Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. Installing a new door handle is simple if you've got patience.
Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them an attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't already have them.
Removal of the old Handle
Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. But, over time your door handle can lose its grip, become loose, or look old and worn out. This is a sign that it's probably time for a replacement.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a problem because it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door, which could pose the risk of security for you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. door handle repair damaged or broken door handle could be extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and could get trapped inside. It's easy to replace a broken handle on the door.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the correct sized door handle.
The most straightforward method to take off the door handle you have been using is to take it off of the door itself. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However, some door handles have the cover plate which hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to remove this to access the screws beneath. After you have removed the old handle, take note of the way in which the spindle is attached. This will help you align the new handle.
Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done with an screwdriver however you'll need to find the small latch, which is located at the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then the latch away from the door's edge.
Removing the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. This is the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The box that the new handles arrive in will have two different latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the diagram above detailing door handle parts). If you have an rectangular latch plate, replace it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to hook onto the strike plate and make the handle easier.
The first step is to loosen the screw that holds the old latch plate in place. These screws are often tight, and may require some force to loosen. It is helpful to get a second person to assist with this task if you can.
After the screws are removed and the latch plate should slide out of the door with ease. 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.
You can now move on to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. Attach the latch plate to the door jamb using the screws that were included with your new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the proper position You can try closing and opening the door to see if it closes and latches correctly. If it doesn't you'll have to adjust the strikeplate either up or down or forward or back until the door closes properly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, you may need to increase the size of the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more prevalent in older doors, however it can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or are not sized correctly for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead a chisel and hammer.
Remove the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece which slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also catches a hole on the door frame to ensure that the door stays closed. If your door is wobbling when you close it, an upgrade to the latch could be the only thing needed to fix the issue.
The screws that hold the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to take off the latch and the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle in position.
If the latch cannot be easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to separate. It may take this several times before the latch comes loose enough to pull out.
After the old latch is removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without any difficulties. Make sure the latch is properly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Before you install the new handle, make sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Also, make sure that the latch size on the new handle matches this measurement.
If you're replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged, then you'll require a new one. If you're not changing locks, however, a new latch will fit into your existing recess, and be compatible with your current keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your old handles.
Remove the cover plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary design of roses and levers to make a difference in the appearance of your house. You can buy complete sets that include privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
The first step to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and the mechanism within. Find an opening tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver lift it off the knob. It could have an opening along one side or be held in place by pins.
Once the cover plate is off take off the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. You'll also want to take out the screws that hold the latch and inner plates, which you can do by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have gaps between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all have. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked however you'll have to be extra cautious not to damage the frame or door.
The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so that you do not end up with a handle that's too tight or too loose. It's also necessary to install an additional strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in most door handle sets.
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