How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles that you have in your home are an important element of your design. A new handle will elevate your home's decor and bring your decor to the present.
Over time, your door knobs may become stiff, or even break. These are indicators that it's time to change the knobs. This guide will help you choose the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles can enhance the appearance of your house while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They are available in a range of finishes, colors and styles to complement your decor. If yours has begun to show signs of wear or require an upgrade You can replace them in a few easy steps.
You must locate the spindle, or shaft through which the knob is attached to the door. Some have a small hole that you can put a narrow screwdriver into to remove the set screws holding the handle in place. Some have a tiny slot, or hole, that you can press an activated detent pin that is spring-activated using a flathead. This pin lets go of the latch mechanism, and lets you to pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle, or shaft in your hand Remove the knob and replace it. Make sure to align it properly and then test to see that the latch is working properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, you can place the rod that is attached to the latch over the door's hole. Secure it by securing it to the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned, then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some people choose a smooth or brushed metal finish for the door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek appearance. It will complement their furniture. Others prefer a more rustic look, which pairs well with rustic-styled rooms. If you have one of your family members who has mobility issues, you might prefer an rim or lever lock, which requires less pressure to operate.
Other factors are being considered more and more for the design of door handles. Infection control and accessibility are two major issues that have led to the creation of innovative new handle designs including ones that can be operated using the forearm of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the handle of your door open will wear down over time. It is simple to replace the latch on your door handle. This will make an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be part of the knob or it could be an individual piece that is attached to the door. In either case, you'll need to follow the same procedure for removing and replacing. Getting the old latch out of place is fairly easy, especially if your door handle has what's known as 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 does not have this button the first step is to remove any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. upvc door handles are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using the help of a screwdriver. Some have a small hole inside that you can put your screwdriver into, while others snap off.
Then, remove the machine screws that attach the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a pointy tip - you will have to store them in a safe location to reuse them in subsequent steps. Once the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and put it aside.
You can now begin installing the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin on the interior of the latch is pointing towards the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
One of the most frequent reasons to replace the door handle is because it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is often caused by incorrectly aligned parts in the latching mechanism, for example the strike plate being too small or has moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb with time. This easy project allows you to replace your old strike plate with a longer, new one that can provide greater security and ensure that your door stays shut.
Apply a lipstick or other marking material on the bolt that you are using to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, it means that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is higher than the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.
You may be able simply to install the new strikeplate in the one you have already installed by using the screws supplied with it, based on your door. You may have to drill holes first and then chisel some wood out to ensure a secure fit. If this is the case, you must be careful not to cut too much or you may ruin the integrity of your doorjamb.
Installing a brand new box-style strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger grip on the doors and will require more force to open them. Typically it requires two long screws that secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. To do this, you'll have to remove the existing strike plate, then drill and chisel out the wood to make space for the new one.
This rare strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with an extremely thick. It's specifically designed to be used with antique rim locks. This kit includes both wood screws as well as machine screws, so you can pick the right hardware to suit your needs. Remember that wood screws have a pointed point, while machine screws are more blunt.