Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. With a little patience, you can get the new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle does not already have them.
Removing the Old Handle
The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home It's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes, your door handle may lose its grip, become loose, or look old and worn out. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a problem because it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door, which could be a security risk for you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members struggle to open it, and get trapped inside. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size, so they should fit any door. If you are not certain that your new door handle will work, remove the old one and measure its housing holes. This will allow you to buy the correct sized door handle.
The most straightforward method to remove the door handle you have been using is to take it off of the door itself. This is usually done with a screw driver. However, some door handles have the cover plate which hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to pry off this to access the screws beneath. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of the way the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the tiny latch that is located on the edge trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Removing the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace your latch plate when you replace the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole where the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram which shows the various parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it out for the circular one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that holds the old latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If you are able, it could be helpful to have another person assist you with this task.
After the screws are removed and the latch plate will slide out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate.
Now, you can proceed to making the new door strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that came with the new handles, attach 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 unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and open the door to see if it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door is still moving or jiggles, then you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't narrow, the wrong size latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but using a metal file instead of the hammer and chisel.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that moves through 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 connects to an opening in the door frame to keep the door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch might be all you need to correct the issue.
It's difficult to identify the screws that attach the latch to the door, however there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and take it off. After you've removed your trim plate, it'll be easy to remove the latch as well as the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in place.
If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the recessed latch slot and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch start to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch is loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
After the old latch is removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without issues. Use your new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
You'll need a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing locks the new lock should fit inside your existing recess and will work with your existing keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.
Removal of the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your house. repairmywindowsanddoors can purchase complete sets of escutcheons, escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose) that protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.
Remove the screw that is holding the handle inside and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. It is also necessary to take out the screws that hold the latch and plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours does not then you'll have to make a hole in the door to install the new handle. The procedure to do this is similar to the procedure for opening a door with a lock, but you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door or frame.
After the holes are drilled, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Purchase the same size as your old screws to avoid getting a handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. These aren't included in most door handle sets.
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