What Are The Myths And Facts Behind Door Handle Replacement
Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like something minor but if you aren't happy with the way they look or are finding them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. Installing a new door handle is simple if you've got patience.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates which hide the screws to give them an attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't already have them.
Remove the Old Handle
The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home, but it's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. However, over time the door handle could lose its grip, feel loose, or appear old and worn out. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a serious problem since you won't be able to lock or unlock the door and put you and your family at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly and children members who might struggle to open it. They may get trapped. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you are not certain if your new door handle will work, take off the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will help you to buy the right door handle.
It is easiest to take off the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. This is typically done with a screw driver. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the mounting screws. It is necessary to remove this to get to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is connected to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.
Alternatively, you can remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located just to the left of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can unscrew the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch away from the door's edge.
The Strike Plate
You'll need to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole where the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The package the new handles are packaged with will offer two latch plates: a rectangular one and a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it over to the round one, so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the latch plate in place. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It is helpful to get a second person to assist in this area if it is possible.
After the screws are removed the latch should pull out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free the plate up.
Now you can move on to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. Utilizing the screws made of wood that came with the new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the correct position Try closing and opening the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door closes correctly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent for older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or are not sized correctly for the latch, or because of a broken or damaged strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Remove the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece that slides into and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks into a hole in the door frame to keep the door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch could be the only thing needed to fix it.
It's difficult to identify the screws that attach the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and pry it off. After taking off the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle that holds it.
If the latch is not easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle begin to separate. It may take this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to pull out.
After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without any difficulties. Use the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is properly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, make certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). You should also check that the latch size on the new handle matches this measurement.
If you're replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged then you'll require an entirely new one. If you're not switching locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess and also work with your current keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have.
Take off the cover plate
You can replace your old door handles with a new lever and rose design to make a difference in the appearance of your house. You can buy complete sets of escutcheons, the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Find an release tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It could have an opening on one edge or be held in place by a pin.
Remove the screw that holds the interior handle and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. You'll also want to take out the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. This is the same procedure for opening a locked door, but you will need to be extra careful not to harm the door's frame or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is required after the holes have been drilled. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, so that you don't end up with the handle that is too tight or loose. You'll also need to install a new latch plate and strike rod, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets.
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