How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a crucial part of the decor of your home. A new handle can bring your home's decor up to date.
Over time, your knobs on your doors may begin to feel stiff, or break. These are indicators that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you choose the best door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will enhance the appearance of your home and make it easier for you to open and close them. They are available in a range of colors, finishes, and styles to complement your decor. If yours has begun to show signs or need an upgrade You can change them in just a few easy steps.
The first thing you need to do is locate the shaft or spindle through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some have a small hole that you can put the screwdriver with a small diameter to loosen the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a small slot or hole that you can press the spring-activated detent pin using flathead. The pin opens the latch mechanism and allows you pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle, or shaft in your hands Remove the knob and replace it. Be sure to align it correctly and check to ensure that the latch functions properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, put the rod for the latch into the hole on the door. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are aligned then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some people opt for a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware for a sleek, contemporary look that complements other furniture in their homes. Some prefer a rustic style that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have one of your family members with mobility issues, you may want to choose an rim or lever lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the most important factor in door handle design, other factors are increasingly being considered too. Accessibility and infection control have been key issues in the creation of new designs for handles. For example, some handle designs can be operated by a person's arm.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. Changing out the old latch to fit a new handle can be an easy DIY task and it will make a significant difference in how your door opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of handle you choose, the latch could be a separate component or a component of the knob. In either case, you'll need to follow the same steps for removing and replacing. Getting the old latch out of the way is relatively simple particularly if your door handle has what is called a "magic button". Located on the side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is what you need to press to pull the latch right out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.
If your handle does not have this button, you will need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pull them off of the handle. Some have slots where you can insert your screwdriver. Other handles just snap off.
Then, remove the machine screws that secure the plate's inner and latch to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a sharp tip You will be required to keep them in a secure location to reuse them in later steps. Once the screws are removed you can remove the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and set it aside.
Now you can begin installing the new latch. Place the latch plate in the door hole and secure it using the hardware provided. Make sure the square pin on the inside of the latch is pointing towards the latching mechanism inside the handle, and that it lines up with the other screw chambers inside the door handle. Then fix the exterior latch plate using the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons for replacing a door handle is because it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is usually due to incorrectly aligned parts of the latching mechanism, such as the strike plate being too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb as time passes. door handle repairs near me allows you to replace your old strike plate with a new, longer one that will provide better security and ensure that your door stays shut.
To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply some lipstick or similar marking material to the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is below your strike plate hole, it indicates that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is above or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate is likely to have been moved up or downward on the doorjamb.
You might be able to install the new strikeplate in the one you have already installed using the screws included with it, based on the door you have. However, you might need to drill holes first, and then chisel out some of the wood to make sure it's a snug fit. If this is the case make sure you don't be too rough with the chiseling process or you could damage the integrity of the doorjamb.
You can also consider installing a new box strike plate which provides the lock with a more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically, it requires two longer screws to secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. You'll have to remove the old strike plate before drilling and chiseling the wood to make space for the new one.
This hard-to-find strike plate is specifically designed to work with antique rim locks, and it's constructed of sturdy solid brass in the heavy duty thickness. This kit comes with wood screws as well as machine screws, so you can choose the right hardware for your requirements. Make sure to note that the wood screws have a sharp edge, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.