Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like something minor but if you aren't happy with the way they look or are finding them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. With some patience, you can put in a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them an attractive appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if the new handle does not have them attached already.
Removing the old Handle
The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home, but it's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. Over time, the door handle may become loose or feel a bit loose. It might also begin to look old and worn. This is an indication that it's the time to replace your door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be capable of locking or unlocking the door, which could put you and your family at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be very dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and could get trapped inside. It's easy to fix a damaged handle on the door.
Most modern door handles are standard size and so they will fit on any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the right door handle.
It is the easiest method to remove the old door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to pry off this to reach the screws underneath. Once you have removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can align it when you fit the new one.
You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
When replacing the handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the diagram above which illustrates the components of the door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular, swap it to a round one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to use.
The first step is to take off the screw that holds the old latch plate. The screws are typically tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It is helpful to have a second person help with this part if possible.
After the screws are removed, the latch plate should slide out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with the new handles. Do not overtighten your screws because this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, shut and open the door to check if it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't, you will need to adjust the strikeplate up or down, or forward or back until the door closes properly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent for older doors, but could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of an hammer and chisel.
Remove the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into a hole on the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close it, a new latch may be the only thing needed to fix the problem.
The screws that support the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate and pry the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it'll be easy to remove the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in place.
If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed slot of the latch and gently twist it or jiggle until the that the latch and handle are beginning to break off. It may take this several times before the latch is loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
After the old latch is removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot with no issues. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not changing locks, however, a new latch will fit in your existing recess, and work just fine with your current keys. Be sure to select a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.
Remove the cover plate
Door handles can start to look shabby with time If you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's a simple and quick DIY project and decorating idea that will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It could have a slot along one edge or be held in place by pins.
Remove the screw holding the interior handle and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. window handles 'll also need to take out the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside, which you can do by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours does not allow for a handle, you'll have to make a hole into the door. The procedure for this is the same procedure opening a door using the lock, however you'll need to take extra care not to harm the door or frame.
After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Purchase the same dimensions as your old screws to prevent getting a handle too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. These aren't included in most door handle sets.
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