How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles of your home are an essential part of the decor. A new handle will elevate your space and bring your decor up-to-date.
(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/doorpanels-300x200.jpgÿ)Over time your knobs for your doors can begin to feel stiff and even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you choose the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your home and make it easier to open and shut them. They are available in a range of finishes, colors and types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or you just want to upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in just a few steps.
The first thing you have to find is the spindle or shaft through the knob's attachment to the door. Some have a small hole that you can insert a narrow screwdriver into to loosen the set screws holding the handle in place. Others have a thin slot or hole where you can use a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated pin, also known as a detent. When you press the pin, the latch mechanism releases and lets you pull or push the knob.
After you have gained access to the spindle or shaft, take the knob off of the door and replace it with the new one. Make sure you align it correctly and verify that the latch is working correctly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, you can place the rod that is attached to the latch over the hole on the door. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are aligned then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some prefer a smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware to create modern, sleek design that matches other furnishings in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic look that is a good match for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have family members who have mobility issues You may be interested in the rim euro lock handles or lever style door knob, which require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have been the primary consideration for door handle design, other factors are increasingly being considered too. Accessibility and infection control have been key issues in the creation of new handle designs. For example some window handles for upvc handle designs can be operated by the arm of a person.
Latch
The latch that keeps your door handle open can wear out from the wear and tear of use. Changing out the old latch to accommodate the new handle is an easy DIY task and it will make a significant 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 or it could be an independent piece that is attached to the door itself. In any case, you'll follow the same process to remove and replace. It's simple to remove the old latch, especially when you have a door handle with a “magic” button. The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob, is what you will need to press in order to pop the latch out of the handle.
If your handle does not have this magical button the first step is to remove any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pry them off the handle. Some have a small hole in them where you can insert your screwdriver, whereas others simply snap off.
Then, unscrew the machine screws that attach the latch and the plate to the door handle. You'll need to keep these shorter screws with sharp tips in a safe location so that you can reuse them later. After the screws have been removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and set it aside.
You can now begin installing the new latch. Insert the latch plate into the patio door handle replacement (telegra.ph) hole and secure it with the hardware provided. 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 of the door handle. Then push the exterior latch plate onto the handle and secure it with the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
One of the most frequent reasons for replacing the door handle is that it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is typically caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching system, for example a strike plate that is too short or has moved up or down on the doorjamb with time. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with an extended one, which will offer more security for your door and keep it closed.
To determine if the issue is caused by the strike plate, apply some lipstick or a similar marking material to the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, it means that the plate is too small and the double glazed door handle will not latch. If the mark is above or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate may have been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
Depending on your door depending on the door, you might be able to attach the new strike plate into the existing one with the screws that come with it. But, you may have to pre-drill holes and then chisel some of the wood to make sure it's a snug fit. If this is the case, you must be careful not to chisel too much or you may ruin the strength of your doorjamb.
Installing a new style box strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger hold on the doors and 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. You'll need remove the previous strike plate before drilling and chiseling the wood to create space for the new one.
This rare strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with a heavy-duty thickness. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes both wood screws as well as machine screws so you can select the appropriate hardware to suit your requirements. Make sure to note that wood screws have a sharp edge, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.