Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you don't like the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. Installing a new door handle is simple if you have patience.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive look. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already.
Removing the Old Handle
Door handles are not only essential for aesthetics of your home, but they're also crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle could begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might also begin to look worn out and old. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace your door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle needs replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a serious problem as you will no longer be capable of locking or unlocking the door, which could put you and your family at risk.
It's also a good idea to replace the handle on your door when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly or children members who may struggle to open it. They could be trapped. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you are not certain that the new door handle you are buying will work, take out the old one and measure its housing holes. This will enable you to buy the right size door handle.
The easiest way to remove your old door handle is to remove it from the door itself. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with the cover plate which hides the mounting screws so you'll have to cut off this cover plate to get access to the screws beneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take an outline of how 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. This is usually done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located at the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Removal of the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll also want 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 that are circular and rectangular plate (see the diagram above that shows the parts of a door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, swap it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to hook onto the strike plate, making the handle easier to use.
The first step is to take off the screw that is holding the latch plate. These screws are often tight, and may require some force to loosen. It is helpful to have a second person help with this part if possible.
Once the screws are removed, the latch plate will slide out of the door easily. If it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes open the plate.
Now door handle repair can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the wood screws that came with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, try closing and opening the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate up or down or forward or back until the door shuts properly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, you might need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't narrow, the wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but using an iron file instead of an hammer and chisel.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that is able to move between the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into a hole on the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door wobbles when you close, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix the issue.
It's difficult to identify the screws that secure the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver and take it off. After you've removed your trim plate, it will be easy to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in the position.
If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently move it around until you feel the handle and latch start to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to let it out.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot with no issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Before installing the new handle, make sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Also, ensure whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle.
If you're replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged, then you will need a new one. If you're not changing locks the new latch will fit in your existing recess and will work just fine with the keys you have currently. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your old handles.
Then remove the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a new rose and lever designs to enhance the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets with matching the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and mechanism inside. Find an opening tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver lift it off the knob. It could have an opening on one edge or be held in place by pins.
When the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. It is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the latch and inner plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours does not, you'll need to make a hole in the door for the new handle. This is the same process for opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra cautious not to harm the door's frame or frame.
After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, so that you do not end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install a new latch plate and strike rod, which aren't included with most door handle sets.
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