Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be an insignificant thing but if you aren't happy with the way they look or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. Installing a new door handle is simple if you've got patience.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle does not have them attached already.
Removing the Old Handle
The door handle isn't just a decorative feature for your home, but it's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock your door. But, over time the door handle could lose its grip, become loose, or appear old and worn out. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be in a position to lock or unlock the door, which could put your family and yourself at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly when your children or elderly family members struggle to open it, and get trapped in the. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one.
Most modern door handles are standard size and therefore are suitable for any door. If you're not certain if your new door handle will work, take off the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will allow you to buy the right door handle.
It is the easiest way to remove the door handle by unscrewing it from the door. This is usually done with a screw driver. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the screws used to mount them. You'll need to remove this to get to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, take a note of how the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can align it when you fit your new one.
You can also remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with a screwdriver but you'll need to find the small latch, which should be at the edge of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll also 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 a door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a circular one. This will let the latch hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier to use.
upvc replacement door handles is to loosen the screw that holds the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be beneficial to have another person assist with this part.
After the screws have been removed and the latch plate will slide out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.
You can now move on to making the new door strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that were included with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the correct position, try closing and opening the door to determine if it closes and latches correctly. If it does not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door closes correctly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, then you may have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too narrow, the wrong size latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with the use of a metal file instead the hammer and chisel.
Remove the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that moves in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door closed. If your door wobbles when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be all you need to fix the problem.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually put a screwdriver in a small hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in the position.
If the latch won't come out, try using a paper clip or a tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle are beginning to break off. You may have to repeat this process several times before you are able to pull the latch out.
After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot without difficulties. Use your new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly placed in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. You should also check whether the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to this measurement.
You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you are not changing locks the new lock should fit inside your existing recess, and work with the keys you have already. Be sure to choose a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.
Removing the Cover Plate
Door handles can start to look shabby over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever on rose design it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets with matching the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and mechanism. Look for a release tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver lift it off the knob. It could have an opening on one side or be held by a pin.
Remove the screw holding the handle inside and put it aside after the cover plate has been removed. You'll also want to remove the screws that are holding the latch and the plates inside to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't, you'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. The procedure to do this is the same procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door.
After the holes are drilled, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, so that you don't end up with an handle that is either too tight or too loose. It's also necessary to install the new strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in most door handle sets.
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