10 Ways To Build Your Door Handle Replacement Empire
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with 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.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't already have them.
Removing the old Handle
Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. However, over time the door handle could lose its grip, feel loose or start to look old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace your door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle needs replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is an issue because it means that you can not lock or unlock your door, which could create an security risk to you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is dangerous, especially for elderly and children members who might struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.
Most modern door handles are standard size and so they are suitable for any door. If you are not sure if the new door handle you are buying will work, remove the old one and measure its housing holes. This will help you to buy the right door handle.
It is the easiest method to remove the door handle by taking it off from the door. This is usually done with the screw driver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the mounting screws. You will need to remove this to get to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is connected so that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.
Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using a screwdriver but you'll need to find the small latch, which should be 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 from the door edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The box that the new handles arrive with will offer two different latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the parts of the door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, swap 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's holding the old latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. It might be beneficial to have a second person help in this area if it is possible.
After the screws have been removed and the latch plate will slide out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Attach the latch plate to the door jamb using the screws that came with your new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this could damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and open the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or move it forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, then you may need to enlarge the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more frequent in older doors, however it can happen due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or not the right size for the latch, or because of a broken or damaged strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead the hammer and chisel.
Remove the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move between the hole in the inner edge of your door. no title moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door shakes when you close it, a new latch may be all that is needed to fix the issue.
It's hard to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and pry it off. After you've removed the trim plate, it should be simple to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch doesn't easily come out, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle are beginning to separate. You may have to do this several times before the latch is loose enough to let it out.
After the old latch has been removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to move the new latch into the slot with no problems. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
You'll need a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you're not changing locks the new lock will fit in your existing recess and also work with your current keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have.
Take off the cover plate
You can replace your door handles with a contemporary design of roses and levers to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.
To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Look for a release tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It may have a slot along one edge or be secured by pins.
When the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place, and then set it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours does not then you'll have to make a hole in the door to install the new handle. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked however you'll need to be extra careful not to damage the frame or door.
The installation of new door knob screws is required after the holes have been drilled. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, so that you won't have an handle that is either too tight or too loose. You'll also need to install an additional strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets.
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