How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles in your home are an essential element of your interior design. A new handle will bring your home's decor and interior modern.
Over time your knobs on your doors may begin to feel stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you choose the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles enhance the appearance of your house while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They come in a variety of finishes, colors and styles to match your decor. If upvc door handle is beginning to show signs of wear or requires an upgrade it is possible to replace them in a few simple steps.
The first thing to do is locate the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some have a small hole that you can put an incredibly small screwdriver to release the set screws that hold the knob in place. Others have a thin slot or hole where can be used with a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. The pin opens the latch mechanism, and lets you to pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hands, remove the old knob and replace it. Check that the latch is working properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, place the latch rod over the hole on the door. Secure it by securing it to the rod system on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are aligned and then thread in the latch plate screws and tighten them.
Some people opt for a smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware to create modern, sleek design that matches other furnishings in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic design which is great for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, you might prefer an rim or lever lock that requires less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other factors are becoming more important too. Infection control and accessibility are the main issues that have led to the development of new designs for handle handles like those that can be operated using a person's forearm.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open may wear out as time passes. Changing out the old latch to accommodate a new handle can be a simple DIY job and it will make a significant difference in how your door opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of knob you are using, the latch may be a part of the knob itself, or it might be an independent piece attached to the door. In either situation, the same procedure for removing and installing will be used. The process of removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple particularly if your door handle is equipped with what's known as a "magic button". The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob, is the one you'll have to press to pull the latch out of the handle.
If your handle does not have this magical button, the first step is to take off any cover plates that sit over the latch plate. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed with the help of a screwdriver. Some have slots where you can put your screwdriver, whereas others simply snap off.
Then, unscrew the machine screws that secure the plate's inner and latch to the door handle. You will need to store the screws that are shorter and have a pointed tip in a secure location to be able to reuse them later. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the latch plate and the mechanism from the hole and put it aside.
You can now begin working on the new latch. Install the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door, and secure it using the provided hardware. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism of the handle and is aligned with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate onto the handle and secure it using the screws provided.
Strike Plate
One of the most frequent reasons to replace a door handle is because it is loose or doesn't lock properly. This is typically caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching system, for example a striking plate that's either too short or has moved upwards or down on the doorjamb with time. This project allows you replace your old strikeplate with an extended one, which can provide better security for your door and keep it shut.
To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material on the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole it indicates that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is higher than the strike plate hole, it's most likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.
It is possible to put the new strikeplate in place over the one you have already installed by using the screws supplied with it, based on your door. It is possible that you will need to drill holes first, and then chisel some wood out to ensure a tight fit. If this is the case, be careful not to cut too deeply or you could cause damage to the integrity of your doorjamb.
Installing a new box-style strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger hold on the doors and require more force to open the doors. It usually requires two larger screws to secure the strike plate in the frame of the door. To accomplish this, you'll need to take off the existing strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.
This strike plate is designed to be used with antique rim locks, and is made of durable solid brass in a heavy duty thickness. This kit includes both wood screws and machine screws, so you can pick the right hardware for your needs. Remember that wood screws have a pointed point, whereas machine screws are blunter.