Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like an insignificant thing, but if you dislike the appearance of the handles or find them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. With a little patience, you can put in an entirely new handle in a short time.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them an attractive appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if the new handle does not already have them.
Removal of the old Handle
The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home It's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock your door. But, over time the door handle could lose its grip, appear loose or start to look old and worn out. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace your door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is an issue because it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door, which could pose an security risk to you and your family.
It's also recommended to replace your door handle when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members struggle to open it, and get trapped inside. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will let you purchase the right size door handle.
The easiest way to remove the door handle you have been using is to unscrew it from the door itself. This is typically done with the screw driver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the screws that mount them. You will need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is connected to ensure that you can make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with a screwdriver but you'll need to find the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Remove the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole where the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the above diagram that shows the parts of the door handle). 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 manner that makes the handle easier to operate.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It might be beneficial to have a second person help in this area if it is possible.
The latch plate should come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now, you can proceed to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that were included with your new handles. Do not overtighten your screws as this could damage the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and then open the door to determine 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 closes and latches correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggles, you might have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't shallow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of a chisel and hammer.
Removing the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece that slides into and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also catches an opening in the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix the problem.
It's difficult to identify the screws that attach the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and remove it. After upvc door handles 've removed the trim plate, it will be easy to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch is not easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently move it around until you feel the handle and latch begin to separate. You may need repeat this process a few times before you are able to remove the latch.
Once the old latch is removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without difficulties. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged then you will need an entirely new one. If you're not replacing the locks the new latch will fit in your existing recess and will be compatible with the keys you have currently. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your existing handles.
Take off the cover plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary rose and lever designs to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It could have a slot along one edge or be held in place by a pin.
Remove the screw holding the interior handle and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. You'll also need to take out the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside, which you can do by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all do. If yours does not, you will need to drill a hole in the door. It's the same procedure as opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra cautious not to damage the door's frame or frame.
The installation of new door knob screws is required after the holes have been drilled. Choose the same size as the old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. They aren't included in all door handle sets.
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