10 Essentials On Replacement Door Handles You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key part of your home's decor. A new handle can elevate your home and bring your decor to the present.
Over time, your door knobs may become stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace them. This guide will help choose the right door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the look of your home and make it easier to shut and open them. They are available in a wide range of finishes, colors, and styles that will complement your decor. If yours is beginning appear worn or just need an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be completed in just a few steps.
You must locate the shaft, or spindle through which the knob is inserted to the door. Some have a small hole that you can insert an incredibly small screwdriver to remove the set screws holding the knob in place. Some have a slot or hole that can be used with the flathead screwdriver on a spring-activated pin, also known as a detent. When you press the pin it opens the latch mechanism and allows you to pull or push the knob.
Once you have access to the shaft or spindle take the knob off of the door and replace it with the new one. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure whether the latch works before tightening the set screws.
After replacing the knob, place the rod of the latch over the hole in the door and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned then thread the latch plate screws and tighten the screws.
Some people choose an brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek style. It will complement their furniture. Others prefer a more rustic design, which pairs well with rustic-styled rooms. If you have members of your household who have mobility issues You might think about an rim lock or a lever knobs for doors, which require less pressure to operate.
Other aspects are being considered more and more for the design of door handles. Infection control and accessibility are two major issues that have led to the creation of new designs for handle handles, such as ones which can be operated by the forearms of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. It is easy to change the latch on your door handle. This will make an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be part of the knob itself, or it could be an independent piece attached to the door. In either situation, the same procedure for removing and installing will apply. Getting the old latch out of the way is relatively simple, especially if your door handle is equipped with what's called a "magic button". This little pressure-slot, located on the side knob is what you have to press to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle does not have this button, you'll need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using the help of a screwdriver. Some have a tiny slot inside that you can put your screwdriver into, while others snap off.
Then, loosen the machine screws that secure the plate's inner and latch to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a pointy tip - you will need to keep these in a safe place to use them again in the next steps. Once these are off you can remove the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and set it aside.
repairmywindowsanddoors can now begin installing the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware provided. 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 of the door handle. Then push the exterior latch plate onto the handle and secure it with the screws provided.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons for replacing the door handle is because it is loose or doesn't lock properly. This is usually caused by misaligned parts in the latching system, such as a strike plate that is too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb over time. This simple fix allows you to replace your existing strike plate with a new, larger one that can provide greater security and keep your door closed.
Apply some lipstick or other marking material on the bolt for the latch to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door, and then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole this means that your door won't latch due to the fact that the plate is too short. If the mark is above or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate is likely to have been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
You may be able simply to screw the new strikeplate into the one you have already installed using the screws included with it, depending on the door you have. You may have to drill holes first and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a tight fit. If this is the case, you must be careful not to cut too hard or you'll ruin the strength of your doorjamb.
Installing a new box-style strike plate will give the lock a stronger grip on the doors and require more force to open them. It usually requires two larger screws to fix the strike plate into the door frame. To do this, you'll have to take off the existing strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with a heavy-duty thickness. It's designed to be used on antique rim locks. This kit comes with wood screws as well as machine screws, so you can choose the right hardware for your requirements. Just remember that the wood screws have a sharp edge, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.