7 Useful Tips For Making The Most Of Your Door Handle Replacement
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. Installing a new door handle is simple if you've got patience. Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already. Removing the old Handle Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're also essential for security as they allow you to 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 appear worn out and old. This is an indication that it's time to replace it. If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a problem since it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could create an security risk to you and your family. Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for children and elderly family members who struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one. Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're not certain that the new door handle you are buying will work, remove the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will let you purchase the right size door handle. The easiest way to take off the door handle you have been using is to remove it from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However, some door handles have the cover plate which hides the mounting screws so you'll have to cut off this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. After you've removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is attached to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one. You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the tiny latch which is located on the edge trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door's edge. Removing the Strike Plate If you are replacing the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the image above which illustrates the components of a door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a round one. This will let the latch hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier. The first step is to loosen the screw that holds the old latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It might be beneficial to have a second person help with this part if possible. The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This can sometimes open the plate. Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with the new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this could damage the strike plate. If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, close and open the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll have to adjust the strike plate up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts and latches properly. If the door still moves or jiggles, then you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent for older doors, but could be due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or from a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, use a metal filing instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate. Take off the Latch The latch is the metal piece that is angled that slides in and out of the hole in the inner edge of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also catches a hole on the door frame to ensure that the door stays closed. If your door wobbles when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be the only thing needed to fix the issue. It's hard to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver and pry it off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it'll be simple to take off the latch and the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in the position. If the latch cannot be easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from 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 split. You may have to do this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to pull out. It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without any problems after you have removed the old one. Use your new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers. Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle is in line with the measurement. If you are replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll need an entirely new one. If you're not changing the locks the new latch will fit into your existing recess, and work just fine with the keys you have currently. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have. Take off the cover plate You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary rose and lever designs to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons. The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and the mechanism within. Find a release tab on the plate, and make use of a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It could have a slot along one edge or be held in place by a pin. Remove the screw holding the handle in the interior and set it aside once the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that secure both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside. Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the inside edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all have. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to install the new handle. The procedure for this is the same procedure for opening a door with locks, but you'll need to take extra care not to damage the frame or door. After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new door knob screws. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to avoid getting the handle that is too loose or tight. It's also necessary to install an additional latch plate and strike rod that aren't included in the majority of door handle sets. 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