How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a crucial element of your home's decor. upvc door handle can elevate your home and bring your decor up-to-date.
Over time your knobs on your doors may begin to feel stiff and even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you choose the right replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors can enhance the appearance of your home and allow you to open and shut them. They are available in a range of colors, finishes, and styles to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs or need an upgrade You can replace them in a couple of simple steps.
You must locate the shaft, or spindle through which the knob is connected to the door. Some have a tiny hole that you can put an incredibly small screwdriver to loosen the set screws that hold the knob in place. Some have a tiny slot, or hole, that you can use to press the spring-activated detent pin using a flathead. When you press the pin, the latch mechanism releases and allows you to pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle, or shaft in your hand, remove the old knob and replace it. Be sure to align it correctly and test to see that the latch functions correctly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, you can place the latch rod over the hole on the door. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are aligned then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some people choose an brushed or smooth metal finish for the door hardware to give their home a sleek and contemporary style. It will complement their other furniture. Others prefer a more rustic style which is great for farmhouse-styled spaces. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, you might prefer the lever or rim lock, which requires 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 too. Accessibility and control of infections have been major considerations in the development of new handle designs. For instance certain handles can be operated with an arm.
Latch
The latch that holds the handle of your door open may wear out over time. It is easy to change the latch on your door handle. This will make an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of handle you choose, the latch could be a separate component or a component of the knob. In either case, the same process for removing and reinstalling will apply. The process of removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple particularly if your door handle is equipped with what's known as a "magic button". Located on the side of the knob, this tiny pressure-slot is the one you need to press to pop the latch right out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle isn't equipped with this button the first step is to remove any cover plates that sit over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pry them off of the handle. Some have slots where you can put your screwdriver. Other handles just snap off.
Next, you will want to loosen the two machine screws that hold the latch and inner plate to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a sharp point - you will have to store them in a secure location to reuse them in subsequent steps. After the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate as well as the mechanism from the hole and put it aside.
Now you can start on the new latch. Install the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin that is on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it lines up with the other screw chambers inside the door handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate onto and secure it with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
It is typical to replace a door handle because it feels loose, or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to misaligned parts in the latching system, for example a strike plate that is too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb with time. This project allows you replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which will offer better security for your door and keep it closed.
To check if the problem is caused by the strike plate, apply some lipstick or a similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate hole, this means 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.
You may be able simply to put the new strikeplate in place over the existing one by using the screws supplied with it, based on the door. However, you might need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel some of the wood to ensure it's snugly fitted. If this is the case, you must be careful not to chisel too hard or you'll ruin the strength of your doorjamb.
You can also consider installing a new box strike plate that will give the lock a stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically it requires two long screws that anchor the strike plate to the frame of the door. To accomplish this, you'll need to remove the existing strike plate, then drill and chisel away the wood to make room for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate is made of solid brass and has an extremely thick. It's specifically designed to be used with antique rim locks. This kit comes with wood screws and machine screws, so you can pick the right hardware to suit your needs. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed tip, while machine screws are more blunt.