Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they look or if they are difficult to use. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle does not have them attached already.
Removal of the old Handle
The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home It's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes, your door handle may lose its grip, become loose, or look old and worn out. This is a good indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a serious issue since you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door, which could put you and your family at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members struggle to open it and could get trapped inside. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size, so they should fit any door. If you're not certain that your new door handle will work, remove the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the correct sized door handle.
The easiest way to take off the handle from your door is to remove it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll need to pry off this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. Once you have removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is attached so that you can align it when you fit your new one.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, take the handle off the strike plate, and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
When you replace the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles arrive in will include two latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it over to the round one, so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to unhook the screw that is holding the latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.
After the screws are removed, the latch plate should pull out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with your new handles. Do not overtighten your screws because this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, close and open the door to determine whether it locks and closes properly. If it doesn't you'll have to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or not the right size for the latch, or from damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece that slides into and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also catches an opening in the door's frame so that the door is closed. If your door shakes when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be all that is needed to fix the issue.
It's hard to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and remove it. After you've removed the trim plate, it should be easy to remove the latch and the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in place.
If the latch cannot be easily removed then use a paperclip tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch start to separate. You may need to repeat this procedure several times before you can take the latch off.
After the old latch is removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot without difficulties. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly placed in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.
If you are replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll need a new one. If you're not changing locks, however, a new latch will fit in your existing recess, and be compatible with the keys you have currently. Be sure to choose a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your handles.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles can begin to look worn over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's an easy and quick DIY project and decorating idea that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets with matching privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the plate. upvc door handle www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk could have a slot on one edge or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw that is holding the interior handle and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. You'll also want to take out the screws that hold the latch and plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours isn't allow for a handle, you'll have to make a hole through the door. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked however, you'll need to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door.
After drilling the holes after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so you do not end up with an handle that is either too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install an additional latch plate and strike rod, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets.
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