How to Replace
Door HandlesThe
door handle replacements handles of your home are an essential element of your decor. A new Window handle repairs (
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Over time your knobs for your doors can begin to feel stiff and even break. These are indications that it's time to change the knobs. This guide will help you pick the right replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors can enhance the appearance of your home and make it easier to shut and open them. They are available in a range of finishes, colors and types to complement your decor. If yours have started to show signs of wear or requires an upgrade it is possible to replace them in a couple of easy steps.
The first thing to do is locate the spindle or shaft through the knob's attachment to the door. Some have a tiny hole that you can insert a narrow screwdriver into to loosen the set screws that hold the knob in place. Some have a tiny slot or hole that allows you to press the spring-activated detent pin using a flathead. This pin releases the latch mechanism, and lets you pull or push the knob.
After you have gained access to the shaft or spindle, take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Be sure to align it properly and then test to see that the latch works properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, hold the latch rod in position over the door's hole and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are lined up and then thread in the latch plate screws and tighten them.
Some prefer the smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware for modern, sleek design that complements other furniture in their homes. Some prefer a rustic design that goes well with farmhouse-styled rooms. If you have one of your family members who has mobility issues, you may want to choose an rim or lever lock that require less pressure to operate.
Other aspects are being taken into consideration more and more in the design of door handles. Accessibility and infection control have been major considerations in the development of new handle designs. For instance some handles can be operated using a person's arm.
Latch
The latch that holds the handle of your door open can wear down over time.
changing window handles out the old latch to make room for an entirely new handle can be an easy DIY task and will make a huge difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you use, the latch could be a separate piece or a part of the knob. In either case, the same process for removing and reinstalling will be used. It's easy to remove the old latch, especially in the case of doors with a "magic" button. Located on the side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is the one you need to press to take the latch right out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle doesn't have this magical 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. Some have a slot in which you can insert your screwdriver, while others simply snap off.
Then, loosen the machine screws that secure the inner plate and latch to the door handle. These are the screws that are shorter with a sharp tip and you'll need to keep these in a safe place to reuse them in subsequent steps. After these screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and put it away.
Now you can begin installing the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it using the hardware provided. Make sure the square pin on the inside 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 attach the latch's exterior plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
One of the most frequent reasons for replacing the door handle is because it feels loose or isn't locking properly. This is often caused by incorrectly aligned parts in the latching mechanism, for example the strike plate being too short or moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb over time. This simple fix allows you to replace your existing strike plate with a new, larger one that can provide greater security and keep your door closed.
To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply some lipstick or a similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door, and then try to latch it. If the mark is lower than the strike plate hole it means that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is over the strike plate hole, it's most likely that the strike plate has been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
It is possible to screw the new strikeplate into place over the old one by using the screws supplied with it, based on your door. It is possible that you will need to drill holes first and then chisel some wood out to ensure a perfect fit. If this is the situation make sure you don't cut too much wood or you may ruin the integrity of the doorjamb.
You can also try installing a new box strike plate that provides the lock with a more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically it will require two longer screws to secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. To do this, you'll have to take off the existing strike plate and then drill and chisel out the wood to create space for the new one.
This hard-to find strike plate is made of solid brass and has a heavy-duty thickness. It's specifically designed to be used with antique rim locks. It comes with machine screws and wood screws, so you'll have the correct equipment for your task. Make sure to note that the wood screws have a sharp tip, while the machine screws are more blunt.
