Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like something minor however, if you don't like the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them, it's worth replacing them. With a little patience, you can get a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws, giving them a more attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have screws already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Removal of the Old Handle
Door handles are not only an important aesthetic addition to your home but they're also crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle can begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could also appear worn out and old. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem since you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door, which could put your family and yourself at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members struggle to open it and could get trapped within. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not certain if your new door handle will work, take out the old one and measure its housing holes. This will allow you to purchase the correct size door handle.
It is easiest to remove the old door handle by taking it off from the door. This is typically done with the screw driver. However some door handles have 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. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of how 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. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the small latch that is located on the edge trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
When you replace your 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 packaging that the new handles arrive in will have two latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the diagram above detailing door handle parts). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it out for 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 remove the screw that's holding the latch plate that was previously in place. These screws are often tight and will require some force to loosen. It is helpful to have a second person assist with this task if you can.
The latch plate should come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now you can move on to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. Using the wood screws that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the correct position Try closing and opening the door to check if it closes and latches correctly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or even forward or back until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the hole for the latch in the strike plate. upvc replacement door handles is more prevalent with older doors, but could be due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too narrow or not the right size for the latch, or from 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, but using an iron file instead of the hammer and chisel.
Remove the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that slides in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also hooks in the door's frame so that the door stays closed. If your door is wobbling when you close, replacing the latch could be the only thing needed to fix the problem.
It's hard to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and remove it. After you've removed the trim plate, it should be simple to remove the latch as well as the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in the position.
If the latch cannot be easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
After the old latch is removed, you should be able to move the new latch into the slot with no difficulties. 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.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Check that the latch size of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
If you're replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll require a new one. If you're not switching locks the new lock will fit in your existing recess and will work with your existing keys. Make sure you select a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
Door handles can start to look shabby with time If you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's an easy and quick DIY project and decorating idea that can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and mechanism inside. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It could have an opening along one side or be held in place by pins.
When the cover plate is removed take the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. You'll also want to take out the screws that hold the latch and inner plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't then you'll have to make a hole in the door for the new handle. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked however, you'll need 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. Be sure to purchase the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you don't end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. These are not included in all door handle sets.
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