10 Things We Do Not Like About Replacement Door Handles
How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key part of the decor of your home. A new handle will elevate your space and bring your decor up to date.
Over time the knobs on your door could become stiff, or even break. These are signs that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you pick the appropriate replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the look of your home and allow you to open and close them. They are available in a range of finishes, colors, and styles to match your decor. If yours have started 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 access with a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a small slot, or hole, that you can use to press a spring-activated detent pin with flathead. The pin opens the latch mechanism, and lets you to pull or push the knob.
After you have gained access to the shaft or spindle take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Make sure to align it properly and test to see that the latch functions properly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, put the latch rod over the door's hole. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are in alignment, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some prefer the smooth or brushed finish on their door hardware to give it an elegant, modern look that matches other furnishings in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic look which is great for farmhouse-styled spaces. If you have members of your household who have mobility issues You might be interested in the rim lock or lever knobs for doors, which require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the most important factor in door handle design, other factors are becoming more important too. Accessibility and infection control are key considerations in the creation of new designs for handles. For instance, some handle designs can be operated by an arm.
Latch
The latch that opens your door can wear out from the wear and tear of use. Switching out the old latch to accommodate a new handle can be a simple DIY job and will make a huge difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of handle you have the latch could be part of the knob itself or it might be an independent piece attached to the door. In either case, the same process for removing and reinstalling will be used. The process of removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple, especially if your door handle has what is called a "magic button". The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob is what you will have to press to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle does not come with this button, you'll have to take off the cover plates placed over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pull them off the handle. Some have a small hole inside that you can insert your screwdriver through, while others snap off.
Then, loosen the machine screws that attach the inner plate and latch to the door handle. These are the screws with a sharp point - you will need to keep these in a secure location to reuse them in later steps. After the screws have been removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and the mechanism from the hole and set it aside.
Now you can start on the new latch. Place the inside of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin that is on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it lines up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate using the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons to replace the door handle is because it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is often caused by malfunctioning components of the latching mechanism, like a strike plate that's too short or moved up or down on the doorjamb with time. Repair My Windows And Doors allows you to replace your old strike plate with a new, larger one that will give you better security and keep your door closed.
To check if the problem is caused by the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, it means that the door isn't latching because the plate is too short. If the mark is above or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate has likely been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
It is possible to screw the new strikeplate into the one you have already installed using the screws that come with it, depending on your door. You may have to drill holes first and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a tight fit. If this is the case, be cautious not to chisel too hard or you'll cause damage to the strength of your doorjamb.
You could also try installing a new box strike plate, which gives the lock a much stronger grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically it requires two long screws that secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. You'll need to remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.
This rare strike plate is made from solid brass and has an extremely thick. It's designed to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes both wood screws as well as machine screws so you can select the appropriate hardware for your needs. Be aware that wood screws have a pointed tip, while machine screws are more blunt.
