How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are an essential part of your home's decor. A new handle will bring your home's decor up-to-date.
Over time the knobs on your door could become stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you choose the correct door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles can enhance the aesthetics of your home while also making it easier for people to open and close doors. They are available in a wide range of finishes, colors and types to match your decor. If yours is beginning appear worn or just need an upgrade, replacing them is relatively easy and can be accomplished in a couple of steps.
You must locate the shaft, or spindle, through which the knob is inserted to the door. Some have a tiny hole that you can put a narrow screwdriver into to remove the set screws holding the knob in place. Some have a small slot or hole that you can use to press the spring-activated detent pin using flathead. When you press the pin, the latch mechanism releases and lets you pull or push on the knob.
Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hands Remove the knob and replace it. Make sure to align it correctly and verify that the latch functions correctly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, you can place the rod for the latch into the hole on the door. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned and then thread in the latch plate screws and tighten them.
Some prefer the smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware to create an elegant, modern look that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Some prefer a rustic design that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have family members who have mobility issues You may want to consider choosing the rim lock or lever-style door knobs that require less pressure to operate.
Other aspects are being taken into consideration more and more in the design of door handles. Accessibility and control of infections are key issues that have led to the development of new designs for handle handles including ones which can be operated by the forearms of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open is prone to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use. The replacement of the latch to fit the new handle is an easy DIY task and it can make a big change in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on what type of handle you use the latch may be a separate piece or a part of the knob. In either case, you will follow the same process to remove and replace. Removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple especially if the door handle is equipped with what's known as a "magic button". This little pressure-slot, located on the side knob is what you have to press to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle does not have this button, you'll have to take off the cover plates placed over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pull them off the handle. Some have a tiny slot inside that you can insert your screwdriver into, while others simply snap off.
Next, you will want to unscrew the two machine screws holding the latch and inner plate to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a sharp tip and you'll need to keep these in a safe place to use them again in the next steps. Once the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and place it in a safe place.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Insert visit this weblink into the door hole and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin in the interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism in the handle and is aligned with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
It is not uncommon to replace a door handle because it is loose or does not lock properly. This is often due to malfunctioning components of the latching mechanism, like an unbalanced strike plate that is too small or has moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb as time passes. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which can provide better security for your door and will keep it shut.
To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is lower than your strike plate hole, it indicates that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate may have been moved up or downward on the doorjamb.
Depending on the door you have, you may be able to screw the new strike plate in the door over the old one, using the screws included with it. But, you may have to drill holes first, and then chisel a bit of the wood to ensure it's a snug fit. If this is the case, be cautious not to chisel too much or you may damage the strength of your doorjamb.
You can also consider installing a new strike plate that will give the lock a more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. It typically requires two longer screws to anchor the strike plate in the frame of the door. It is necessary to remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.
This strike plate is designed to be used with rim locks from the past, and it's constructed of durable solid brass in an extremely thick. It comes with wood screws and machine screws, ensuring that you have the right hardware for the job. Be aware that the wood screws have a pointy edge, whereas the machine screws are more blunt.