How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are an essential element of your home's decor. A new handle can transform your space and bring your decor to the present.
Over time, your door knobs may become stiff, or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you select the right door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles can enhance the look of your house while making it easier for people to open and close doors. They come in a wide range of finishes, colors and styles that will complement your decor. If yours is beginning to appear worn or you just want to upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in a few steps.
You need to locate the shaft, or spindle, 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. Some have a small slot or hole through which you can use to press the spring-activated detent pin using a flathead. This pin releases the latch mechanism and lets you pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle, or shaft, in your hand Remove the knob and replace it. Align it correctly and check that the latch functions properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, put the rod for the latch into the door's hole. Lock it in place using the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some people opt for a smooth or brushed finish on their door hardware for an elegant, modern look that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Some prefer a rustic design that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have a member of your family who has mobility issues, you may want to choose the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other aspects are increasingly being considered too. Accessibility and infection control are key considerations when it comes to developing new designs for handles. For instance certain handles can be operated using the arm of a person.
Latch
The latch that keeps your door handle open will wear out due to age and use. It is easy to change the latch on your door handle. This will result in an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you are using the latch can be a separate piece or an integral part of the knob. In either scenario, the same procedure for removing and reinstalling will apply. It's simple to take off the old latch, especially when you have doors with a "magic" button. Located on the side of the knob, this tiny pressure-slot is the one you need to press to pop the latch right out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.
If your handle doesn't have this magic button you'll need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pull them off the handle. Some have a slot in which you can insert your screwdriver, whereas others just snap off.
Then, unscrew the machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the screws with a sharp point and you'll need to keep these in a safe location to reuse them in subsequent steps. Once the screws are removed you can pull the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and put it away.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Insert the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on the inside of the latch is pointing towards the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it lines up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate onto and secure it with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
It is not uncommon to replace a door handle when it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to misaligned parts in the latching system, such as the strike plate being too short or has moved up or down on the doorjamb over time. This simple fix allows you to replace your existing strike plate with a new, larger one that will give you better security and ensure that your door stays shut.
Apply a lipstick or other marking material on the latch bolt to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door, and then try to latch it. If the mark is lower than the strike plate's hole, it indicates that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If door handles repair near me is higher than the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.
You might be able to screw the new strikeplate into place over the one you have already installed by using the screws supplied with it, depending on your door. You may need to drill holes first, and then chisel the wood to ensure a secure fit. If this is the case Be careful not to cut too much wood or you'll damage the integrity of the doorjamb.
You can also try installing a new strike plate, which gives the lock a much stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. It typically requires two longer screws to secure the strike plate into the frame of the door. You'll have remove the previous strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.
This hard-to find strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with a thick, heavy-duty. It's designed to be used on antique rim locks. It comes with both wood screws and machine screws, so you'll have the right hardware for your job. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed tip while machine screws are more blunt.