A How-To Guide For Door Handle Replacement From Start To Finish
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. With some patience, you can install a new handle in no time. Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If the new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll have to attach them separately. Remove the old handle The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home It's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes, the door handle may become loose or feel a bit loose. It could be beginning to appear aged and worn. This is an indication that it's the 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 capable of locking or unlocking the door and put you and your family at risk. Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for children and elderly family members who might struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one. Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and will fit any door. If you aren't certain if the new door handle you are buying will work, take off the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle. It is easiest to remove the door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However certain door handles come with an outer cover plate that hides the screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this to access the screws underneath. After you've removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is attached to ensure you are able to align it when you fit the new one. You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, 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 strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door's edge. Removal of the Strike Plate You'll have to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole where the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The new handles will have two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the image above which illustrates the components of the door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it over to the circular one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to use. The first step is to remove the screw that's holding the old latch plate in place. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist in this area if it is possible. The latch plate should come out of the door once the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate. Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with your new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this may damage the strike plate. If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the correct position, try closing and then opening the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate up or down or forward or back until the door closes properly. If the door is still moving or jiggles, you might have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too small, a wrong size latch, or a damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but using a metal file instead of the hammer and chisel. Remove the Latch The latch is the angled metal piece that slides through the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks into a hole in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, changing the latch might be all that's needed to correct the issue. It's hard to see the screws that secure the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver in order to remove it. After you've removed the trim plate, it'll be simple to take off the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in place. If the latch isn't able to come out, try using the clip of a paper or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin 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. Make sure that the latch is properly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame. Before installing the new handle, be certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Also, make sure whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle. You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the handle and latch or your existing one is damaged. If you're not switching locks, a new lock should fit into the recess you have already installed, and also work with your existing keys. Be sure to select the latch with rectangular cover plates that match your handles. Removal of the Cover Plate You can replace your door handles with a contemporary rose and lever designs to improve the look of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits. The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and inner mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate and make use of a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It may have an opening along one side or be secured by a pin. After the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. You'll also need 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 plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Put them away. Not all doors have this gap. If yours isn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole into the door. The procedure for this is the same as opening a door using locks, but you'll be taking extra care to avoid damaging the frame or door. Installing new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been drilled. Buy the same dimensions as your old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also necessary. 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