Get Rid Of Replacement Door Handles: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Have It
How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are an essential element of your home's decor. A new handle will elevate your space 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 them. This guide will help you select the right replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles can enhance the look of your home while also making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They come in a variety of finishes, colors and styles that will complement your decor. If yours have started to show signs or need an upgrade You can replace them in a few simple steps.
The first thing you need to find is the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a tiny hole that you can put a narrow screwdriver into to release the set screws holding the knob in place. Some have a small slot or hole where you can use a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. The pin opens the latch mechanism and allows you pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hand take the knob off and replace it. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure that the latch functions properly before tightening new set screws.
Once you've replaced the knob, put the rod for latching over the hole in the door 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 people opt for a smooth or brushed finish on their door hardware to create modern, sleek design that matches other furnishings in their homes. Repair My Windows And Doors prefer a more rustic design that is a good match for farmhouse-styled spaces. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you might want to choose a lever style or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
Other aspects are being taken into consideration more and more in the design of door handles. Infection control and accessibility are key considerations in the creation of new designs for handles. For instance certain handles handle designs can be operated by the arm of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open can wear down as time passes. The replacement of the latch to accommodate the new handle is an easy DIY project and can make a big difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on what kind of handle you choose, the latch could be a separate component or an integral part of the knob. In either situation, the same procedure for removing and reinstalling will be used. The process of removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple especially if the door handle has what's known as a "magic button". This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob is what you will need to press in order to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle does not have this magic button you'll need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed with a screwdriver. Some have a small hole in them where you can put your screwdriver into, while others snap off.
Then, remove the machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the screws that are shorter with a sharp point - you will have to store them in a secure location to use them again in the next steps. After these screws are removed you can pull the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and put it away.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Place the latch plate in the door hole and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin on the interior 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 fix the exterior latch plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons to replace the door handle is that it is loose or doesn't lock properly. This is usually due to incorrectly aligned parts in the latching mechanism, for example the strike plate being too short or moved up or down on the doorjamb as time passes. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which will offer greater security for your door and will keep it closed.
Apply a lipstick or other marking material on the bolt that you are using to check if it is the strike plate. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is lower than the strike plate hole it means that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is above or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate has likely been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
You may be able simply to put the new strikeplate in the old one using the screws that come with it, depending on your door. It is possible that you will need to first drill holes and then chisel some wood out to ensure a perfect fit. If this is the case, be careful not to chisel too deeply or you could cause damage to the integrity of your doorjamb.
You can also consider installing a new box strike plate which provides the lock with a stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. It usually requires two larger screws to anchor the strike plate in the frame of the door. You'll need remove the old strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate was specifically designed to work with rim locks from the past, and it's made from sturdy solid brass in a heavy duty thickness. This kit includes both wood screws as well as machine screws, so you can pick the right hardware to suit your needs. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed point, whereas machine screws are blunter.