20 Trailblazers Setting The Standard In Replacement Door Handles

How to Replace Door Handles

Door handles are an essential element of your home's decor. A new handle will elevate your home's decor and bring your decor up-to-date.

Over time your knobs on your doors may begin to feel stiff, or break. These are indicators that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you choose the best door handle replacement for your home.

Door Knobs

The handles on your doors can enhance the look of your home and make it easier to shut and open them. They come in a variety of finishes, colors, and styles to complement your decor. If yours is beginning begin to show signs of wear or you just want to upgrade replacing them is simple and can be done in a couple of steps.

The first thing to find is the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some have a tiny hole that you can insert a narrow screwdriver into to release the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a tiny slot or hole that allows you to press a spring-activated detent pin with flathead. When you press this pin, the latch mechanism releases and allows you to pull or push on the knob.

Once you have access to the spindle or shaft, take the knob off of the door and replace it with the new one. Align  upvc replacement door handles repairmywindowsanddoors  and check whether the latch works before tightening new set screws.

After replacing the knob, hold the rod for latching over the door's hole and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are in alignment, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.

Some prefer a smooth or brushed metal finish on their door hardware to give it modern, sleek design that matches other furnishings in their homes. Some prefer a rustic style that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have members of your household who have mobility issues, you may think about a rim lock or lever-style door knobs that require less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have been the most important factor in door handle design, other aspects are becoming more important as well. Accessibility and control of infections are key issues that have led to the development of innovative new handle designs like those that can be operated using the forearms of a person.

Latch

The latch that holds the door handle open may wear out as time passes. It is easy to change the latch on your door handle. This will make a big difference in how it opens and closes.

Depending on the type of handle you have the latch could be a part of the knob or it could be an individual piece that is attached to the door itself. In either scenario, the same procedure to remove and install is applicable. Removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple particularly if your door handle has what is called a "magic button". The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob is what you will have to press to pull the latch out of the handle.

If your handle does not have this magic button you'll need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver. Some have slots where you can put your screwdriver, while others simply snap off.

Then, remove the machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. You will need to store the screws that are shorter and have a pointed tip in a secure location in order to reuse them in the future. After these screws are removed you can remove 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 the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch is pointing towards the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it lines up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then push the exterior latch plate on and secure it with the screws supplied.

Strike Plate

One of the most common reasons for replacing the door handle is because it feels loose or isn't locking properly. This is typically caused by misaligned parts in the latching system, such as the strike plate being too small or has moved up or downward on the doorjamb as time passes. This project allows you replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which can provide greater security for your door and ensure it stays shut.

Apply a lipstick or other marking material on the bolt for the latch to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is lower than the strike plate hole it means that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is higher than the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.

You may be able simply to put the new strikeplate in the one you have already installed using the screws that come with it, depending on the door you have. However, you may need to drill holes first, and then chisel out some of the wood to ensure it's snugly fitted. If this is the case, be careful not to cut too deeply or you could damage the strength of your doorjamb.

You can also consider installing a new box strike plate which gives the lock a much stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. It usually requires two longer screws to secure the strike plate in the frame of the door. It is necessary remove the previous strike plate before drilling and chiseling the wood to make room for the new one.

This hard-to find strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with a heavy-duty thickness. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. This kit comes with wood screws as well as machine screws, allowing you to choose the right hardware for your requirements. Be aware that the wood screws have a sharp tip, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.