What Experts On Door Handle Replacement Want You To Be Able To
Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like an insignificant thing, but if you dislike the style or design of them, or find them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws, giving them a more attractive appearance. If your new handle doesn't have them already attached, you will have to attach them separately.
Removing the Old Handle
The door handle is not only a decoration for your home, but it's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. However, as time passes your door handle can lose its grip, appear loose, or appear old and worn. This is an indication that it's time to replace it.
One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is an issue because it means you can not lock or unlock your door which could be a security risk for you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be quite dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members struggle to open it, and get trapped in the. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should fit any door. If you are not certain that the new door handle you are buying will work, remove the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle.
It is easiest to remove the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is usually done using a screw driver. Some door handles have a cover plate which hides the screws that mount them. It is necessary to remove it to get to the screws. After removing the old handle, make a note of the way in which the spindle is attached. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you will need to locate the small latch which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and the strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the edge of the door.
The Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the diagram above that shows the parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it over to the circular one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the old latch plate. These screws can be quite tight, and may require some force to loosen. If you can, it might be helpful to have another person assist with this part.
The latch plate should come out of the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate up.
Now you can move on to making the new door strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that came with the new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this may damage the strike plate.
If door handle repairs 're not sure if the latch plate is in the proper position You can try closing and opening the door to see whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll have to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or even forward or back until the door shuts and latches properly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, then you may need to increase the size of the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more prevalent with older doors, but could be due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or not the right size for the latch, or from a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of an hammer and chisel.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that is able to move between the hole in the inner edge of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to an opening in the door frame to keep the door shut. If your door is wiggles when you close it, changing the latch may be the only thing needed to fix it.
It's difficult to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and pry it off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in place.
If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle start to separate. It may take this several times before the latch is loose enough to pull out.
It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues once you have removed the old one. Use the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, ensure that the latch size on the new handle is in line with the measurement of your existing handle.
If you're replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you will need a new one. If you're not replacing the locks, the new latch will fit in your existing recess and will be compatible with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.
Then remove the Cover Plate
Door handles can begin to look shabby with time However, if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose designs, it's a quick and easy DIY project to decorate and can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and mechanism. Look for an opening tab on the plate and make use of a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It could have an opening along one side or be held in place by a pin.
Once the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. You'll also want to take out the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside, which you can do by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. This is the same procedure for opening a locked door however you'll have to be extra cautious not to scratch the frame or door.
After the holes are drilled then you'll need to install new door knob screws. Be sure to purchase the same size as the previous ones, so you don't end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install the new strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets.
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