5 Door Handle Replacement Lessons Learned From Professionals
Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like something minor, but if you dislike the way they look or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates which hide the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if your new handle does not have them attached already.
Removal of the old Handle
The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home it also serves as an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. However, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, become loose, or look old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time for a replacement.
One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is an issue because it means that you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could pose the risk of security for you and your family.
Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be very dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members struggle to open it and end up trapped within. It's simple to replace a damaged handle on doors.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size, so they should fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will work, take off the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the right door handle.
It is easiest to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll have to cut off this to reach the screws underneath. After removing the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is connected. upvc door handle repairs exeter repairmywindowsanddoors will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the tiny latch, which is located on the edge cut piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Take off the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate when replacing the handle. This is the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular, swap it over to the circular one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to take off the screw holding the latch plate. The screws can be very tight, and will require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist in this area if it is 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 can sometimes free up the plate.
Now, you can proceed to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that were included with your new handles. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and open the door to check whether it locks and closes correctly. If not then you'll have to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts and latches properly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, then you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common for older doors, but could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or the wrong size for the latch, or because of damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Take off the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also hooks in the door's frame so that the door stays closed. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch may be all you need to correct the issue.
It's hard to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and remove it. After removing the trim plate, you will be able to pull off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle that holds it.
If the latch cannot be easily removed using a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed slot of the latch, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle begin to separate. It is possible to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to remove the latch.
After the old latch has been removed, you should be able to move the new latch into the slot without difficulties. 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 attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Check that the latch size of the new handle matches the measurement.
You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or your existing one is damaged. If you're not changing locks the new lock will fit in your existing recess, and will work with the keys you have already. Make sure you select a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.
Then remove the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a new rose and lever designs to improve the look of your home. You can buy complete sets with matching the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the plate. It may have a slot on one edge or be held by pins.
Remove the screw that is holding the interior handle and set it aside once the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all have. If it doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. This is the same process as opening a locked door however you'll have to be extra careful not to scratch the door or frame.
After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so that you do not end up with the handle that is too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install a new strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets.
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