How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles of your home are an essential element of your interior design. A new handle can transform your space and bring your decor up-to-date.
Over time the knobs on your door could become stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you select the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles enhance the look of your house while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They come in a variety of finishes, colors and types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning show signs of wear or just need an upgrade, replacing them is relatively easy and can be accomplished in just a few steps.
The first thing you have to find is the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can use a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a small slot or hole in which can be used with a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. When you press the pin and the latch mechanism opens, it releases and lets you pull or push on the knob.
After you have ahold of the spindle or shaft, take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Align it correctly and check whether the latch works before tightening the set screws.
After you've replaced the knob, put the rod for latching over the door's hole and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are in alignment, then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some people opt for a smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware to create an elegant, modern look that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic design, which pairs well with spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, you may prefer the lever or rim lock, which requires less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics are traditionally the primary consideration for door handle design, other aspects are increasingly being considered as well. Infection control and accessibility have been major considerations in the development of new handle designs. For example, some can be operated using a person's arm.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open may wear out as time passes. Switching out the old latch to accommodate an entirely new handle can be an easy DIY project and can make a big difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the type of knob you are using depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be a part of the knob or it could be an independent piece that is attached to the door. In either case, you'll need to follow the same process to remove and replace. The process of removing the old latch of place is fairly easy especially if the door handle has what is called a "magic button". The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob is the one you'll have to press to pull the latch out of the handle.
If your handle does not have this magic button you'll need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using the help of a screwdriver. Some have a slot in which you can put your screwdriver, whereas others simply snap off.
Then, unscrew the machine screws that attach the inner plate and latch to the door handle. These are the screws that are shorter with a pointy tip - you will have to store them in a safe place to use them again in the next steps. After the screws have been removed, you can remove the latch plate and the mechanism from the hole and put it aside.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Insert the latch plate into the door hole and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure door handle replacement cheshunt on the interior of the latch is facing the mechanism for latching inside the handle, and that it lines up with the other screw chambers inside the door handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate using the screws provided.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons for replacing the door handle is that it is loose or doesn't lock properly. This is often caused by incorrectly aligned parts in the latching mechanism, like the strike plate being too small or shifted up or down on the doorjamb as time passes. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which will provide better security for your door and keep it closed.
To check if the problem is caused by the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material on the latch bolt. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole it indicates that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is above the strike plate hole, it's most likely that the strike plate has been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
Depending on the door You may be able to simply screw the new strike plate into the existing one using the screws that come with it. However, you might need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel out some of the wood to make sure it's a good fit. If this is the situation make sure you don't chisel out too much wood or you could damage the strength of the doorjamb.
Installing a brand new box-style strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger grip on the doors and require more force to open the doors. It usually requires two longer screws to secure the strike plate to the door frame. To do this, you'll need to remove the current strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This hard-to-find strike plate is specifically designed to work with antique rim locks and it's constructed of robust solid brass with an extremely thick. It comes with machine screws and wood screws, which means you'll have the correct equipment for your task. Be aware that wood screws have a pointy tip, while the machine ones are more blunt.