Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like a small detail however, if you don't like the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. With a bit of patience, you can install the new handle in no time.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If your new handle does not already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately.
Remove the old handle
The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home It's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. Over time the door handle could begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could also begin to look aged and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious issue because you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, especially for elderly or children members who may struggle to open it. They may get trapped. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle.
The most straightforward method to take off your old door handle is to unscrew it from the door itself. Usually, a screwdriver is used. Some door handles have the cover plate, which conceals the screws that mount them. It is necessary to remove this to get to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, make an outline of how the spindle is attached to ensure you are able to make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one.
You can also remove the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using an screwdriver however you'll need to find the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take the handle off the strike plate, and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
When you replace the handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles are packaged in will have two latch plates: a rectangular one and circular (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate is a rectangular shape, switch it over to the round one, so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the old latch plate. The screws are typically tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist with this part if possible.
The latch plate should be removed from the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate up.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, shut and open the door to check whether it locks and closes properly. If it doesn't you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door is jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more frequent in older doors, however it can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or not the right size for the latch, or due to damaged or broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, but using the use of a metal file instead a chisel and hammer.
Take off the Latch
The latch is an angled metal piece that slides into and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also catches the door frame so that the door is closed. If your door shakes when you close it, a new latch may be the only thing needed to fix the problem.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually insert a screwdriver into an insignificant hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After removal of the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch and the bolts that hold it and the spindle that holds it.
If the latch doesn't easily be released it is suggested to use an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently twist it or jiggle until the handle and latch begin to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
Once the old latch is removed, you should be able to insert the new latch into the slot without difficulties. Make use of the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly placed in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, make sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Make door handles Repair My Windows And Doors that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
If you are replacing the latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need a new one. If you're not changing locks, however, a new latch will fit into the existing recess and be compatible with your current keys. Be sure to select an entry point with a rectangular cover plate that match your handles.
Then remove the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a new rose and lever designs to improve the look of your house. You can purchase complete sets of escutcheons, escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Look for a release tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver pop it off the knob. It may have a slot along one edge or be secured by a pin.
Once the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Place them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole into the door. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked, but you will have to be extra cautious not to damage the door or frame.
Installing new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been made. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, so you won't have a handle that's too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also mandatory. They aren't included in all door handle sets.
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