Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like something minor, but if you dislike the appearance of the handles or are finding them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. With a bit of patience, you can put in the new handle in no time.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If your new handle does not have them already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Removal of the old Handle
Door handles aren't just an essential for aesthetics of your home but they're also crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle can start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could be beginning to appear worn out and old. This is an indication that it's the time to replace your door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is an issue because it means you can not lock or unlock your door, which could pose an security risk to you and your family.
It's also an excellent idea to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and could get trapped in the. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.
Most modern door handles are standard size, so they will fit on any door. If you aren't sure if the new door handle you are buying will work, take off the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will help you to buy the correct sized door handle.
The easiest way to take off your old door handle is to unscrew it from the door itself. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However some door handles have the cover plate which hides the screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws underneath. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of how the spindle is connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the small latch which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you can remove the handle from the strike plate, and then remove the latch from the door edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
If you are replacing the handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram which illustrates the components of the door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with an oval one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.
The first step is to unscrew the screw that is holding the latch plate in place. The screws can be very tight and will require some force to loosen. It may be 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 it is stuck or doesn't move then use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.
Now you can move on to creating the new door strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that came with your new handles. Do not overtighten your screws because this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position You can try closing and opening the door to see whether it latches and closes correctly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, then it may be necessary to expand the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more common in older doors, however it can happen due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or the wrong size for the latch, or because of damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure as adjusting the strike plate, using a metal file instead of the hammer and chisel.
Removing the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that slides between the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. window handles is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the door's frame so that the door is closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch may be the only thing needed to correct the issue.
The screws that support the door latch are difficult to see however, you can put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle.
If the latch is not easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle begin to separate. It is possible repeat this process a few times before you are able to pull the latch out.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot with no issues after you've removed the old one. Use your new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Also, make sure that the latch size on the new handle is a good match to this measurement.
If you're replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged, then you'll require a new one. If you're not replacing the locks however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess, and be compatible with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.
Remove the cover plate
Door handles can begin to look shabby with time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever on rose design it's a simple and quick DIY project to decorate and will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and mechanism inside. Look for an release tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It may have a slot on one edge or be held by a pin.
Remove the screw that is holding the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole in the door for the new handle. The procedure to do this is the same procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll need to take extra care not to damage the door or frame.
After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to avoid getting a handle that is too loose or tight. It's also necessary to install an additional strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with most door handle sets.
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