How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are an essential element of your home's decor. A new handle will elevate your space and bring your decor to the present.
Over time your knobs on your doors may begin to feel stiff, or break. window handles are indicators that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you select the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your house and make it easier to open and close them. They are available in a variety of finishes, colors and types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to begin to show signs of wear or you just want to upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in a few steps.
You need to locate the spindle, or shaft, through which the knob is connected to the door. Some have a tiny hole that you can insert a narrow screwdriver into to loosen the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a slot or hole where can be used with a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. This pin lets go of the latch mechanism and lets you pull or push the knob.
After you have gained access to the shaft or spindle remove the old door knob and replace it with the new one. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure whether the latch works before tightening the set screws.
Once you've replaced the knob, place the rod for latching over the door's hole and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some prefer the smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware to give it a sleek, contemporary look that complements other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic look that is a good match for rustic-styled rooms. If you have members of your household with mobility limitations You might be interested in an rim lock or a lever knobs for doors, which require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics are traditionally the most important factor in door handle design, other factors are becoming more important too. Accessibility and infection control are key considerations when it comes to developing new designs for handles. For example some handles can be operated with an arm.
Latch
The latch that keeps your door handle open is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. The replacement of the latch to make room for the new handle is an easy DIY project and will make a significant change in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of handle you choose the latch can be a separate piece or a part of the knob. In either case, the same process to remove and install will apply. The process of removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple especially if the door handle has what's known as a "magic button". This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob is what you need to press in order to pop the latch out of the handle.
If your handle doesn't have this button, you will need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed with the help of a screwdriver. Some have a small slot inside that you can slide your screwdriver into, while others snap off.
The next step is to remove the two machine screws that secure the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the screws with a sharp point - you will have to store them in a safe location to reuse them in later steps. After the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and the mechanism from the hole and put it aside.
You can now begin working on the new latch. Insert the latch plate into the door hole and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin on the inside of the latch is facing the mechanism for latching inside the handle, and that it lines up with the other screw chambers inside the door handle. Then fix the exterior latch plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
One of the most frequent reasons for replacing the door handle is because it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is often caused by misaligned components in the latching mechanism, for example a strike plate that's too small or shifted up or down on the doorjamb with time. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with a longer 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 lipstick or a similar marking material to the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door, and then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, this indicates that your door won't latch because the strike plate is too small. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate is likely to have been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
Depending on the door you have You may be able to simply install the new strike plate in place over the old one, using the screws that come with it. It is possible that you will need to drill holes first and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a secure fit. If this is the case, be cautious not to chisel too much or you may damage the strength of your doorjamb.
You could also try installing a new strike plate which provides the lock with a stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. It usually requires two longer screws to anchor the strike plate into the frame of the door. You'll need remove the previous strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This strike plate is specifically designed to work with rim locks from the past, and it's made from durable solid brass in a heavy duty thickness. This kit comes with wood screws as well as machine screws so you can choose the right hardware for your requirements. Be aware that the wood screws have a sharp tip, whereas the machine screws are more blunt.