How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles in your home are an important element of your decor. A new handle can elevate your home's decor and bring your decor up to date.
Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you select the right door handle replacement for your home.
window handles add to the look of your house while making it easier for people to open and close doors. They are available in a wide range of colors, finishes and styles that will complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or require an upgrade You can change them in just a few easy steps.
The first thing you need to do is locate the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can use an screwdriver to take out the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a small slot or hole in which can be used with a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated pin, also known as a detent. This pin lets go of the latch mechanism and allows 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. Be sure to align it correctly and verify that the latch works correctly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, place the rod that is attached to the latch over the door's hole. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are in alignment, then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some people prefer an brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a sleek and contemporary appearance. This will match their furniture. Some prefer a rustic style that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have members of your household who are unable to move, you may think about an rim lock or a lever style door knob, which require less pressure to operate.
Other aspects are being considered more and more for the design of door handles. Accessibility and control of infections are two major issues that have led to the creation of new designs for handle handles, such as ones that can be operated with a person's forearm.
Latch
The latch that opens your door is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. Switching out the old latch to accommodate an entirely new handle can be an easy DIY task and it can make a big difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you use the latch may be a separate piece or a component of the knob. In either case, you'll need to follow the same procedure to remove and replace. It's simple to remove the old latch, particularly if you have an entry handle that has a "magic" button. The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob is the one you'll need to press in order to pop the latch out of the handle.
If your handle isn't equipped with this magic button the first step is to remove any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed with the aid of a screwdriver. Some have slots where you can place your screwdriver, whereas others just snap off.
Then, remove the machine screws that secure the latch and the plate to the door handle. You will need to store these shorter screws with a pointed tip in a safe place in order to reuse them later. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the latch plate as well as the mechanism from the hole and put it aside.
Now you can begin installing the new latch. Insert the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door, and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin that is on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers inside the door handle. Then fix the exterior latch plate using the screws provided.
Strike Plate
It is typical to replace a door handle when it is loose or does not 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 up or down on the doorjamb over time. This easy project allows you to replace your old strike plate with a new, longer one that will provide better security and ensure that your door stays shut.
To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply 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 below your strike plate hole, it indicates that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is over the strike plate hole, it's most likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.
It is possible to install the new strikeplate in the old one by using the screws supplied with it, depending on the door you have. You may have to drill holes first, and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a tight fit. If this is the case, be careful to not be too rough with the chiseling process or you may ruin the strength of the doorjamb.
You could also try installing a new strike plate that gives the lock a much stronger grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically it requires two long screws that secure the strike plate to the door frame. To do this, you'll need to remove the existing strike plate, then drill and chisel away the wood to make space for the new one.
This strike plate is made to work with antique rim locks, and is made of durable solid brass in an extremely thick. It comes with wood screws and machine screws, ensuring that you have the correct hardware for the job. Remember that wood screws have a pointed tip while machine screws are more blunt.