How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a crucial element of your home's decor. A new handle can transform your home and bring your decor up to date.
Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff or even break. These are indicators that it's time to change the knobs. This guide will help you choose the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles add to the aesthetics of your home while also making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They are available in a wide variety of colors, finishes and styles to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs or need an upgrade, you can change them in just a few simple steps.
You must locate the spindle, or shaft, through which the knob is inserted to the door. Some have a small hole that you can put the screwdriver with a small diameter to release the set screws holding the knob in place. Others have a thin slot or hole where can be used with a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. This pin lets go of 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. Be sure to align it properly and then verify that the latch functions correctly before tightening the new set screws.
After you've replaced the knob, hold the rod for latching over the hole in the door and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are aligned then thread the screws for the latch plate and tighten them.
Some people choose a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek look. This can be matched with their furniture. Some prefer a rustic design that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, you might want to choose a lever style or rim lock, which requires less pressure to operate.
Other factors are being looked at more and more when it comes to the design of door handles. Accessibility and control of infections are key issues that have led to the development of new designs for handle handles including ones that can be operated using a person's forearm.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. It is easy to change the latch on your door handle. This will make a big difference in how it opens and closes.
Depending on the type of handle you have depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be part of the knob or it could be an individual piece attached to the door itself. In either scenario, the same procedure for removing and reinstalling will be used. Removing the old latch of place is fairly easy especially if the door handle has what is called a "magic button". The button is located on the left side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is the one you need to press to take the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle doesn't have this button the first step is to take off any cover plates that are positioned over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pull them off of the handle. Some have slots where you can put your screwdriver. Other handles simply snap off.
Then, unscrew Repair My Windows And Doors that attach the plate's inner and latch to the door handle. You will need to store these shorter screws with a pointed tip in a safe place to be able to reuse them later. Once the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and put it away.
You can now begin working on the new latch. Insert the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin in the interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism in the handle and is aligned with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
It is not uncommon to replace a door handle if it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is often caused by malfunctioning components of the latching mechanism, like an unbalanced strike plate that is too short or moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb over time. This project lets 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 some 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 means that the door won't latch because the strike plate is too small. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate is likely to have been moved up or downward on the doorjamb.
Depending on the door You may be able to just screw the new strike plate in the door over the old one, using the screws that come with it. You may need to drill holes first and then chisel the wood to ensure a tight fit. If this is the situation make sure you don't cut too much wood or you may ruin the integrity of the doorjamb.
You could also try installing a new strike plate, which provides the lock with a stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically it requires two long screws that anchor the strike plate to the door frame. 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 of solid brass and has an extremely thick. It's specifically designed to be used with antique rim locks. It comes with machine screws and wood screws, so you'll have the right equipment for your task. Just remember that the wood screws have a pointy edge, whereas the machine screws are more blunt.