How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are an essential element of your home's decor. A new handle can transform your home and bring your decor to the present.
Over time your knobs for your doors can begin to feel stiff, or break. These are indicators that it's time to replace them. upvc replacement door handles will help you choose the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors can enhance the look of your home and make it easier to shut and open them. They are available in a wide range of finishes, colors and styles that will complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or simply require an upgrade, replacing them is relatively easy and can be accomplished in just a few steps.
You'll need to find the spindle, or shaft, through which the knob is connected to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that can be used with a screwdriver to remove the set screws that keep the handle in place. Others have a thin slot or hole in which can be used with the flathead screwdriver on a spring-activated pin called a detent. When you press this pin it opens the latch mechanism and lets you pull or push on the knob.
After you have ahold of the shaft or spindle, take the knob off of the door and replace it with the new one. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure that the latch functions properly before tightening the set screws.
After replacing the knob, you can place the rod for the latch into the hole on the door. Lock it in place using the rod system on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are in alignment, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some prefer the smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware to give it modern, sleek design that matches other furnishings in their homes. Some prefer a rustic look that goes well with farmhouse-styled rooms. If you have a member of your family who has mobility issues, you might prefer an rim or lever lock, which requires less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have been the primary consideration for door handle design, other aspects are becoming more important as well. Accessibility and infection control have been key issues in the development of new handle designs. For example certain handles can be operated using the arm of a person.
Latch
The latch that keeps your door handle open is prone to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use. Changing out the old latch to fit the new handle is an easy DIY task and will make a huge difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the type of knob you have, the latch may be a part of the knob itself or it could 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 has what's known as a "magic button". It is located on the opposite side of the knob, this small pressure-slot is the one you need to press to take the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle doesn't come with this button, you'll need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pull them off the handle. Some have slots where you can insert your screwdriver, while others just snap off.
Next, you will want to loosen the two machine screws that hold the latch and inner plate to the door handle. These are the screws with a sharp point You will have to store them in a safe location to reuse them in subsequent steps. After the screws have been removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and the mechanism from the hole 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 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 inside the door handle. Then push the exterior latch plate onto and secure it with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
It is typical to replace a door handle if it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually caused by misaligned parts in the latching system, for example a strike plate that is too short or has moved up or down on the doorjamb over time. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with an extended one, which will provide greater security for your door and will keep it closed.
To determine if the issue is caused by the strike plate, apply some lipstick or similar marking material on the latch bolt. Close the door and 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 isn't long enough. If the mark is higher than the strike plate hole, it's most likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.
Depending on the door, you may be able to just attach the new strike plate into the existing one using the screws that come with it. You may have to drill holes first, and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a perfect fit. If this is the case, you must be careful not to chisel too deeply or you could cause damage to the integrity of your doorjamb.
Installing a new style box strike plate will give the lock a stronger hold on the doors and will require more force to open the doors. Typically it will require two longer screws that secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. To do this, you'll need to remove the current strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate was specifically designed to work with antique rim locks, and it's constructed of durable solid brass in the heavy duty thickness. It comes with both machine screws and wood screws, so you'll have the correct equipment for your task. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed tip, whereas machine screws are blunter.