10 Unexpected Door Handle Replacement Tips
Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be an insignificant thing however, if you don't like the style or design of them, or are finding them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. Installing a new door handle is simple if you have patience.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates which hide the screws, giving them a more attractive appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't already have them.
Remove the handle that was previously used
Door handles aren't just an an important aesthetic addition to your home but they're also crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. Over time, the door handle may start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might also appear old and worn. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.
One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door, which could pose an security risk to you and your family.
It is also an excellent idea to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be risky, particularly for elderly and children members who may struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will enable you to purchase the right size door handle.
It is the easiest method to take off the old door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles have a cover plate which hides the screws that mount them. It is necessary to remove it to get to the screws. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of the way the spindle has been connected. door handle repairs near me will aid in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. This is usually done using an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located just to the left of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you can take the handle off the strike plate, and then the latch away from the door's edge.
Removal of the Strike Plate
When you replace the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles arrive in will include two different latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the diagram above detailing door handle parts). If your current latch plate has rectangular, swap it over to the round one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to unhook the screw that is holding the old latch plate. These screws are often tight, and may require some force to loosen. It is helpful to have a second person help with this part if possible.
Once the screws are removed, 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 may help free the plate.
You can now move on to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with the new handles. Do not overtighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and then open the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't you'll have to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door locks properly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, you might have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or the wrong size for the latch, or because of a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of an hammer and chisel.
Removing the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that moves through the hole in the inner edge of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to a hole in the frame of the door to keep the door closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch could be all that's needed to correct the issue.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to see however, you can put a screwdriver in a small hole on the trim plate and pry the latch off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to remove the latch as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle that holds it.
If the latch doesn't easily release it is suggested to use an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch start to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Before you install the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Also, make sure that the latch size on the new handle matches this measurement.
If you are replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you will need a new one. If you're not replacing the locks, however, a new latch will fit in your existing recess and will work just fine with your current keys. Be sure to select an entry point with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles can begin to look shabby over time If you replace them with a contemporary lever on rose design it's a quick and easy DIY project and decorating idea that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of escutcheons, escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside, remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Find an release tab on the plate, and make use of a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It could have an opening on one edge or be held by a pin.
When the cover plate is removed take off the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours doesn't then you'll have to make a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked however you'll need to be extra careful not to harm the door or frame.
After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Purchase the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. These aren't included in most door handle sets.
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