Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like something minor, but if you dislike the way they look or find them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to create a stylish appearance. If your new handle doesn't already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately.
Removal of the old Handle
Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home but they're also crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle can become loose or feel loose. It could be beginning to appear worn out and old. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.
One of the first indications that your door handle needs replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be in a position to lock or unlock the door which could put you and your family at risk.
It is also recommended to replace the handle on your door if it is damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for children and elderly family members who may struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's easy to replace a broken handle on doors.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will help you to buy the right door handle.
It is the easiest way to take off the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. Once you have removed the old handle, make note of the way the spindle is connected so that you can be sure to align it when you install your new one.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the small latch which is located on the edge cut piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to take the handle off the strike plate, and then remove the latch from the door edge.
The Strike Plate
If you are replacing your handle, you'll also need to replace the latch plate, which is the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles are packaged in will have two latch plates: either a rectangular or circular (see the diagram above for the components of a door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook onto the strike plate and make the handle easier to use.
The first step is to loosen the screw that's holding the latch plate in place. These screws are often tight and will require some force to loosen. It might be beneficial to have a second person help with this part if possible.
Once upvc door handle are removed and the latch plate should 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 may help free the plate.
You can now move on to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. Using the screws made of wood that came with the new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, try closing and then opening the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If not, you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or even forward or back until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door is still jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more frequent in older doors, however it could also be caused by wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or the wrong size for the latch, or because of damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, using a metal file instead of the hammer and chisel.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move in and out of the hole in the inner edge of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks in a hole on the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, changing the latch may be all you need to fix it.
The screws that hold the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make a small hole in the trim plate and pry the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it will be easy to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in place.
If the latch won't be released it is suggested to use an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently move it around until you feel the handle and latch begin to separate. It may take this several times before the latch is loose enough to pull out.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without issues after you've removed the old one. Make use of the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly placed in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Also, make sure whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches this measurement.
If you are replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged, then you'll require a new one. If you're not changing the locks, however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess and will be compatible with the keys you have currently. Make sure you select an entry point with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.
Then remove the Cover Plate
Door handles can start to look shabby with time If you replace them with a modern lever on rose design it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and inner mechanism. Look for an release tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It may have an opening on one side or be held by a pin.
When the cover plate is removed take off the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. It is also necessary to take out the screws that hold the latch and inner plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Place them aside.
Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all have. If it doesn't, you'll need to drill a hole in the door for the new handle. The process for doing this is the same as opening a door using the lock, however you'll be taking extra care to avoid damaging the frame or door.
After the holes are drilled, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Be sure to purchase the same size as the previous 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 strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in most door handle sets.
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