20 Trailblazers Setting The Standard In Replacement Door Handles
How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are an essential part of the decor of your home. A new handle will elevate your home and bring your decor up-to-date.
Over time your knobs on your doors may begin to feel stiff and even break. These are indications that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you pick 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 shut and open them. They come in a variety of colors, finishes, and styles to complement your decor. If yours are starting to begin to show signs of wear or simply require an upgrade replacing them is easy and can be accomplished in a few steps.
The first thing you have to find is the shaft or spindle through which the knob is attached to the door. Some have a small hole that you can put the screwdriver with a small diameter to release the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a small slot or hole that you can press a spring-activated detent pin with flathead. When you press this pin, the latch mechanism releases and allows you to pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle, or shaft in your hand take the knob off and replace it. Be sure to align it correctly and check to ensure that the latch works properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, hold the rod for latching over the door's hole and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some homeowners opt for a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a sleek and contemporary appearance. This will match the furniture they have. Some people prefer a rustic look that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, you may prefer a lever style or rim lock that requires less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other aspects are increasingly being considered as well. Infection control and accessibility have been key issues in the creation of new designs for handles. For example certain handles can be operated using the arm 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 huge differences in how it opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of handle you have depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be part of the knob or it might be an independent piece that is attached to the door. In either scenario, the same procedure for removing and installing is applicable. It's easy to remove the old latch, especially if you have an entry handle that has a "magic" button. This little pressure-slot, located on the side knob, is what you will need to press in order to pull the latch out 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 circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver. Some have a small slot in them where you can slide your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off.
Next, you will want to unscrew the two machine screws holding the latch and the inner plate to the door handle. You will need to store these screws with an angled tip in a secure location to be able to reuse them in the future. Once the screws are removed you can pull the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and set it aside.
You can now begin installing the new latch. Place the inside of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it using the provided hardware. Make sure the square pin on the inside of the latch is facing the mechanism for latching inside the handle, and that it lines up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate using the screws provided.
Strike Plate
One of the most frequent reasons to replace a door handle is because it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually caused by incorrectly aligned parts of the latching system, for example the strike plate being too small or has moved upwards or downward on the doorjamb with time. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with an extended one, which will provide greater security for your door and keep it closed.
To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply lipstick or a similar marking material to the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole it means that the door won't latch because the plate isn't long enough. 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.
You may be able simply to install the new strikeplate in the one you have already installed by using the screws supplied with it, based on the door. You may need to drill holes first and then chisel some wood out to ensure a tight fit. If upvc door handles Repair My Windows And Doors is the case, be careful not to cut too deeply or you could damage the strength of your doorjamb.
Installing a new style box strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger grip on doors and will require more force to open them. It usually requires two larger screws to anchor the strike plate into the door frame. You'll have remove the old strike plate before drilling and chiseling the wood to create space for the new one.
This hard-to find strike plate is made from solid brass and has a heavy-duty thickness. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes both wood screws as well as machine screws, allowing you to select the appropriate hardware to suit your requirements. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed point, whereas machine screws are blunter.