10 Things Everyone Gets Wrong Concerning Door Handle Replacement
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing 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 put in a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. If the new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Remove the old Handle
The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home It's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock your door. However, over time the door handle could lose its grip, feel loose, or look old and worn out. This is an indication that it's the time to replace your door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem because it means that you can not lock or unlock your door, which could create an security risk to you and your family.
It is also a good idea to replace your door handle in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it and could get trapped in the. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size, so they will fit on any door. If you aren't certain if your new door handle will work, take off the old one and measure its housing holes. This will enable you to buy the right size door handle.
It is easiest to remove the door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However, some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll have to cut off this cover plate to get access to the screws beneath. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of the way the spindle is connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. But, you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Take off the Strike Plate
You'll have to replace your latch plate when you replace the handle. It's the part that holds the hole through which the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram which illustrates the components of a door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, replace it with a circular one. This will let the latch hook into the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.
The first step is to unscrew the screw that is holding the latch plate in place. The screws are often quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to have a second person help with this part if possible.
After the screws have been removed and the latch plate should slide out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes open the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Using the wood screws that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this may damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and then open the door to see if it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, then you may need to enlarge the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more prevalent in older doors, however it could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or not the right size for the latch, or because of damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. 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 in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be the only thing needed to fix it.
It's difficult to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver in order to take it off. After you've removed your trim plate, it will be simple to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in place.
If the latch won't be released it is suggested to use the clip of a paper or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle begin to split. You may have to do this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to pull out.
It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the center of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, make sure whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle.
If you are replacing the latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged, then you will need a new one. If you're not changing locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess and also work with your current keys. Make sure you select the latch with rectangular cover plates that match your handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.
To replace an internal door handle, remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Look for an release tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver pop it off the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.
Once the cover plate is off take the screw that holds the inside handle in place, and then set it aside. It is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the latch and inner plates, which you can do by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all do. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a new hole through the door. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked, but you will need to be extra careful not to harm the door or frame.
The installation of new door knob screws is required after the holes have been made. Choose the same size as the old screws to prevent getting a handle too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also mandatory. They aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
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