How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key element of your home's decor. A new handle will elevate your space and bring your 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 change the knobs. This guide will help you pick the right replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles can enhance the look of your home while also making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They are available in a variety of colors, finishes, and types to complement your decor. If yours are starting to begin to show signs of wear or you just want to upgrade, replacing them is relatively easy and can be accomplished in a few 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 a screwdriver for removal of 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 this pin, the latch mechanism releases and allows you to pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle, or shaft, in your hand, remove the old knob and replace it. Make sure to align it properly and then check to ensure that the latch is working properly before tightening the new set screws.
After you've replaced the knob, place the rod of the latch over the door's hole and lock it in place with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are in alignment, then tighten the screws on the latch plate.
Some prefer a smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware to create a sleek, contemporary look that matches other furnishings in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic style which is great for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have members of your household who are unable to move You might want to consider choosing the rim lock or lever style door knob, which require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics are traditionally the most important factor in door handle design, other factors are becoming more important as well. Accessibility and infection control have been major considerations in the development of new handle designs. For instance, some can be operated with an arm.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. It is simple to replace the latch on your door handle. This will result in a big difference in how it 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 any case, you'll follow the same steps for removing and replacing. It's simple to take off the old latch, especially in the case of an entry handle that has a "magic" button. The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob is the one you'll need to press in order to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle isn't equipped with this magical button, the first step is to take off any cover plates that are positioned over the latch plate. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed by using a screwdriver to pull them off of the handle. Some have a slot where you can insert your screwdriver, while others simply snap off.
Next, you will want to unscrew the two machine screws that hold the latch and the inner plate to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a pointy tip - you will have to store them in a secure location to reuse them in subsequent steps. After these screws are removed you can pull the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and put it away.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin on the interior of the latch is pointing towards the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then push the exterior latch plate onto and secure it with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons for replacing a door handle is because it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is typically caused by incorrectly aligned parts of the latching system, for example a strike plate that is too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb with time. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with an extended one, which can provide greater security for your door and will keep it shut.
Apply a lipstick or another marking material on the bolt that you are using to check if it is the strike plate. Close the door, and then try to latch it. If the mark is below 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 up or downward on the doorjamb.
It is possible to install the new strikeplate in place over the old one using the screws that come with it, depending on the door. You may have to drill holes first and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a secure fit. If this is the case, you must be careful not to cut too deeply or you could cause damage to the strength of your doorjamb.
Installing a new box-style strike plate will give the lock a more secure grip on the doors and require more force to open them. It typically requires two longer screws to secure the strike plate into the door frame. To do door handle repairs near me , you'll have to remove the existing strike plate and then drill and chisel out the wood to make space for the new one.
This hard-to find strike plate is made from solid brass and has a heavy-duty thickness. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes both wood screws as well as machine screws, allowing you to pick the right hardware for your needs. Remember that wood screws have a pointed tip, while machine screws are more blunt.