How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key part of your home's decor. A new handle will bring your home's decor up-to-date.
Over time your knobs on your doors may begin to feel stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you choose the right door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors can enhance the look of your home and make it easier to open and close them. They are available in a wide range of finishes, colors and types to match your decor. If yours has begun to show signs of wear or requires an upgrade You can change them in just a few simple steps.
You must locate the spindle, or shaft, through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can access with a screwdriver to remove the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a tiny slot or hole that allows you to press an activated detent pin that is spring-activated using a flathead. When you press the pin, the latch mechanism releases and allows you to pull or push the knob.
After you have ahold of the shaft or spindle take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Check that the latch is working properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, hold 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 lined up and then thread in the screws on the latch plate and tighten the screws.
upvc replacement door handles prefer an brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek look. It will complement their furniture. Others prefer a more rustic look which is great for rustic-styled rooms. If you have a member of your family with mobility issues, you might want to choose a lever style or rim lock that requires less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other aspects are becoming more important too. Infection control and accessibility are two major issues that have led to the creation of new designs for handle handles like those that can be operated with the forearms of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open will wear out due to the wear and tear of use. It is simple to change the latch on your door handle. This will make a big difference in how it opens and closes.
Depending on what type of handle you are using the latch may be a separate part or a component of the knob. In any case, you'll follow the same procedure for removing and replacing. The process of removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple particularly if your door handle has what is called a "magic button". This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob, is the one you'll have to press to pull the latch out of the handle.
If your handle does not have this magical button the first step is to take off any cover plates that sit over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed with a screwdriver. Some have a slot where you can place your screwdriver, while others just snap off.
The next step is to unscrew the two machine screws that secure the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a pointy tip You will need to keep these in a safe place to reuse them in later steps. Once the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and set it aside.
Now you can begin installing the new latch. Install the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door, and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin that is 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 of the door handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
It is common to replace a door handle because it feels loose, or does not lock properly. This is usually due to malfunctioning parts of the latching system, for example the strike plate being too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb over time. This project allows you replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which will offer more security for your door and keep it closed.
To check if the problem is due to the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material on the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is lower than your strike plate 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 may have been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
You may be able simply to screw the new strikeplate into place over the one you have already installed by using the screws supplied with it, based on the door you have. However, you might need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel a bit of the wood to make sure it's a snug fit. If this is the case, be careful not to chisel too hard or you'll damage the integrity of your doorjamb.
Installing a new box-style strike plate will give the lock a stronger grip on the doors and will require more force to open the doors. It usually requires two larger screws to secure the strike plate into the door frame. To accomplish this, you'll need to take off the existing strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This hard-to find strike plate is made from solid brass and has an extremely thick. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. It comes with machine screws and wood screws, so you'll have the right hardware for your job. Be aware that wood screws have a pointed tip while machine screws are more blunt.