Do Not Make This Blunder On Your Replacement Door Handles
How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key part of the decor of your home. A new handle can transform your home's decor and bring your decor to the present.
Over time your knobs for your doors can begin to feel stiff and even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you select the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles add to the look of your house while making it easier for people to open and close doors. They are available in a variety of finishes, colors and types to complement your decor. If yours has begun to show signs of wear or require an upgrade You can replace them in a few simple steps.
The first thing to do is locate the shaft or spindle through which the knob is attached to the door. Some have a tiny hole that you can put an incredibly small screwdriver to release the set screws that hold the knob in place. Some have a thin slot or hole through which you can press an activated detent pin that is spring-activated 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 hands Remove the knob and replace it. Be sure to align it properly and then test to see that the latch works properly before tightening your new set screws.
After you've replaced the knob, hold the rod for latching over the hole in the door and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are lined up and then thread in the screws for the latch plate and tighten them.
Some people prefer a brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a sleek and contemporary appearance. It will complement the furniture they have. Others prefer a more rustic design that is a good match for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have one of your family members who has mobility issues, you may want to choose the lever or rim lock, which requires less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics are traditionally the primary consideration for door handle design, other aspects are being taken into consideration as well. Accessibility and control of infections are the main issues that have led to the creation of innovative new handle designs, such as ones that can be operated with a person's forearm.
Latch
The latch that holds the handle of your door open may wear out over time. The replacement of the latch to make room for a new handle can be an easy DIY project and can make a big difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of knob you have, the latch may be part of the knob itself or it could be an independent piece attached to the door itself. In either scenario, the same procedure to remove and install is applicable. The process of removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple, especially if your door handle has what's known as a "magic button". This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob, is the one you'll need to press in order to pull the latch out of the handle.
If your handle isn't equipped with this magic button, the first step is to remove any cover plates that sit over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed by using a screwdriver in order to remove them off of the handle. Some have slots where you can place your screwdriver, whereas others simply snap off.
Next, you will want to unscrew the two machine screws that secure the latch and the inner plate to the door handle. You will need to store the screws that are shorter and have a pointed tip in a safe location so that you can reuse them later. After repairmywindowsanddoors are removed you can remove the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and set it aside.
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 hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle, and that it lines up with the other screw chambers of the door handle. Then fix the exterior latch plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
It is common to replace a door handle when it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to malfunctioning components of the latching mechanism, for example an unbalanced strike plate that is too small or shifted upwards or downwards on the doorjamb with time. This simple fix allows you to replace your existing strike plate with a new, longer one that will provide better security and will keep your door shut.
To check if the problem is due to the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate hole, it means that the door won't latch because the plate is too short. If the mark is higher than the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.
Depending on your door depending on the door, you might be able to attach the new strike plate in the existing one using the screws included with it. But, you may have to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel a bit of the wood to ensure it's a good fit. If this is the case, be cautious not to chisel too hard or you'll cause damage to the integrity of your doorjamb.
Installing a new style box strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger hold on the doors and require more force to open them. Typically it will require 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 create space for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate is made of solid brass and has an extremely thick. It's designed to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes wood screws and machine screws so you can choose the right hardware to suit your needs. Make sure to note that the wood screws have a sharp tip, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.