10 Things We All Hate About Replacement Door Handles
How to Replace repairmywindowsanddoors are a key element of your home's decor. A new handle will bring your home's decor up to date.
Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff, or even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you choose the right replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your house and make it easier to open and close them. They are available in a variety of finishes, colors and styles that will complement your decor. If yours is beginning to begin to show signs of wear or just need an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in just a few steps.
The first thing you need to find is the spindle or shaft through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can access with a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a tiny slot or hole that you can use to press a spring-activated detent pin with flathead. When you press this pin and the latch mechanism opens, it releases and allows you to pull or push on the knob.
After you have ahold of the spindle or shaft, take the knob off of the door and replace it with the new one. Be sure to align it properly and then test to see that the latch is working properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, put the rod for latching over the door's hole and lock it in place with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are in alignment, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some people opt for the smooth or brushed finish on their door hardware to create a sleek, contemporary look that complements other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic design which is great for rustic-styled rooms. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you may prefer a lever style or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the most important factor in door handle design, other aspects are increasingly being considered as well. Infection control and accessibility are the main issues that have led to the creation of innovative new handle designs including ones that can be operated using the forearms of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open can wear down as time passes. It is simple to change the latch on your door handle. This will make a big difference in how it opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you are using the latch can be a separate piece or a part of the knob. In either case, the same process to remove and install will be used. It's easy to remove the old latch, particularly if you have a door handle with a "magic" button. This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob, is the one you'll need to press in order to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle does not have this magic button you'll need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pull them off of the handle. Some have a slot where you can place your screwdriver. Other handles just snap off.
Then, loosen the machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. You will need to store these shorter screws with an angled tip in a safe location to be able to reuse them in the future. After these screws are removed you can remove the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and place it in a safe place.
You can now begin working on the new latch. Place the inside of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it using the provided hardware. Make sure that the square pin in the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and is aligned with the other holes for screws in the handle. Then push the exterior latch plate onto the handle and secure it using the provided screws.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons to replace the door handle is because it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is often caused by misaligned components in the latching mechanism, such as the strike plate being too small or has moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb as time passes. This simple project will allow you to replace your old strike plate with a new, longer one that can provide greater security and ensure that your door stays shut.
To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply lipstick or a similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole it means that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is above the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.
Depending on the door You may be able to screw the new strike plate into the door over the old one, using the screws that come with it. However, you may need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel some of the wood to make sure it's a good fit. If this is the case, be cautious not to chisel too much or you may cause damage to the strength of your doorjamb.
You can also consider installing a new box strike plate, which will give the lock a stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically, it requires two longer screws that anchor the strike plate to the door frame. To accomplish this, you'll need to take off the existing strike plate and then drill and chisel away the wood to make room for the new one.
This strike plate is made to work with rim locks from the past, and is made of robust solid brass with a heavy duty thickness. It comes with both wood screws and machine screws, ensuring that you have the correct equipment for your task. Just remember that the wood screws have a pointy tip, while the machine screws are more blunt.