How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles in your home are an important element of your interior design. A new handle will bring your decor and space 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 choose the best door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles add to the appearance of your home while also 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 are starting to appear worn or simply require 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 the knob's attachment to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can use a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that keep the handle in place. Some have a small slot or hole that can be used with the flathead screwdriver on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. This pin releases the latch mechanism and lets you to pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hand, remove the old knob and replace it. Check that the latch is working properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, hold the rod for latching over the door's hole and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned then thread the latch plate screws and tighten the screws.
Some homeowners opt for an brushed or smooth metal finish for the door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek style. It will complement their other furniture. Others prefer a more rustic design, which pairs well with farmhouse-styled spaces. If you have members of your household with mobility limitations You might want to consider choosing the rim lock or lever-style door knobs that require less pressure to operate.
door handle repair repairmywindowsanddoors are being taken into consideration more and more in the design of door handles. Infection control and accessibility have been major considerations when it comes to developing new designs for handles. For example certain handles can be operated with a person's arm.
Latch
The latch that keeps your door handle open will wear out due to the wear and tear of use. It is simple to replace the latch on your door handle. This will result in a big difference in how it opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of knob you have depending on the type of handle 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 scenario, the same procedure to remove and install will apply. It's easy to remove the old latch, particularly in the case of an entry handle that has a "magic" button. This little pressure-slot, located on the side knob, is what you will have to press to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle doesn't come with this button, you'll have to take off the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using the aid of a screwdriver. Some have a slot where you can insert your screwdriver, whereas others simply snap off.
Next, you will want to unscrew the two machine screws that hold the latch and the inner plate to the door handle. It is important to keep these screws with a pointed tip in a safe location so that you can reuse them later. After these screws are removed you can pull the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and place it in a safe place.
You can now begin installing the new latch. Install the inside plate 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 is pointing towards the latching mechanism inside the handle, and that it lines up with the other screw chambers inside the door handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate using the screws provided.
Strike Plate
One of the most frequent reasons for replacing the door handle is because it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is typically caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching mechanism, such as a strike plate that is too small or has moved upwards or downward on the doorjamb with time. This simple fix allows you to replace your old strike plate with a new, larger one that will give you better security and will keep your door shut.
To determine if the issue is due to 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 lower than your strike plate hole, it indicates that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is above the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.
Depending on the door You may be able to just screw the new strike plate in the door over the old one, using the screws included with it. You may need to drill holes first, and then chisel the wood to ensure a secure fit. If this is the case, you must be careful not to chisel too hard or you'll ruin the strength of your doorjamb.
You can also consider installing a new box strike plate, which provides the lock with a 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 frame of the door. To do this, you'll need to remove the current strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make room 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. This kit comes with wood screws and machine screws, allowing you to choose the right hardware for your needs. Make sure to note that the wood screws have a pointy tip, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.