How to Replace Door Handles

Door handles are a key part of your home's decor. A new handle can elevate your home and bring your decor up to date.

Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff, or even break. These are indications that it's time to change them. This guide will help choose the correct door handle Replacement Door Handles for your home.

Door Knobs

Door upvc windows handles add to the appearance of your house while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They come in a variety of finishes, colors, and types to complement your decor. If yours have started to show signs of wear or require an upgrade, you can replace them in a couple of easy steps.

The first thing you need to do is locate the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that can be used with an screwdriver to take out the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a small slot or hole where can be used with a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. When you press the pin and the latch mechanism opens, it releases and lets you pull or push on the knob.

After you have ahold of the shaft or spindle take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Align it correctly and check that the latch is working properly before tightening new set screws.

After replacing the knob, put the rod for the latch into the hole on the door. Secure it by securing it to the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned, then tighten the latch plate screws.

Some prefer the smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware for an elegant, modern look that complements other furniture in their homes. Some people prefer a rustic style that goes well with farmhouse-styled rooms. If you have family members who have mobility issues, you may be interested in an rim lock or a lever style door knob, which require less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics are traditionally the primary consideration for door handle design, other factors are becoming more important as well. Accessibility and infection control have been major considerations in the creation of new designs for handles. For instance some handles can be operated using a person's arm.

Latch

The latch that holds the handle of your door open can wear down as time passes. Switching out the old latch to fit an entirely new handle can be a simple DIY job and will make a huge change in the way your door opens and closes.

Depending on the kind of knob you have the latch could be a part of the knob itself, or it could be an individual piece that is attached to the door itself. In any case, you'll follow the same steps for removing and replacing. The process of removing the old latch of its place is quite simple, especially if your door handle is equipped with what's known as a "magic button". This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob is the one you'll have to press to pop the latch out of the handle.

If your handle doesn't have this button, you'll need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver. Some have a small slot inside that you can slide your screwdriver, whereas others simply snap off.

The next step is to unscrew the two machine screws that secure the latch and the inner plate to the door handle. You will need to store these screws with a pointed tip in a safe location in order to reuse them later. After the screws have been removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism from the hole, and then set it aside.

You can now begin working on the new latch. Install the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door, and secure it using the provided hardware. Make sure the square pin on the interior of the latch is pointing towards the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate using the screws provided.

Strike Plate

It is common to replace a replacement door handles handle when it feels loose, or doesn't lock properly. This is typically caused by incorrectly aligned parts of the latching mechanism, such as the strike plate being too small or has moved upwards or downward on the doorjamb over time. This project allows you replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which can provide greater security for your double glazing door handles and will keep it closed.

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

Depending on the door, you may be able to simply attach the new strike plate into the door over the old one with the screws that come with it. You may need to drill holes first and then chisel some wood out to ensure a secure fit. If this is the situation Be careful not to cut too much wood or you may ruin the integrity of the doorjamb.

Installing a brand new box-style strike plate will give the lock a more secure hold on the doors and will require more force to open the doors. Typically it will require two longer screws to secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. To accomplish this, you'll need to take off the existing strike plate, then drill and chisel away the wood to make space for the new one.

This rare strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with an extremely thick. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. It comes with wood screws and machine screws, so you'll have the right equipment for your task. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed point, and machine screws have a blunter tip.