10 Door Handle Replacement That Are Unexpected
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they look or if they are difficult to use. With a bit of patience, you can install a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle does not already have them.
Removal of the old Handle
The door handle is not only a decoration for your home, but it's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle could begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It could also begin to look aged and worn. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.
One of the first indications that your door handle needs replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem because it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door, which could be an security risk to you and your family.
It's also recommended to replace your door handle in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, especially for elderly or children members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you are not sure if your new door handle will work, take off the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will enable you to purchase the right size door handle.
The most straightforward method to take off the handle from your door is to take it off of the door itself. This is usually done with the screw driver. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the mounting screws. You will need to remove it to get to the screws. After removing the old handle, take note of the way in which the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. This is usually done using the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be on the edge of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Removal of the Strike Plate
When you replace the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The box that the new handles arrive in will include two options for latch plates: a rectangular one and circular (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, swap it with a round one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook onto the strike plate, making the handle easier.
The first step is to unscrew the screw that holds the old latch plate in place. The screws can be very tight, and may require some force to loosen. It is helpful to have a second person help with this part if possible.
The latch plate should come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Screw the latch plate into the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with the new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the correct position, try closing and then opening the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, forward or back until the door shuts correctly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, you may have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't narrow, the wrong size latch, or a damaged strike plate. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that moves through the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks in an opening in the door frame so that the door stays closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be all you need to correct the issue.
The screws that secure the door latch are hard to spot however, you can use a screwdriver to make a small hole in the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After removing the trim plate, you will be able to pull off the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle that holds it.
If the latch is not easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle start to separate. You may have repeat this process a few times before you can take the latch off.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without 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 it's properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.
If you are replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged then you'll need a new one. If you're not replacing the locks, the new latch will fit into the existing recess and be compatible with the keys you have currently. Be sure to choose a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Remove the cover plate
Door handles may begin to look worn over time If you replace them with a contemporary lever on rose design 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 as well as 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 the mechanism within. Find a release tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver remove it from the knob. It could have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.
When the cover plate is removed take the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. You'll also need to take out the screws that hold the latch and inner plates, which you can do by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.
Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all do. If door handle repair does not then you'll have to drill a hole into the door for the new handle. This is the same process as opening a door locked, but you will have to be extra careful not to scratch the door or frame.
After the holes are drilled, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Be sure to purchase the same size as the previous ones, to ensure that you won't have the handle that is too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. These aren't included in all door handle sets.
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