5 Door Handle Replacement Projects For Every Budget
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they look, or if they're difficult to use. With some patience, you can put in the new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates which hide the screws for a more attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't already have them.
Remove the old Handle
The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home It's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. As time passes the door handle could begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could also begin to look worn out and old. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a serious issue because you won't be able to lock or unlock the door which could put you and your family at risk.
It's also a good idea to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly and children members who may struggle to open it. They may get trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and will fit any door. If you are not sure if the new door handle you are buying will work, take off the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will help you to purchase the right size door handle.
The easiest way to remove the handle from your door is to take it off of the door itself. This is typically done with the screw driver. Some door handles have the cover plate, which conceals the screws that mount them. You'll need to remove it to get to the screws. After removing the old handle, make a note of the way in which the spindle is connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however you'll need to find the small latch, which should be at the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Removal of the Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram that shows the parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it to a round one, so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to loosen the screw that's holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist with this part if possible.
After the screws have been removed the latch should slide out of the door with ease. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes open the plate up.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with the new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this could damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and open the door to see whether it locks and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll have to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or move it forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, then you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't narrow, the wrong size latch, or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of the hammer and chisel.
Take off the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece which slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the frame of the door to keep the door closed. If your door is wobbling when you close, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix the issue.
It's hard to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, however there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and remove it. Once you've removed the trim plate, it should be simple to remove the latch and the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in place.
If the latch doesn't easily be released, try using a paper clip or a tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed and gently twist it or jiggle until the that the latch and handle are beginning to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch is loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
After the old latch has been removed, you should be able to insert the new latch into the slot with no problems. Make sure the latch is positioned correctly 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.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.
If you're replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if the old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you will need an entirely 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 the keys you have currently. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.
Then remove the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a new design of roses and levers to improve the look of your house. You can buy complete sets of escutcheons, escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and the mechanism within. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It may have an opening on one side or be secured by a pin.
When the cover plate is removed take the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using a Philips Screwdriver. Then, repairmywindowsanddoors can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have gaps between the door jamb and the edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all do. If yours does not allow for a handle, you'll have to make a hole into the door. The procedure for this is the same as opening a door using locks, but you'll be taking extra care not to harm the door or frame.
After the holes are drilled then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to avoid getting a handle too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install an additional strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with most door handle sets.
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