Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle does not have them attached already.
Removing the old Handle
Door handles aren't just an an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're essential for security as they let you lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle could start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could also begin to look aged and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time to replace it.
One of the first indications that your door handle needs 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 when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly and children members who may struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the
old upvc window handles one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you to purchase the right size door handle.
The most straightforward method to take off the handle from your
conservatory door handles is to unscrew it from the door. This is usually done with the screw driver. However, some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws underneath. Once you have removed the old handle, make note of the way the spindle is attached so that you can make sure it is aligned when you put in the new one.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. This is typically done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located at the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you'll need to take the handle off the strike plate,
tilt and turn window handles then the latch from the door edge.
The Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate that holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The box that the new handles are packaged in will include two different latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, swap it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the old latch plate. The screws are typically tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be helpful to have another person assist you with this task.
The latch plate should easily be removed from the door once the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move, use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.
Now, you can proceed to creating the new door strike plate for installation. Attach the latch plate to the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with your new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and then open the door to determine if it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll have to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, you may need to increase the size of the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more frequent for older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or the wrong size for the latch, or from a broken or damaged strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but using the use of a metal file instead a chisel and hammer.
Remove the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that moves in and out of the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also catches the door's frame so that the door is closed. If your door wobbles when you close it, an upgrade to the latch could be the only thing needed to fix the issue.
It's difficult to see the screws that secure the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver in order to pry it off. After you've removed your trim plate, it will be easy to remove the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in place.
If the latch isn't easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle are beginning to break off. It may take this several times before the latch comes loose enough to pull out.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without problems after you have removed the old one. Make use of the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front surface of the
upvc door handles to the edge). Also, make sure that the latch size on the new handle matches this measurement.
You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you're not changing locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess, and work with the keys you have already. Make sure you select the latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Then remove the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary rose and lever designs to improve the look of your house. You can buy complete sets that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver lift it off the knob. It could have an opening on one edge or be held in place by pins.
Once the cover plate is removed take the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. You'll also need to take out the screws that hold the latch and inner plates, which you can do by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours doesn't, you will need to make a hole in the door. The process for doing this is the same as for opening a door with locks, but you'll be taking extra care to avoid damaging the door or frame.
After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Purchase the same dimensions as your old screws to avoid getting a
Handle For Patio Door too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also necessary. These aren't included in all door handle sets.
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