How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles of your home are an important element of your interior design. A new handle can transform your home's decor and bring your decor to the present.
As time passes, your knobs for your doors can begin to feel stiff, or break. These are indications that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you pick the right replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your house and make it easier to open and close them. They are available in a wide range of finishes, colors, and types to match your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or require an upgrade, you can change them in just a few simple steps.
You must locate the spindle, or shaft, through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can access with a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that secure the handle. Others have a thin slot or hole in which can be used with a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated pin, also known as a detent. When you press the pin it opens the latch mechanism and allows you to pull or push on the knob.
Once you have the spindle or shaft, in your hand take the knob off and replace it. Check that the latch is working properly before tightening the set screws.
After replacing the knob, you can place the rod that is attached to the latch over the door's hole. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are aligned, then tighten the screws on the latch plate.
Some people choose an brushed or smooth metal finish for the door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek look. This can be matched with the furniture they have. Others prefer a more rustic look which is great for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, you may want to choose an rim or lever lock that requires less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other factors are being taken into consideration too. Accessibility and control of infections are the main issues that have led to the development of innovative new handle designs like those that can be operated using a person's forearm.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open may wear out as time passes. It is simple to replace the latch on your door handle. This will result in huge differences in how it opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of handle you have, the latch may be a part of the knob itself, or it might be an independent piece that is attached to the door. In either case, you'll need to follow the same procedure for removing and replacing. Removing door handle repairs of the way is relatively simple especially if the door handle has what's known as a "magic button". The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob, is what you need to press in order to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle does not have this magic button, the first step is to remove any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver in order to remove them off the handle. Some have a small hole in them that you can insert your screwdriver, whereas others simply snap off.
Next, you will want to remove the two machine screws holding the latch and inner plate to the door handle. It is important to keep these screws with sharp tips in a secure location so that you can reuse them later. Once the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and the mechanism from the hole and put it aside.
You can now begin working on the new latch. Install the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door, and secure it using the hardware provided. Make sure the square pin that is on the interior of the latch is pointing towards the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate using the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons for replacing the door handle is because it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to malfunctioning components of the latching mechanism, for example a strike plate that's too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb with time. This simple project will allow you to replace your old strike plate with a longer, new one that will provide better security and keep your door closed.
Apply some lipstick or other marking material on the bolt for the latch to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is below your strike plate hole, it means that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is higher than the strike plate hole, it's most likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.
You might be able to screw the new strikeplate into place over the existing one using the screws that come with it, depending on your door. However, you might need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel out some of the wood to ensure it's a snug fit. If this is the case, you must be careful not to chisel too much or you may damage the integrity of your doorjamb.
Installing a new style box strike plate will give the lock a more secure grip on the doors and will require more force to open them. It usually requires two longer screws to fix the strike plate in the door frame. You'll have to remove the old strike plate before drilling and chiseling the wood to create 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. This kit includes both wood screws as well as machine screws, so you can select the appropriate hardware for your needs. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed point, while machine screws are more blunt.