Replacement Door Handles Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

How to Replace Door Handles

The door handles in your home are an essential part of the 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 signs that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help choose the right door handle replacement for your home.

Door Knobs

The handles on your doors can enhance the appearance of your home and make it easier for you to open and shut them. They are available in a variety of colors, finishes and styles to complement your decor. If yours have started to show signs or need an upgrade, you can replace them in a few simple steps.

You'll need to find the shaft, or spindle, through which the knob is inserted to the door. Some have a small hole that you can put an incredibly small screwdriver to remove the set screws that hold the knob in place. Some have a small slot or hole that you can use a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. 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 take the knob off and replace it. Be sure to align it correctly and verify that the latch functions properly before tightening your new set screws.

After replacing the knob, put the rod for the latch into the door's hole. Secure it by securing it to the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned then thread the screws for the latch plate and tighten them.

Some prefer a smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware to create an elegant, modern look that complements other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic style which is great for rustic-styled rooms. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you might want to choose the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have been the most important factor in door handle design, other factors are becoming more important as well. Accessibility and control of infections are the main issues that have led to the development of new and innovative designs for handles including ones which can be operated by the forearms of a person.

Latch

The latch that keeps your door handle open can wear out from the wear and tear of use. The replacement of the latch to make room for a new handle can be a simple DIY job and can make a big difference in the way your door opens and closes.

Depending on the type of handle you use the latch may be a separate piece or a component of the knob. In any case, you'll follow the same process for removing and replacing. Getting the old latch out of the way is relatively simple particularly if your door handle is equipped with what's called a "magic button". Located on the side of the knob, this tiny pressure-slot is what you need to press to take the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.

If your handle does not have this magic button you'll have to take off the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed with a screwdriver. Some have a small slot inside that you can put your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off.

Then, remove the machine screws that attach the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the screws that are shorter with a pointy tip You will be required to keep them in a safe place to reuse them in subsequent steps. Once these are off, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and set it aside.

Now you can begin installing the new latch. Install the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it with the provided hardware. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism of the handle and aligns with the other screw holes in the handle. Then push the exterior latch plate on and secure it with the provided screws.

Strike Plate

One of the most common reasons to replace the door handle is that it feels loose or isn't locking properly.  upvc door handle  is usually due to misaligned components in the latching mechanism, like a strike plate that's too small or has moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb with time. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with an extended one, which will provide greater security for your door and keep it closed.

Apply a lipstick or other marking material on the latch bolt to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate hole this indicates that your door won't latch because the plate isn't long enough. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate is likely to have been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.

It is possible to put the new strikeplate in the existing one using the screws included with it, based on your door. However, you may need to pre-drill holes and then chisel a bit of the wood to ensure it's a good fit. If this is the case, be careful not to cut too much or you may damage the strength of your doorjamb.

Installing a new box-style strike plate will give the lock a stronger grip on doors and will require more force to open the doors. It usually requires two longer screws to fix the strike plate to the door frame. You'll need remove the previous strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.

This strike plate is designed to be used with antique rim locks and it's constructed of robust solid brass with the heavy duty thickness. This kit includes both wood screws as well as machine screws so you can pick the right hardware to suit your needs. Remember that wood screws have a pointed tip, while machine screws are more blunt.