How To Get Better Results With Your Replacement Door Handles
How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles in your home are an essential element of your design. A new handle can elevate your space and bring your decor to the present.
Over time the knobs on your door could become stiff, or even break. These are signs it's time to change them. This guide will help you select the right door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will enhance the appearance of your house and make it easier for you to shut and open them. They come in a variety of finishes, colors, and types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or you just want to upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be completed in just a few steps.
The first thing to find is the shaft or spindle through the knob's attachment to the door. Some knobs have a tiny hole that you can put a narrow screwdriver into to remove the set screws that hold the knob in place. Some have a tiny slot, or hole, that allows you to press the spring-activated detent pin using a flathead. When you press the pin, the latch mechanism releases and allows you to pull or push on the knob.
After you have ahold of the spindle or shaft, take the knob off of the door and replace it with the new one. Be sure to align it correctly and verify that the latch functions properly before tightening your new set screws.
After you've replaced the knob, put the rod for latching over the door's hole and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make repairmywindowsanddoors that the holes are lined up, then thread in the latch plate screws and tighten the screws.
Some prefer the smooth or brushed finish on their door hardware to create modern, sleek design that matches other furnishings in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic look which is great for rustic-styled rooms. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you may want to choose the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other factors are becoming more important too. Accessibility and control of infections have been key issues when it comes to developing new designs for handles. For instance certain handles can be operated using an arm.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open is prone to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use. Changing out the old latch to make room for an entirely new handle can be a simple DIY job and will make a huge change in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on what type of handle you use the latch can be a separate piece or a part of the knob. In either case, the same process for removing and reinstalling will apply. It's simple to take off the old latch, particularly if you have a door handle with a "magic" button. The button is located on the left side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is the one you need to press to take the latch right out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle doesn't have this magic button the first step is to remove any cover plates that sit over the latch plate. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pry them off of the handle. Some have a small hole in them that you can insert your screwdriver, whereas others snap off.
The next step is to loosen the two machine screws that secure the latch and inner plate to the door handle. These are the screws that are shorter with a sharp point and you'll be required to keep them in a safe location to reuse them in later steps. After the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and put 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 provided. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism inside the handle and is aligned with the other screw holes in the handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate using the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
One of the most frequent reasons for replacing the door handle is because it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is typically caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching system, for example a strike plate that is too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb as time passes. This project allows you replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which will provide better security for your door and will keep it shut.
To check if the problem is caused by the strike plate, apply some lipstick or a similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door, and then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole, this means that your door won't latch because the plate isn't long enough. If the mark is over the strike plate hole, it's most 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 place over the old one using the screws included with it. However, you might need to pre-drill holes and then chisel out some of the wood to ensure it's a snug fit. If this is the case, you must be careful not to chisel too hard or you'll cause damage to the strength of your doorjamb.
Installing a brand new box-style strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger hold on the doors and will require more force to open the doors. It usually requires two larger screws to fix the strike plate into the frame of the door. You'll have remove the old strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This strike plate is designed to be used with antique rim locks, and it's made from robust solid brass with an extremely thick. It comes with wood screws and machine screws, which means you'll have the right hardware for your job. Just remember that the wood screws have a pointy tip, while the machine screws are more blunt.