How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key part of the decor of your home. A new handle will bring your home's decor and interior up-to-date.
Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff, or even break. These are signs that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you select the best door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will enhance the look of your home and make it easier to open and close them. They come in a wide range of finishes, colors, and styles that will complement your decor. If yours has begun to show signs or need an upgrade, you can replace them in a couple of easy steps.
You'll need to find the spindle, or shaft, through which the knob is inserted to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can access with an screwdriver to take out the set screws that keep the handle in place. Some have a small slot or hole in which you can use the flathead screwdriver on a spring-activated pin, also known as a detent. The pin opens the latch mechanism, and lets you 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 new set screws.
After replacing the knob, place the latch rod over the hole on the door. Lock it in place using the rod system on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are in alignment, then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some prefer a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware to create an elegant, modern look that complements other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic look that is a good match for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have members of your household who have mobility issues You might think about a rim lock or 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 increasingly being considered as well. Accessibility and control of infections are key considerations in the development of new handle designs. For example, some can be operated using an arm.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open will wear out due to age and use. The replacement of the latch to make room for the new handle is a simple DIY job and it can make a big change in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on what type of handle you use the latch can be a separate part or an integral part of the knob. In either case, you will follow the same procedure for removing and replacing. It's simple to remove the old latch, especially if you have a door handle with a "magic" button. The button is located on the left side of the knob, this tiny pressure-slot is the one you need to press to pop the latch out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.
If your handle does not have this button, the first step is to remove any cover plates that sit over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using the aid of a screwdriver. Some have a tiny slot inside that you can put your screwdriver into, while others snap off.
Then, unscrew the machine screws that hold the inner plate and latch to the door handle. It is important to keep these screws with sharp tips in a secure location to be able to reuse them in the future. After the screws have been removed, you can take the latch plate as well as the mechanism from the hole, and then set it aside.
You can now begin working on the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism in the handle and aligns with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate using the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons for replacing the door handle is that it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is usually due to malfunctioning components of the latching mechanism, such as the strike plate being too short or moved up or down on the doorjamb with time. This simple project will allow you to replace your existing strike plate with a new, longer one that will give you better security and ensure that your door stays shut.
Apply a lipstick or other marking material on the latch bolt 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 will not latch. If the mark is above the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.
It is possible 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. However, you may need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel a bit of the wood to ensure it's a snug fit. If this is the case, you must be careful not to cut too deeply or you could damage the strength of your doorjamb.
Installing a brand new box-style strike plate will give the lock a more secure grip on doors and require more force to open them. It typically requires two longer screws to fix the strike plate into the frame of the door. You'll have to remove the old strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.
Repair My Windows And Doors is specifically designed to work with antique rim locks, and it's constructed of sturdy solid brass in the heavy duty thickness. It comes with both machine screws and wood screws, which means you'll have the right hardware for the job. Make sure to note that wood screws have a sharp tip, while the machine ones are more blunt.