How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles in your home are an essential element of your interior design. A new handle will elevate your home's decor and bring your decor to the present.
Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff, or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help choose the right door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles enhance the appearance of your house while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They are available in a range of colors, finishes, and types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning appear worn or just need an upgrade, replacing them is relatively easy and can be accomplished in a couple of steps.
You'll need to find the shaft, or spindle through which the knob is inserted to the door. Some have a tiny hole that you can put an incredibly small screwdriver to remove the set screws holding the knob in place. Some have a slot or hole where can be used with the flathead screwdriver on a spring-activated pin, also known as a detent. door handle repair portsmouth Repair My Windows And Doors go of the latch mechanism and lets you pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle, or shaft, in your hand take the knob off and replace it. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure that the latch functions properly before tightening new set screws.
Once you've replaced the knob, place the rod of the latch over the hole in the door and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some homeowners opt for an brushed or smooth metal finish for the door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek appearance. This will match their furniture. Others prefer a more rustic look that is a good match for rustic-styled rooms. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you may want to choose the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have traditionally been the primary consideration for door handle design, other factors are being taken into consideration too. Infection control and accessibility are the main issues that have led to the creation of innovative new handle designs including ones that can be operated with the forearms of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open can wear out from age and use. Switching out the old latch to fit an entirely new handle can be a simple DIY job and can make a big difference in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of knob you are using depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be a part of the knob itself, or it might be an independent piece that is attached to the door. In either case, the same process for removing and reinstalling is applicable. Getting the old latch out of its place is quite simple especially if the door handle is equipped with what's called a "magic button". Located on the side of the knob, this small pressure-slot is what you have to press to pull the latch out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.
If your handle doesn't come with this button, you will need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed by using a screwdriver in order to remove them off of the handle. Some have a slot where you can place your screwdriver, whereas others just snap off.
The next step is to remove the two machine screws holding the latch and inner plate to the door handle. It is important to keep the screws that are shorter and have an angled tip in a safe place to be able to reuse them later. Once these are off, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and place it in a safe place.
Then you can begin to install 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 facing the mechanism for latching inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers of the door handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate onto and secure it with the screws provided.
Strike Plate
One of the most common reasons for replacing the door handle is because it feels loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to malfunctioning components of the latching mechanism, for example the strike plate being too small or shifted up or down on the doorjamb with time. This simple project will allow you to replace your old strike plate with a new, larger one that can provide greater security and will keep your door shut.
Apply a lipstick or other marking material on the bolt that you are using to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, this indicates that your door won't latch due to the fact that the strike plate is too small. If the mark is above the strike plate hole, it's most likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.
Depending on your door You may be able to install the new strike plate in place over the old one with the screws included with it. However, you might need to drill holes first, and then chisel a bit of the wood to ensure it's a good fit. If this is the case, you must be careful not to cut too hard or you'll damage the strength of your doorjamb.
Installing a brand new box-style strike plate will give the lock a more secure grip on doors and will require more force to open the doors. Typically, it requires two longer screws that secure the strike plate to the door frame. To do this, you'll need to remove the existing strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate was specifically designed to work with antique rim locks, and it's constructed of durable solid brass in the heavy duty thickness. It comes with machine screws and wood screws, ensuring that you have the right hardware for your job. Be aware that wood screws have a sharp tip, while the machine screws are more blunt.