How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles of your home are an essential element of your design. A new handle will bring your home's decor and interior up-to-date.
Over time the knobs on your door could 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 appearance of your house while making it easier for people to open and close doors. They come in a variety of finishes, colors and styles to match your decor. If yours has begun to show signs of wear or require an upgrade, you can change them in just a few simple steps.
You must locate the spindle, or shaft through which the knob is connected to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that can be used with an screwdriver to take out the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a thin slot, or hole, that allows you to press the spring-activated detent pin using a flathead. When you press the pin it opens the latch mechanism and lets you pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hand take the knob off and replace it. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure whether the latch works before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, place the rod for the latch into the hole on the door. Lock it in place using the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned and then thread in the screws on the latch plate and tighten them.
Some homeowners opt for a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek appearance. It will complement their furniture. Some people prefer a rustic look that goes well with farmhouse-styled rooms. If you have a member of your family with mobility issues, you may want to choose a lever style or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other aspects are being taken into consideration as well. Infection control and accessibility are key issues that have led to the creation of new and innovative designs for handles, such as ones which can be operated by the forearm of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open may wear out over time. Switching out the old latch to accommodate a new handle can be an easy DIY project and will make a huge 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 itself or it could be an individual piece attached to the door itself. In either case, you'll need to follow the same steps for removing and replacing. The process of removing the old latch of place is fairly easy especially if the door handle is equipped with what's called a "magic button". The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob is the one you'll have to press to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle does not come with this button, you'll need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver in order to remove them off the handle. Some have a slot where you can place your screwdriver, whereas others simply snap off.
Next, you will want to remove the two machine screws holding the latch and inner plate to the door handle. You will need to store these shorter screws with a pointed tip in a safe place in order to reuse them in the future. Once these are off you can remove the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and place it in a safe place.
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 provided hardware. Make sure the square pin on the interior 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, push the exterior latch plate onto and secure it with the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
One of the most frequent reasons to replace a door handle is because it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to malfunctioning parts of the latching mechanism, such as a strike plate that is too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb over time. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which will offer better security for your door and ensure it stays closed.
Apply a lipstick or other marking material on the bolt for the latch to check if it is the strike plate. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole, it means that the door isn't latching because the plate is too short. If the mark is above the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
Depending on your door You may be able to attach the new strike plate in the door over the old one, using the screws that come with it. You may need to drill holes first and then chisel the wood to ensure a secure fit. If this is the situation make sure you don't chisel out too much wood or you could damage the integrity of the doorjamb.
door handles repair near me can also consider installing a new box strike plate which will give the lock a stronger grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically, it requires two longer screws that anchor the strike plate to the door frame. To accomplish this, you'll need to remove the existing strike plate and then drill and chisel out the wood to make room for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with a heavy-duty thickness. It's designed to be used on antique rim locks. This kit comes with wood screws as well as machine screws so you can pick the right hardware for your requirements. Make sure to note that wood screws have a sharp tip, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.