Replacement Door Handles: A Simple Definition

· 4 min read
Replacement Door Handles: A Simple Definition

How to Replace Door Handles

The door handles that you have in your home are an essential element of your interior design. A new handle will elevate your home and bring your decor up-to-date.

Over time, your door knobs may become stiff or even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you choose the correct door handle replacement for your home.

Door Knobs

Door handles enhance the look of your home, while making it easier for people to open and close doors. They come in a variety of finishes, colors and types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs or need an upgrade, you can replace them in a few simple steps.

The first thing to find is the spindle or shaft through which the knob is attached to the door. Some have a small hole that you can put an incredibly small screwdriver to loosen the set screws holding the handle in place. Some have a small slot, or hole, that you can use to press a spring-activated detent pin with flathead. When you press this pin, the latch mechanism releases and lets you pull or push on the knob.

Once  upvc replacement door handles  have the spindle, or shaft, in your hand Remove the knob and replace it. Make sure to align it properly and verify that the latch functions properly before tightening the new set screws.

After replacing the knob, you can place the rod for the latch into the door's hole. Lock it in place using the rod system on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are aligned, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.

Some people choose an brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek look. It will complement the furniture they have. Some prefer a rustic look that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have family members with mobility limitations You may be interested in a rim lock or lever knobs for doors, which require less pressure to operate.


Other factors are being taken into consideration more and more in the design of door handles. Infection control and accessibility have been key issues in the creation of new handle designs. For instance some handles can be operated with the arm of a person.

Latch

The latch that opens your door will wear out due to the wear and tear of use. Changing out the old latch to accommodate a new handle can be a simple DIY job and it will make a significant difference in how your door opens and closes.

Depending on what type of handle you are using, the latch could be a separate piece or an integral part of the knob. In any case, you'll follow the same steps to remove and replace. Removing the old latch of place is fairly easy, especially if your door handle has what is called a "magic button". This little pressure-slot, located on the side knob is what you will have to press to pop the latch out of the handle.

If your handle doesn't come with this button, you will need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed with the aid of a screwdriver. Some have slots where you can insert your screwdriver. Other handles just snap off.

Then, remove the machine screws that secure the plate's inner and latch to the door handle. It is important to keep these screws with sharp tips in a safe place so that you can reuse them later. Once the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and put it away.

You can now begin installing the new latch. Place the inside of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it using the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin in the interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism inside the handle and aligns with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then fix the exterior latch plate using the screws supplied.

Strike Plate

It is typical to replace a door handle because it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to incorrectly aligned parts in the latching mechanism, for example the strike plate being too small or shifted upwards or downwards on the doorjamb with time. This simple project will allow you to replace your existing strike plate with a new, larger one that will give you better security and ensure that your door stays shut.

Apply some lipstick or other marking material on the latch bolt to check if it is the strike plate. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole it indicates that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is over the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.

You might be able to screw the new strikeplate into place over the old one using the screws included with it, based on your door. However, you might need to drill holes first, and then chisel a bit of the wood to ensure it's a snug fit. If this is the case, be careful to not chisel out too much wood or you'll damage the strength of the doorjamb.

Installing a new box-style strike plate will give the lock a stronger grip on the doors and will require more force to open them. It typically requires two longer screws to fix the strike plate into 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 difficult-to-find strike plate was made to work with rim locks from the past, and it's made from durable solid brass in a heavy duty thickness. This kit includes wood screws and machine screws, so you can pick the right hardware for your requirements. Just remember that the wood screws have a sharp tip, while the machine ones are more blunt.