How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are an essential part of your home's decor. A new handle can transform your home and bring your decor to the present.
Over time, your knobs on your doors may begin to feel stiff and even break. These are indications that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you select the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles can enhance 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 that will complement your decor. If yours has begun to show signs of wear or require an upgrade it is possible to replace them in a couple of easy steps.
You'll need to find the spindle, or shaft through which the knob is connected to the door. Some have a small hole that you can insert a narrow screwdriver into to loosen the set screws that hold the knob in place. Others have a thin slot or hole where you can use a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated pin called a detent. This pin lets go of 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. Be sure to align it correctly and check to ensure that the latch works properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, you can place the rod for the latch into the door's hole. Secure it by securing it to the rod system on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are aligned then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some people opt for the smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware for modern, sleek design that complements other furniture in their homes. Some prefer a rustic design that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have family members with mobility limitations You might want to consider choosing a rim lock or lever-style door knobs, which require less pressure to operate.
Other aspects are being considered more and more for the design of door handles. door handle repair near me Repair My Windows And Doors and accessibility are the main issues that have led to the creation of new designs for handle handles, such as ones that can be operated using a person's forearm.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open will wear out due to age and use. Changing out the old latch to accommodate the new handle is a simple DIY job and it will make a significant change in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on what kind of handle you choose the latch may be a separate part or a component of the knob. In either case, you'll need to follow the same steps for removing and replacing. The process of removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple, especially if your door handle is equipped with what's known as a "magic button". It is located on the opposite side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is what you have to press to take the latch out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.
If your handle does not have this magical button, the first step is to remove any cover plates that sit over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver. Some have a small hole inside that you can put your screwdriver through, while others snap off.
Next, you will want to unscrew the two machine screws that secure the latch and inner plate to the door handle. You'll need to keep these shorter screws with a pointed tip in a secure location to be able to reuse them later. After the screws have been removed, you can remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole, and then set it aside.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Place the latch plate in the door hole and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin in the interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism of the handle and aligns with the other holes for screws in the handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate using the screws provided.
Strike Plate
It is not uncommon to replace a door handle when it feels loose, or doesn't lock properly. This is usually due to incorrectly aligned parts of the latching system, such as the strike plate being too short or has moved upwards or down on the doorjamb as time passes. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which can provide better security for your door and will keep it closed.
Apply a lipstick or another marking material on the bolt that you are using to check if it is the strike plate. 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 door won't latch. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate has likely been moved up or downward on the doorjamb.
Depending on the door you have depending on the door, you might be able to just install 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 a bit of wood to ensure a secure fit. If this is the case, you must be cautious not to chisel too deeply or you could damage the strength of your doorjamb.
You can also consider installing a new box strike plate which will give the lock a more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically it will require two longer screws to secure the strike plate to the door frame. You'll need to remove the old strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate was specifically designed to work with antique rim locks, and is made of durable solid brass in the heavy duty thickness. This kit includes both wood screws as well as machine screws so you can choose the right hardware for your requirements. Make sure to note that wood screws have a pointy tip, whereas the machine screws are more blunt.