fit. If this is the case, be careful to not cut too much wood or you may ruin the integrity of the doorjamb.
You can also consider installing a new box strike plate that gives the lock a much stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. It typically requires two longer screws to anchor the strike plate to the door frame. To accomplish this, you'll need to remove the existing strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate was specifically designed to work with antique rim locks, and is made of sturdy solid brass in an extremely thick. It comes with wood screws and machine screws, ensuring that you have the correct hardware for the job. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed tip and machine screws have a blunter tip.