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 will bring your decor and space up to date.
Over time the knobs on your door could become stiff or even break. These are signs that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you pick the appropriate replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors can enhance the look of your home and make it easier for you to shut and open them. They come in a variety of finishes, colors, and types to complement your decor. If yours are starting to show signs of wear or simply require an upgrade, replacing them is relatively easy and can be accomplished in a few steps.
The first thing to do is locate the shaft or spindle through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a tiny hole that you can put the screwdriver with a small diameter to loosen the set screws that hold the knob in place. Some have a tiny slot or hole through which you can use to press a spring-activated detent pin with flathead. The pin opens the latch mechanism and allows you pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hands take the knob off and replace it. Align it correctly and check that the latch functions properly before tightening new set screws.
Once you've replaced the knob, hold the rod of the latch over the hole in the door and lock it in place with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some prefer the smooth or brushed finish on their door hardware to create a sleek, contemporary look that complements other furniture in their homes. Some people prefer a rustic look that goes well with farmhouse-styled rooms. If you have one of your family members who has mobility issues, you may prefer an rim or lever lock, which requires less pressure to operate.
Other factors are being looked at more and more when it comes to the design of door handles. Accessibility and control of infections are key issues that have led to the creation of new and innovative designs for handles like those which can be operated by the forearms of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open can wear down as time passes. Changing out the old latch to make room for the new handle is a simple DIY job and it will make a significant change in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on what type of handle you use, the latch could be a separate part or a component of the knob. In any case, you'll follow the same steps to remove and replace. Removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple particularly if your door handle has what's called a "magic button". The button is located on the left side of the knob, this small pressure-slot is what you have to press to pop the latch right out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.
If your handle isn't equipped with this magical button the first step is to remove any cover plates that are positioned over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed with the help of a screwdriver. Some have a small slot inside that you can slide your screwdriver into, while others simply snap off.
Then, remove the machine screws that secure the plate's inner and latch to the door handle. These are the screws that are shorter with a pointy tip - you will be required to keep them in a secure location to use them again in the next steps. Once the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism from the hole, and then set it aside.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin on the inside of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it lines up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
It is typical to replace a door handle if it feels loose, or doesn't lock properly. This is often due to incorrectly aligned parts in the latching mechanism, for example the strike plate being too small or has moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb with time. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which can provide more security for your door and ensure it stays closed.
To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material on the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is lower than the strike plate's hole, it indicates that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is over the strike plate hole, it's most likely that the strike plate has been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
Depending on the door, you may be able to just screw the new strike plate into the door over the old one, using the screws included with it. You may need to first drill holes and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a perfect fit. If this is the situation make sure you don't chisel out too much wood or you could damage the integrity of the doorjamb.
You can also consider 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 in the door frame. sneak a peek at this site is necessary remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This strike plate is designed to be used with antique rim locks and it's made from sturdy solid brass in an extremely thick. It comes with machine screws and wood screws, which means you'll have the right hardware for the job. Be aware that wood screws have a pointy edge, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.