The Infrequently Known Benefits To Door Handle Replacement
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you don't like the way they look or if they are difficult to use. With some patience, you can get a new handle in no time.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already attached, you will have to attach them separately.
Remove the old Handle
The door handle is not only a decoration for your home, but it's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. But, over time your door handle can lose its grip, feel loose, or look old and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace your door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a problem because it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door, which could be an security risk to you and your family.
It is also a good idea to replace your door handle in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be very dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and could get trapped within. It's easy to replace a broken handle on a door.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you purchase the right size door handle.
The easiest method to take off the handle from your door is to unscrew it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However upvc door handles have a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll have to cut off this to access the screws beneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take note of the way the spindle is connected to ensure you are able to be sure to align it when you install the new one.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then the latch away from the door's edge.
Removing the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll also need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The package the new handles arrive in will have two options for latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it to a round one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to operate.
The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the latch plate. These screws can be quite tight and will require some force to loosen. It is helpful to have a second person assist in this area if it is possible.
After the screws are removed, the latch plate should pull out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that were included with your new handles. Don't over tighten your screws because this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the correct position You can try closing and then opening the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll have to adjust the strike plate up or down, or move it forward or back until the door shuts and latches properly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, then you may need to enlarge the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more common for older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or not the right size for the latch, or due to damaged or broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with the use of a metal file instead a chisel and hammer.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that slides between the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch may be the only thing needed to correct the issue.
It's difficult to identify the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver and take it off. After removal of the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle.
If the latch won't come out it is suggested to use a paper clip or a tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently move it around until you feel the handle and latch start to separate. You may need to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to remove the latch.
It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without any problems after you have removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. You should also check that the size of the latch on the new handle matches this measurement.
You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle, or your old one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks the new latch will fit in your existing recess, and work just fine with the keys you have currently. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles can start to look shabby with time, but if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose designs, it's a quick and easy DIY project to decorate and can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It may have an opening along one side or be held in place by pins.
Remove the screw holding the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all do. If yours doesn't, you will need to drill a hole in the door. It's the same procedure for opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra careful not to scratch the frame or door.
The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Purchase the same size as the old screws to prevent getting a handle too tight or loose. You'll also need to install an additional latch plate and strike rod that aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
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