How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key part of your home's decor. A new handle will bring your decor and space up to date.
Over time, your door knobs may become stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you choose the best door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles enhance the aesthetics of your home while also making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They are available in a wide range of finishes, colors and types to match your decor. If yours are starting to begin to show signs of wear or you just want to upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be completed in a few steps.
The first thing you need to do is locate the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that can be used with a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a thin slot, or hole, that you can use to press an activated detent pin that is spring-activated using a flathead. When you press the pin and the latch mechanism opens, it releases and allows you to pull or push on the knob.
Once you have the spindle, or shaft, in your hand Remove the knob and replace it. Check whether the latch works before tightening new set screws.
After replacing the knob, you can place the rod for the latch into the hole on the door. Lock click through the next website page in place using the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned, then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some people prefer an brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek style. It will complement their furniture. Some prefer a rustic design that goes well with farmhouse-styled rooms. If you have family members with mobility limitations You might want to consider choosing an rim lock or a lever knobs for doors, which require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other factors are being taken into consideration as well. Infection control and accessibility have been major considerations in the creation of new handle designs. For instance, some handle designs can be operated by the arm of a person.
Latch
The latch that opens your door can wear out from the wear and tear of use. It is easy to change the latch on your door handle. This will make a big difference in how it opens and closes.
Depending on what type of handle you are using the latch can be a separate component or a component of the knob. In either situation, the same procedure for removing and installing will be used. It's easy to remove the old latch, especially if you have an entry handle that has a "magic" button. It is located on the opposite side of the knob, this tiny pressure-slot is the one you need to press to pop the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle isn't equipped with this magic button the first step is to take off any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver. Some have a tiny slot in them that you can insert your screwdriver into, while others snap off.
Next, you will want to loosen the two machine screws that secure the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a pointy tip and you'll need to keep these in a safe place to reuse them in subsequent steps. Once the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and set it aside.
You can now begin working on the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and is aligned with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate onto and secure it with the screws provided.
Strike Plate
It is not uncommon to replace a door handle if it feels loose, or does not lock properly. This is usually due to misaligned parts in the latching system, such as the strike plate being too short or has moved up or down on the doorjamb over time. This simple fix allows you to replace your old strike plate with a new, longer one that can provide greater security and ensure that your door stays shut.
To check if the problem is caused by the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, it indicates that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate is likely to have been moved up or downward on the doorjamb.
You may be able simply to install the new strikeplate in the old one by using the screws supplied with it, depending on the door. But, you may have to drill holes first, and then chisel some of the wood to ensure it's a snug fit. If this is the case Be careful not to chisel out too much wood or you could damage the strength of the doorjamb.
You can also try installing a new strike plate that gives the lock a much stronger grip on the door and requires more force to open it. It usually requires two larger screws to anchor the strike plate in the door frame. To do this, you'll have to remove the existing strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.
This hard-to-find strike plate is made to work with rim locks from the past, and is made of durable solid brass in a heavy duty thickness. This kit includes wood screws as well as machine screws, so you can choose the right hardware for your needs. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed tip whereas machine screws are blunter.
