How to Replace Door Handles

The door handles in your home are an important element of your interior design. A new handle can bring your home's decor and interior up-to-date.

Over time your doors' knobs can start to feel stiff, or break. These are indicators that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you select the appropriate replacement door handle for your home.

Door Knobs

The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your house and make it easier for you to open and shut them. They come in a wide range of colors, finishes and styles that will complement your decor. If yours has begun to show signs or need an upgrade it is possible to replace them in a couple of easy steps.

The first thing you need to do is locate the shaft or spindle through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can use a screwdriver to remove the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a small slot or hole in which you can use a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated pin called a detent. When you press this pin and the latch mechanism opens, it releases and allows you to pull or push the knob.

After you have ahold of the shaft or spindle, take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Make sure you align it properly and then verify that the latch functions correctly before tightening the new set screws.

After you've replaced the knob, place the latch rod in position over the door's hole and lock it in place with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are in alignment, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.

Some people opt for a smooth or brushed finish on their door hardware to give it a sleek, contemporary look that matches other furnishings in their homes. Some people prefer a rustic design that goes well with farmhouse-styled rooms. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, you may prefer the lever or rim lock, which requires less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have been the primary consideration for door handle design, other factors are being taken into consideration too. Accessibility and control of infections have been key issues when it comes to developing new handle designs. For example some uvpc window handles can be operated with the arm of a person.

Latch

The latch that opens your door will wear out due to the wear and tear of use. The replacement of the latch to make room for an entirely new handle can be an easy DIY project and it will make a huge difference in how your door opens and closes.

Depending on the kind of handle you choose, the latch could be a separate component or a part of the knob. In any case, you'll follow the same procedure to remove and replace. Removing the old latch of place is fairly easy, especially if your door handle has what's known as a "magic button". This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob, is the one you'll need to press in order to pull the latch out of the handle.

If your handle does not have this button, you will need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed with a screwdriver. Some have slots where you can place your screwdriver, while others just snap off.

Next, you will want to unscrew the two machine screws holding the latch and the inner plate to the door handle. You will need to store the screws that are shorter and have sharp tips in a safe location to be able to reuse them in the future. Once these are off you can remove the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and place it in a safe place.

You can now begin installing the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure the square pin on the interior of the latch is pointing towards the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it lines up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate using the screws provided.

Strike Plate

One of the most common reasons for replacing the door handle is that it feels loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually caused by incorrectly aligned parts of the latching system, for example a strike plate that is too small or has moved up or downward on the doorjamb over time. This project allows you to replace your old aluminium window handles (Heavenarticle.com) strikeplate with an extended one, which will offer better security for your door and keep it closed.

To check if the problem is due to the strike plate, apply some lipstick or similar marking material to the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is lower than the strike plate hole it means that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is above or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate may have been moved up or downward on the doorjamb.

Depending on the door You may be able to just install the new strike plate in the existing one, using the screws that come with it. You may need to drill holes first and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a perfect fit. If this is the case, be cautious not to chisel too deeply or you could ruin the strength of your doorjamb.

Installing a brand new box-style strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger grip on the doors and require more force to open them. Typically, it requires two longer screws that secure the strike plate to the double glazed door handle frame. You'll need remove the previous strike plate before drilling and chiseling the wood to make room for the new one.

This hard-to find strike plate is made from solid brass and has a thick, heavy-duty. It's designed to be used on antique rim locks. It comes with wood screws and machine screws, which means you'll have the right hardware for the job. Be aware that wood screws have a pointed point, while machine screws are more blunt.