What A Weekly Door Handle Replacement Project Can Change Your Life
Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be an insignificant thing but if you aren't happy with the appearance of the handles or find them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. Installing repairmywindowsanddoors is easy if you have patience.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle does not have them attached already.
Remove the handle that was previously used
Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home but they're also crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle can start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might also begin to look worn out and old. This is an indication that it's the time to replace your door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue since you won't be able to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.
It is also a good idea to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, especially for elderly and children members who might struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's easy to fix a damaged handle on a door.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and so they are suitable for any door. If you're unsure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you buy the right door handle.
It is easiest to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is usually done with a screw driver. Some door handles come with the cover plate, which conceals the mounting screws. You'll need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is connected to ensure you are able to align it when you fit your new one.
Alternately, you can take off your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the small latch which is located on the edge trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and the strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Remove the Strike Plate
You'll have to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole through which the latch for the door is inserted when the door closes. The new handles will have two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of the door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, replace it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook into the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.
The first step is to take off the screw that is holding the latch plate. These screws are often tight, and will require some force to loosen. It might be beneficial to have a second person assist in this area if it is possible.
The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate up.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Attach the latch plate to the door jamb using the screws that came with your new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this may damage the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, close and open the door to see whether it locks and closes properly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or even 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 frequent in older doors, however it could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or are not sized correctly for the latch, or because of damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead an hammer and chisel.
Eliminating the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, changing the latch might be all you need to fix it.
The screws that support the door latch are difficult to see however, you can insert a screwdriver into a small hole in the trim plate and pry the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle in position.
If the latch won't be released it is suggested to use an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently move it around until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. It may take this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to let it out.
Once the old latch is removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without any issues. Make sure that the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to secure 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) before installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.
If you are replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you will need an entirely new one. If you're not changing locks the new lock will fit in your existing recess, and work with your current keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles can start to look shabby with time If you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose designs, it's a quick and easy DIY project to decorate and will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets with matching escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.
Remove the screw that is holding the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. You'll also want to remove the screws that are holding the latch and the plates inside to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them with 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 door jamb and the inside edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all have. If yours isn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a new hole in the door. The process for doing this is similar to the procedure opening a door using the lock, however you'll need to take extra care not to harm the door or frame.
Installing new door knob screws is required after the holes have been made. Be sure to purchase the same size as the old ones, so you don't end up with a handle that's too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. These aren't included in most door handle sets.
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