Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they appear, or if they are difficult to use. With a bit of patience, you can put in an entirely new handle in a short time.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't have them attached already.
Remove the old Handle
Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home but they're also vital for safety since they let you lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle could begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could also begin to look old and worn. door handle repair is a sign that it's time to replace your door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious problem as you will no longer be able to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and end up trapped within. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will work, take out the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will help you to buy the right door handle.
It is easiest to remove the old door handle by taking it off from the door. This is usually done with the screw driver. However, some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws underneath. After you have removed the old handle, take note of the way in which the spindle is connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you will have to locate the tiny latch which is located on the edge cut piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. It's the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The box that the new handles arrive in will include two latch plates - either a rectangular or circular (see the above diagram that outlines door handle parts). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, swap it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to hook onto the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.
The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws can be very tight, and will require some force to loosen. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have another person help with this process.
Once the screws are removed, the latch plate will slide out of the door with ease. If it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the screws made of wood that came with the new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws because this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the proper position You can try closing and then opening the door to check whether it locks and closes correctly. If it does not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate up or down or forward or back until the door locks correctly.
If the door is still jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't narrow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Remove the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move through the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch may be all that's needed to fix it.
It's difficult to identify the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver in order to remove it. Once you've removed the trim plate, it should be simple to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch won't come out, try using a paper clip or a tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch start to split. It may take this several times before the latch is loose enough to pull out.
After the old latch has been removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot without any issues. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, ensure whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle.
If you are replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll require a new one. If you're not switching locks the new lock will fit inside your existing recess and will work with the keys you have already. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your old handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary rose and lever designs to improve the look of your house. You can buy complete sets of escutcheons, privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside, remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find an release tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.
After the cover plate is removed take off the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. You'll also want to take out the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside, which you can do by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.
Most doors have a gap between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. The procedure to do this is the same procedure for opening a door with locks, but you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the frame or door.
After drilling the holes after which you'll have to put in new screws for the door knob. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you won't have a handle that's too tight or too loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. They aren't included in most door handle sets.
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