How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles that you have in your home are an essential element of your interior design. A new handle can transform your space and bring your decor up-to-date.
Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you pick the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will enhance the look of your home and make it easier for you to open and close them. They are available 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 change them in just a few easy steps.
You need to locate the shaft, or spindle through which the knob is connected to the door. door handle repairs near me have a tiny hole that you can insert the screwdriver with a small diameter to loosen the set screws that hold the knob in place. Some have a small slot or hole where you can use a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated pin, also known as a detent. This pin lets go of the latch mechanism, and lets you pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle, or shaft in your hands, remove the old knob and replace it. Align it correctly and check that the latch is working properly before tightening new set screws.
Once you've replaced the knob, place 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 aligned, then tighten the screws on the latch plate.
Some people opt for the smooth or brushed finish on their door hardware to create modern, sleek design that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic design, which pairs well with spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have a member of your family with mobility issues, you may prefer the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the primary consideration for door handle design, other factors are increasingly being considered too. Infection control and accessibility are key issues that have led to the creation of new and innovative designs for handles like those which can be operated by the forearm of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open will wear down as time passes. It is easy to change the latch on your door handle. This will make an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes.
Depending on the type of knob you have the latch could be part of the knob or it could be an independent piece that is attached to the door itself. In either situation, the same procedure to remove and install is applicable. 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 tiny pressure-slot is what you have to press to pull the latch right out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.
If your handle does not come with this button, you'll need to remove the cover plates that are placed 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 a tiny slot inside that you can slide your screwdriver, whereas others snap off.
The next step is to loosen the two machine screws holding the latch and inner plate to the door handle. These are the screws that are shorter with a sharp tip - you will be required to keep them in a safe location to use them again in the next steps. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and set it aside.
You can now begin installing the new latch. Insert the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin that is 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 of the door handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate onto the handle and secure it with the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
One of the most frequent reasons for replacing the door handle is because it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching system, for example a strike plate that is too short or has moved upwards or down on the doorjamb as time passes. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which will provide greater security for your door and ensure it stays closed.
To determine if the issue is caused by the strike plate, apply some lipstick or similar marking material on the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate hole, this indicates that your door isn't latching because the strike plate is too small. If the mark is above the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
Depending on your door depending on the door, you might be able to install the new strike plate into the existing one using the screws included with it. However, you might need to drill holes first, and then chisel out some of the wood to ensure it's snugly fitted. If this is the case Be careful not to be too rough with the chiseling process or you'll damage the strength of the doorjamb.
Installing a brand new box-style strike plate will give the lock a more secure hold on the doors and will require more force to open the doors. It usually requires two longer screws to fix the strike plate into the frame of the door. You'll need to remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with a heavy-duty thickness. It's designed to be used on antique rim locks. It comes with both machine screws and wood screws, which means you'll have the right hardware for the job. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed tip, and machine screws have a blunter tip.