Don't Make This Silly Mistake When It Comes To Your Replacement Door Handles
How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles in your home are an important part of the design. upvc door handle can bring your decor and space up to date.
Over time, your door knobs may become stiff or even break. These are signs it's time to change the knobs. This guide will help choose the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the look of your home and make it easier to shut and open them. They are available in a variety of finishes, colors and styles that will complement your decor. If yours is beginning appear worn or simply require an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in just a few steps.
The first thing you need to do is locate the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a tiny hole that you can put an incredibly small screwdriver to loosen the set screws holding the handle in place. Others have a thin slot or hole in which you can use a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated pin called a detent. When you press this pin and the latch mechanism opens, it releases and lets you pull or push on the knob.
Once you have access to the spindle or shaft, remove the old door knob and replace it with the new one. Make sure you align it properly and check to ensure that the latch works correctly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, you can place the latch rod over the hole on the door. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are aligned then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some homeowners opt for a smooth or brushed metal finish for the door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek appearance. This will match the furniture they have. Others prefer a more rustic style which is great for rustic-styled rooms. If you have family members with mobility limitations You might be interested in an rim lock or a lever style door knob, which require less pressure to operate.
Other factors are being taken into consideration more and more in the design of door handles. Accessibility and control of infections are key considerations when it comes to developing new designs for handles. For example, some handle designs can be operated by an arm.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open may wear out as time passes. Changing out the old latch to accommodate an entirely new handle can be a simple DIY job and it will make a huge difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the type of knob you are using depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be part of the knob or it could be an independent piece that is attached to the door itself. In either case, the same process for removing and reinstalling will apply. Getting the old latch out of its place is quite simple particularly if your door handle has what is called a "magic button". This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob, is what you will need to press in order to pop the latch out of the handle.
If your handle isn't equipped with this magic button the first step is to remove any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed with the aid of a screwdriver. Some have a slot in which you can put your screwdriver, while others simply snap off.
Next, you will want to remove the two machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. You will need to store these screws with a pointed tip in a safe location so that you can reuse them later. Once the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and put it aside.
You can now begin installing the new latch. Insert the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door, and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism inside the handle and is aligned with the other holes for screws in the handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate on and secure it using the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
It is typical to replace a door handle if it feels loose, or doesn't lock properly. This is typically caused by misaligned parts in the latching system, for example the strike plate being too short or has moved up or downward on the doorjamb over time. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which can provide better security for your door and keep it closed.
Apply some lipstick or other marking material on the bolt that you are using to check if it is the strike plate. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate's hole, it means that the door won't latch due to the fact that the plate is too short. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate has likely been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
It is possible to put the new strikeplate in place over the one you have already installed using the screws that come with it, based on the door. You may have to drill holes first, and then chisel some wood out to ensure a tight fit. If this is the situation, be careful to not be too rough with the chiseling process or you'll damage the integrity of the doorjamb.
You could also try installing a new box strike plate that will give the lock a more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. It typically requires two longer screws to secure the strike plate into the frame of the door. It is necessary remove the previous strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.
This rare strike plate is made of solid brass and has a heavy-duty thickness. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. It comes with both machine screws and wood screws, so you'll have the right hardware for the job. Be aware that wood screws have a pointed tip, whereas machine screws are blunter.