How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key part of your home's decor. A new handle can elevate your home 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 the knobs. This guide will help you select the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles can enhance the aesthetics of your house while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They are available in a variety of finishes, colors, and types to complement your decor. If window handles repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is beginning to show signs of wear or just need an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in just a few steps.
You need to locate the spindle, or shaft, through which the knob is inserted to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that can be used with a screwdriver to remove the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a slot or hole that can be used with a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. When you press the pin, the latch mechanism releases and allows you to pull or push the knob.
After you have ahold of the spindle or shaft, take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Make sure you align it properly and test to see that the latch works properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, put the rod for the latch into the hole on the door. Lock it in place using the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned then thread the screws for the latch plate and tighten them.
Some people opt for a smooth or brushed metal finish on their door hardware to give it an elegant, modern look that matches other furnishings in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic design which is great for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have family members with mobility limitations You may want to consider choosing the rim lock or lever style door knob that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the primary consideration for door handle design, other aspects are becoming more important too. Infection control and accessibility have been major considerations in the development of new handle designs. For instance, some handle designs can be operated by an arm.
Latch
The latch that keeps your door handle open can wear out from the wear and tear of use. The replacement of the latch to fit an entirely new handle can be an easy DIY project and it will make a significant change in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of knob you are using depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be a part of the knob itself or it could be an independent piece attached to the door. In any case, you'll follow the same steps to remove and replace. It's simple to take off the old latch, especially if you have an entry handle that has a "magic" button. Located on the side of the knob, this small pressure-slot is the one you need to press to pop the latch 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 rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver in order to remove them off the handle. Some have a slot in which you can put your screwdriver, while others just snap off.
Then, loosen the machine screws that secure the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the screws that are shorter with a sharp point - you will be required to keep them in a secure location to reuse them in later steps. After the screws have been removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and set it aside.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Insert the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin in the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and aligns with the other screw holes in the handle. Then push the exterior latch plate onto the handle and secure it with the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
It is common to replace a door handle because it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to misaligned components in the latching mechanism, like the strike plate being too small or has moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb over time. This simple project will allow you to replace your existing strike plate with a new, larger one that will give you better security and ensure that your door stays shut.
To determine if the issue is caused by the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material to the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole this means that your door isn't latching because the strike plate is too small. If the mark is higher than the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.
You might be able to screw the new strikeplate into place over the old one using the screws included with it, depending on the door you have. It is possible that you will need to drill holes first and then chisel some wood out to ensure a secure fit. If this is the case, be cautious not to chisel too hard or you'll damage the strength of your doorjamb.
You can also try installing a new box strike plate which will give the lock a stronger grip on the door and requires more force to open it. It typically requires two longer screws to fix the strike plate to the frame of the door. To do this, you'll have to remove the current strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This hard-to find strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with an extremely thick. It's designed to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes wood screws and machine screws, so you can pick the right hardware to suit your requirements. Make sure to note that wood screws have a sharp edge, whereas the machine screws are more blunt.