How To Get More Results From Your Replacement Door Handles
How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles of your home are an essential element of your design. A new handle will elevate your home's decor and bring your decor to the present.
Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff, or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you select the best door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles add to the appearance of your home, while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They come in a variety of colors, finishes, and types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or requires an upgrade, you can replace them in a couple of simple steps.
The first thing you need to find is the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can access with a screwdriver to remove the set screws that keep the handle in place. Some have a tiny slot, or hole, that you can use to press the spring-activated detent pin using a flathead. This pin lets go of the latch mechanism, and lets you to pull or push the knob.
Once you have access to the spindle or shaft, remove the old door knob and replace it with the new one. Make sure you align it properly and verify that the latch functions properly before tightening your new set screws.
After you've replaced the knob, put the latch rod in position over the door's hole and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are lined up then thread the screws for the latch plate and tighten the screws.
Some prefer the smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware for modern, sleek design that complements other furniture in their homes. Some people prefer a rustic style that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have family members with mobility limitations You might be interested in the rim lock or lever-style door knobs that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics are traditionally the primary consideration for door handle design, other aspects are being taken into consideration as well. Accessibility and control of infections are key issues that have led to the development of new and innovative designs for handles like those which can be operated by the forearm of a person.
Latch
The latch that keeps your door handle open will wear out due to age and use. Switching out the old latch to fit an entirely new handle can be an easy DIY task and will make a significant difference in how your door opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you use, the latch could be a separate component or an integral part of the knob. In either scenario, the same procedure to remove and install will be used. The process of removing the old latch of its place is quite simple particularly if your door handle has what's known as a "magic button". The button is located on the left side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is what you have to press to pop the latch right out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle doesn't have this magical button the first step is to take off any cover plates that are positioned over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pull them off of the handle. Some have a tiny slot inside that you can insert your screwdriver into, while others snap off.
The next step is to loosen the two machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. You will need to store these shorter screws with sharp tips in a safe place to be able to reuse them later. Once these are off you can remove the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and put it away.
You can now begin installing the new latch. Insert the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door, and secure it using the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin that is on the interior of the latch is facing the mechanism for latching inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers inside the door handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate on and secure it with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
It is typical to replace a door handle because it is loose or doesn't lock properly. This is usually due to malfunctioning parts of the latching system, for example the strike plate being too short or has moved up or down on the doorjamb over time. This simple project will allow you to replace your old strike plate with a new, larger one that will provide 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 try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, it means that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is higher than the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
Depending on the door, you may be able to just attach the new strike plate into place over the old one with the screws included with it. You may have to drill holes first, and then chisel some wood out to ensure a perfect fit. If door handle repairs near me repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is the case, be careful not to chisel too much or you may cause damage to the strength of your doorjamb.
Installing a new box-style strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger hold on the doors and will require more force to open them. It usually requires two longer screws to fix the strike plate in the door frame. To accomplish this, you'll need to take off the existing strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate was specifically designed to work with rim locks from the past, and is made of sturdy solid brass in the heavy duty thickness. It comes with both wood screws and machine screws, so you'll have the correct hardware for your job. Just remember that the wood screws have a sharp tip, while the machine screws are more blunt.