Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be something minor, but if you dislike the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them and use, you should consider replacing them. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If the new handle doesn't already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately.
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 let you lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle can start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It may also begin to look worn out and old. This is an indication that it's the time to replace your door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue since you won't be able to lock or unlock the door which could put your family and yourself at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly or children 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.
Most modern door handles are standard size and therefore should fit any door. If you're not sure whether the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the right door handle.
The easiest method to take off the door handle you have been using is to remove it from the door itself. This is typically done with the screw driver. However certain door handles come with an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to pry off this to reach the screws beneath. Once you have removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to be sure to align it when you install your new one.
You can also remove the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using an screwdriver however you'll need to find the small latch, which should be at the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.
Removing the Strike Plate
You'll have to replace your latch plate when you replace the handle. It's the part that holds the hole through which the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The new handles will come with two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the diagram above which shows the various parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it over to the round one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to take off the screw that is holding the old latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be beneficial to have a second person assist you with this task.
After the screws are removed the latch should slide out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate up.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Using the wood screws that came with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much as this could damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and open the door to check whether it locks and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, forward or back until the door closes properly.
If the door is still moving or jiggles, then you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent with older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or due to damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation, use a metal filing instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removing the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that slides through the hole on the inside edge of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close it, a new latch may be the only thing needed to fix the issue.
upvc door handles that secure the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate and pry the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to take off the latch and the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in place.
If the latch isn't able to be released, try using the clip of a paper or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed, and gently twist it or jiggle until the that the latch and handle begin to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to let it out.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot with no issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Take note of the backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Also, ensure whether the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.
You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle or your existing one is damaged. If you're not switching locks the new lock will fit in your existing recess and work with your current keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your existing handles.
Removal of the Cover Plate
Door handles may begin to look shabby with time However, if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and inner mechanism. Find an 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 pins.
Once the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place, and then set it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door to accommodate the new handle. This is the same process as opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra careful not to damage the door's frame or frame.
After the holes are drilled, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, so you don't end up with an handle that is either too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. These are not included in the majority of door handle sets.
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