What Door Handle Replacement Will Be Your Next Big Obsession
Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like something minor, but if you dislike the way they look or are finding them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. With a little patience, you can put in the new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already.
Removing the Old Handle
The door handle isn't just a decorative feature for your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes, the door handle may become loose or feel loose. It may also appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could be the risk of security for you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly and children members who may struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's simple to fix a damaged handle on the door.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the correct sized door handle.
The easiest method to take off your old door handle is to unscrew it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with the cover plate which hides the mounting screws so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws beneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the small latch that is located on the edge cut piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
When replacing the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The box that the new handles arrive with will offer two different latch plates: either a rectangular or a circular one (see the diagram above detailing the parts of the door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, swap it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier.
The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist with this part if possible.
Once the screws are removed the latch should pull out of the door easily. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.
Now, you can proceed to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the door jamb using the screws that were included with your new handles. Don't over tighten your screws because this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, shut and open the door to determine whether it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door shuts and latches correctly.
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 aren't shallow, the incorrect size of the latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, use a metal filing instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is an angled metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. door handle repairs near me moves forward when you turn the handle. It also catches a hole on the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close it, a new latch may be the only thing needed to correct the issue.
It's hard to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and pry it off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it should be simple to remove the latch as well as the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in place.
If the latch doesn't easily be released you can try using the clip of a paper or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle start to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to let it out.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues after you've removed the old one. Use your new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is properly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, be sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch or your existing one is damaged. If you're not changing the locks the new latch will fit into your existing recess and will work with the keys you have currently. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Take off the cover plate
You can replace your door handles with a modern lever and rose design to improve the look of your house. You can purchase complete sets of escutcheons, the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It could have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.
Once the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours doesn't allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a new hole into the door. The procedure for this is similar to the procedure for opening a door with locks, but you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the frame or door.
After the holes are drilled then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Buy the same size as the old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle that is too loose or tight. You'll also need to install a new latch plate and strike rod that aren't part of the majority of door handle sets.
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