10 Door Handle Replacement Tricks Experts Recommend
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you don't like the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already.
Removing the Old Handle
The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, over time the door handle could lose its grip, appear loose, or look old and worn. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be able to lock or unlock the door and put you and your family at risk.
It's also a good idea to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it and end up trapped inside. It's simple to replace a damaged handle on doors.
Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will help you purchase the right size door handle.
The easiest way to remove the handle from your door is to take it off of the door. This is usually done with the screw driver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the screws that mount them. It is necessary to remove this to get to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, make an outline of how the spindle is attached so that you can be sure to align it when you install your new one.
You can also remove the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be at the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, take the handle off the strike plate, and then the latch off the door's edge.
The Strike Plate
You'll need to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the part that is the one that holds the hole in which the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The packaging that the new handles are packaged in will include two latch plates: either a rectangular or circular (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it out for the round one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to loosen the screw that holds the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be helpful to have another person help with this process.
After the screws are removed the latch will slide out of the door easily. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now you can move on to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. Utilizing the wood screws that were included with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws because this could damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the right position, try closing and then opening the door to see if it closes and latches correctly. If it doesn't, you will need to adjust the strikeplate up or down, or forward or back until the door locks correctly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too narrow, the wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is an angled metal piece that slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into a hole in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch might be the only thing needed to fix it.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can insert a screwdriver into a small hole in the trim plate and pry the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to take off the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in place.
If the latch won't come out, try using a paper clip or a tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle start to separate. You may have to do this several times before the latch is loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
After the old latch has been removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot without problems. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly placed in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Check that the latch size of the new handle matches the measurement.
If you're replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll need an entirely new one. If you're not changing the locks however, a new latch will fit into your existing recess and will be compatible with the keys you have currently. Be sure to choose the latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles may begin to look shabby with time If you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose designs, it's a simple and quick DIY project and decorating idea that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets with matching privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and mechanism. Find a release tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver pop it off the knob. It may have a slot along one edge or be held in place by a pin.
Remove the screw holding the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate has been removed. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours isn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door. The procedure for this is similar to the procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll be taking extra care not to damage the door or frame.
Installing new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been made. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to prevent getting the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. These are not included in the majority of door handle sets.
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