The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Replacement Door Handles How to Replace Door Handles


The door handles that you have in your home are an important part of the interior design. A new handle can bring your home's decor and interior up to date.

Over time your knobs on your doors may begin to feel stiff, or break. These are indicators that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you pick the appropriate replacement door handle for your home.

Door Knobs

Door handles enhance the aesthetics of your home, while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They are available in a range of finishes, colors, and styles to match your decor. If yours is beginning to appear worn or you just want to upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in just a few steps.

You'll need to find the shaft, or spindle, through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can access with a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a slot or hole where can be used with a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated pin, also known as a detent. This pin lets go of the latch mechanism and allows you to pull or push the knob.

Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hands Remove the knob and replace it. Make sure to align it correctly and verify that the latch functions correctly before tightening the new set screws.

After replacing the knob, place the latch rod over the door's hole. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned and then thread in the latch plate screws and tighten them.

Some people opt for the smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware for modern, sleek design that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Some people prefer a rustic design that goes well with farmhouse-styled rooms. If you have a member of your family with mobility issues, you may want to choose an rim or lever lock that requires less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have been the primary consideration for door handle design, other factors are being taken into consideration as well. Infection control and accessibility are two major issues that have led to the creation of new and innovative designs for handles including ones that can be operated with the forearm of a person.

Latch

The latch that holds the door handle open may wear out over time. Switching out the old latch to make room for an entirely new handle can be a simple DIY job and can make a big difference in how your door opens and closes.

Depending on what kind of handle you choose the latch can be a separate piece or an integral part of the knob. In either situation, the same procedure to remove and install is applicable. Removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple, especially if your door handle has what is known as a "magic button". The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob, is what you will need to press in order to remove the latch of the handle.

If your handle doesn't have this magic button you will need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed with a screwdriver. Some have a slot in which you can put your screwdriver, while others just snap off.

Next, you will want to loosen the two machine screws that secure the latch and the inner plate to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a sharp tip - you will have to store them in a secure location to reuse them in subsequent steps. After these screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and place it in a safe place.

You can now begin installing the new latch. Install upvc replacement door handles into the door hole and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism in the handle and is aligned with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then push the exterior latch plate onto the handle and secure it with the screws supplied.

Strike Plate

It is typical to replace a door handle when it feels loose, or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to misaligned components in the latching mechanism, such as an unbalanced strike plate that is too small or has moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb over time. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which can provide better security for your door and ensure it stays shut.

To determine if the issue is caused by the strike plate, apply some lipstick or similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is lower than your strike plate hole, it means that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is higher than the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.

Depending on the door you have You may be able to screw the new strike plate into the existing one, using the screws that come with it. It is possible that you will need to drill holes first, and then chisel the wood to ensure a perfect fit. If this is the case Be careful not to chisel out too much wood or you could damage the strength of the doorjamb.

You can also consider installing a new strike plate, which gives the lock a much stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. It typically requires two longer screws to anchor the strike plate in the door frame. To do this, you'll have to remove the current strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.

This strike plate is made to work with antique rim locks and is made of sturdy solid brass in a heavy duty thickness. It comes with machine screws and wood screws, which means you'll have the correct equipment for your task. Be aware that wood screws have a pointed point, and machine screws have a blunter tip.