How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key part of your home's decor. A new handle can bring your home's decor up to date.
Over time, your door knobs may become stiff, or even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you choose the right replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles add to the appearance of your home while also making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They come in a variety of colors, finishes, and types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to appear worn or you just want to upgrade replacing them is easy and can be accomplished in a couple of steps.
The first thing 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 an screwdriver to take out the set screws that keep the handle in place. Others have a thin slot or hole where 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 hands, remove the old knob and replace it. Be sure to align it properly and verify that the latch is working properly before tightening your new set screws.
After replacing the knob, place the latch rod over the door's hole. Lock repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk in place using the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned then tighten the screws on the latch plate.
Some homeowners opt for an brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware to give their home a sleek and contemporary look. This will match their furniture. Others prefer a more rustic look which is great for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, you may want to choose an rim or lever lock, which requires less pressure to operate.
Other aspects are being looked at more and more when it comes to the design of door handles. Accessibility and control of infections have been major considerations in the development of new designs for handles. For example, some can be operated with an arm.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. It is simple to change the latch on your door handle. This will make a big difference in how it opens and closes.
Depending on the type of knob you have, the latch may be a part of the knob itself, or it could be an independent piece that is attached to the door itself. In either case, you will follow the same steps for removing and replacing. Removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple, especially if your door handle has what is called a "magic button". This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob is what you will need to press in order to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle does not have this magic button you will need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using the help of a screwdriver. Some have a small hole in them where you can put your screwdriver, whereas others simply snap off.
Next, you will want to loosen the two machine screws holding the latch and the inner plate to the door handle. It is important to keep these screws with an angled tip in a safe place to be able to reuse them later. After these screws are removed you can remove the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and place it in a safe place.
Now you can start on the new latch. Place the inside of the latch into the hole in the door, and secure it using the hardware provided. Make sure the square pin on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers of the door handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
It is common to replace a door handle because it is loose or does not lock properly. This is usually caused by misaligned parts in the latching system, for example a striking plate that's either too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb with time. This simple fix allows you to replace your old strike plate with a longer, new one that will provide better security and keep your door closed.
To check if the problem is caused by the strike plate, apply some 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 this means that your door won't latch due to the fact that the plate isn't long enough. If the mark is higher than the strike plate hole, it's most likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.
You may be able simply to put the new strikeplate in the one you have already installed by using the screws supplied with it, depending on your door. However, you may need to drill holes first, and then chisel some of the wood to ensure it's a good fit. If this is the case, you must be cautious not to chisel too hard or you'll ruin the strength of your doorjamb.
Installing a new box-style strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger grip on doors and will require more force to open the doors. It usually requires two longer screws to anchor the strike plate in the door frame. You'll need remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This hard-to-find strike plate is designed to be used with antique rim locks and it's made from sturdy solid brass in a heavy duty thickness. This kit comes with wood screws as well as machine screws, so you can pick the right hardware to suit your requirements. Make sure to note that the wood screws have a pointy edge, whereas the machine screws are more blunt.