Door Handle Replacement's History Of Door Handle Replacement In 10 Milestones Door Handle Replacement

Door handles seem like a small detail however, if you don't like the style or design of them, or find them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. With some patience, you can put in an entirely new handle in a short time.

Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive look. If your new handle doesn't have them already attached, you will have to attach them separately.

Removal of the Old Handle

The door handle is not only a decoration for your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. However, as time passes the door handle could lose its grip, appear loose, or look old and worn out. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace your door handle.

One of the first indications that your door handle needs replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door, which could pose an security risk to you and your family.

It's also a good idea to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members struggle to open it, and get trapped inside. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.

Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not certain that your new door handle will work, take off the old one and measure its housing holes. This will enable you to buy the right size door handle.

It is easiest to take off the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. This is typically done with the screw driver. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the mounting screws. It is necessary to remove it to get to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, make an outline of how the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can align it when you fit your new one.

You can also remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. But, you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then remove the latch off the door's edge.

The Strike Plate

You'll need to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole where the latch for the door is inserted when the door closes. The new handles will have two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it to a round one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.

The first step is to take off the screw holding the latch plate. The screws can be very tight, and will 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 it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. With the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much as this could damage the strike plate.

If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the proper position, try closing and then opening the door to see if it closes and latches correctly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or even forward or back until the door shuts and latches properly.

If the door is moving or jiggling, then you may need to enlarge the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too narrow, the incorrect size of the latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure as adjusting the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead the hammer and chisel.

Eliminating 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 pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into a hole in the frame of the door to keep the door closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix it.

It's difficult to identify the screws that secure the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and pry it off. After upvc replacement door handles 've removed your trim plate, it will be easy to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in place.

If the latch cannot be easily removed then use a paperclip tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed slot of the latch and then gently twist or jiggle until the handle and latch begin to split. You may have repeat this process a few times before you can pull the latch out.

Once the old latch is removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to insert the new latch into the slot with no difficulties. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly placed in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.

Before you install the new handle, make certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle matches the measurement.

If you are replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged then you'll require a new one. If you're not switching locks the new lock will fit inside your existing recess and will work with your existing keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.

Remove the cover plate

Door handles can begin to look worn over time If you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.

The first step to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It could have a slot along one edge or be secured by a pin.

Once the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.

Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all have. If yours doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole into the door for the new handle. It's the same procedure for opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the door's frame or frame.

After drilling the holes after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Be sure to purchase the same size as the previous ones, to ensure that you don't end up with an handle that is either too tight or too loose. You'll also need to install an additional latch plate and strike rod that aren't included in most door handle sets.

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