How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles that you have in your home are an important part of the design. A new handle will bring your home's decor modern.
Over time the knobs on your door could become stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to change the knobs. This guide will help you choose the appropriate replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles add to the aesthetics of your home while also making it easier for people to open and close doors. They come in a wide variety of finishes, colors and styles to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to begin to show signs of wear or you just want to upgrade replacing them is simple and can be done in just a few steps.
The first thing to do is locate the shaft or spindle through the knob's attachment to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can use a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that keep the handle in place. Some have a slot or hole that you can use a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated pin called a detent. The pin opens the latch mechanism and allows you pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hand take the knob off and replace it. Check that the latch functions properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, put the rod for the latch into the hole on the door. Lock it in place using the rod system on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are aligned, then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some prefer the smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware for an elegant, modern look that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Some people prefer a rustic look that goes well with farmhouse-styled rooms. If you have one of your family members who has mobility issues, you might want to choose a lever style or rim lock that requires less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics are traditionally the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other factors are being taken into consideration too. Infection control and accessibility have been major considerations in the creation of new designs for handles. For example, some can be operated using 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 easy to change the latch on your door handle. This will make a big difference in how it opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of knob you have, the latch may be part of the knob itself or it might be an independent piece that is attached to the door itself. In either scenario, the same procedure to remove and install is applicable. Getting the old latch out of the way is relatively simple, especially if your door handle has what is called a "magic button". Located on the side of the knob, this small pressure-slot is what you need to press to pull the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle doesn't have this button the first step is to take off any cover plates that are positioned over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed by using a screwdriver to pry them off of the handle. Some have a small slot in them where you can put your screwdriver, whereas others snap off.
The next step is to remove the two machine screws that secure the latch and the inner plate to the door handle. It is important to keep these shorter screws with an angled tip in a safe place so that you can reuse them later. Once the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole, and then set 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 that the square pin on interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism in the handle and is aligned with the other screw holes in the handle. Then fix the exterior latch plate with the provided screws.
Strike upvc door handles is not uncommon to replace a door handle because it feels loose, or does not lock properly. This is usually due to misaligned parts in the latching system, for example the strike plate being too small or has moved upwards or down on the doorjamb as time passes. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which will offer better security for your door and keep it closed.
To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply lipstick or a similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate hole it means that the door won't latch due to the fact that the strike plate is too small. If the mark is higher than the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.
You may be able simply to put the new strikeplate in the old one using the screws included with it, based on the door. You may have to first drill holes and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a perfect fit. If this is the case, be careful to not chisel out too much wood or you'll damage the integrity of the 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. It is necessary remove the previous strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.
This hard-to-find strike plate is made to work with rim locks from the past, and is made of robust solid brass with a heavy duty thickness. It comes with wood screws and machine screws, so you'll have the right hardware for your job. Just remember that wood screws have a sharp tip, while the machine ones are more blunt.