Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws, giving them a more attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't already have them.
Remove the Old Handle
Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're essential for security as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. However, over time the door handle could lose its grip, feel loose or start to look old and worn. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.
One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue because you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door and put you and your family at risk.
It is also recommended to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly or children members who may struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's simple to fix a damaged handle on a door.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size, so they are suitable for any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the right door handle.
It is the easiest method to remove the old door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However certain door handles come with a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws so you'll need to pry off this to access the screws underneath. After removing the handle that was previously used, take note of the way in which the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located at the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you can remove the handle from the strike plate and then the latch away from the door's edge.
The Strike Plate
When you replace the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above which shows the various parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it to a round one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It might be beneficial to get a second person to assist with this task if you can.
After the screws are removed the latch should slide out of the door with ease. If it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.
Now, you can proceed to creating the new door strike plate for installation. Using the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and open the door to see whether it latches and closes properly. 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 is moving or jiggling, it may be necessary to expand the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more prevalent for older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or the wrong size for the latch, or due to a broken or damaged strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of a chisel and hammer.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that moves in and out of the hole on 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 frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, a new latch may be the only thing needed to fix the problem.
The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make an insignificant hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle.
If the latch isn't easily removed then use a paperclip 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 begin to split. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without any issues after you've removed the old one. Use your new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder has been damaged, then you will need a new one. If you're not changing locks, a new lock should fit in your existing recess, and work with your existing keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.
Then remove the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a new rose and lever designs to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and mechanism inside. Look for an release tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver lift it off the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.
Once the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. upvc door handles can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have gaps between the door jamb and the inside edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all have. If yours doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole into the door to accommodate the new handle. The procedure for this is the same procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the frame or door.
After the holes are drilled then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, so you won't have an handle that is either too tight or too loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. These are not included in most door handle sets.
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