Why Nobody Cares About Replacement Door Handles
How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are an essential part of the decor of your home. A new handle can bring your decor and space up to date.
Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff or even break. These are signs it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you select the appropriate replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors can enhance the appearance of your house and make it easier to open and close them. They are available in a range of finishes, colors and styles to match your decor. If yours is beginning appear worn or you just want to upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be completed in a couple of steps.
The first thing to do is locate the shaft or spindle through which the knob is attached to the door. Some have a small hole that you can insert an incredibly small screwdriver to loosen the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a small slot, or hole, that allows you to press an activated detent pin that is spring-activated using a flathead. This pin releases the latch mechanism, and lets you to pull or push the knob.
Once learn more have the spindle or shaft, in your hand, remove the old knob and replace it. Check that the latch functions properly before tightening new set screws.
After replacing the knob, put the rod of the latch over the door's hole and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are aligned then thread the screws on the latch plate and tighten the screws.
Some people prefer a smooth or brushed metal finish for the door hardware to give their home a sleek and contemporary appearance. It will complement their furniture. Others prefer a more rustic look which is great for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have a member of your family who has mobility issues, you might want to choose the lever or rim lock that requires less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics are traditionally the primary consideration for door handle design, other aspects are being taken into consideration as well. Accessibility and control of infections are key issues that have led to the development of new and innovative designs for handles including ones that can be operated with the forearms of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open can wear down as time passes. Changing out the old latch to make room for a new handle can be an easy DIY task and will make a significant change in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on what type of handle you are using, the latch could be a separate piece or a part of the knob. In either case, you will follow the same process for removing and replacing. Getting the old latch out of its place is quite simple particularly if your door handle has what is called a "magic button". Located on the side of the knob, this tiny pressure-slot is what you have to press to take the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle does not have this button the first step is to take off any cover plates that sit over the latch plate. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed by using a screwdriver to pry them off of the handle. Some have a tiny slot in them that you can insert your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off.
Then, loosen the machine screws that secure the inner plate and latch to the door handle. These are the screws with a sharp tip and you'll have to store them in a safe place to reuse them in later steps. Once the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and put it away.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Insert the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin in the interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism in the handle and aligns with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate onto the handle and secure it with the screws provided.
Strike Plate
It is common to replace a door handle because it feels loose, or doesn't lock properly. This is typically caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching system, for example a striking plate that's either too small or has moved upwards or down on the doorjamb with time. This easy project allows you to replace your old strike plate with a new, larger one that will provide better security and ensure that your door stays shut.
To determine if the issue is caused by the strike plate, apply some lipstick or a similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole this indicates that your door won't latch because 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 simply install the new strike plate in the door over the old one, using the screws included with it. However, you may need to drill holes first, and then chisel some of the wood to make sure it's a good fit. If this is the situation make sure you don't chisel out 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 stronger grip on doors and require more force to open them. Typically it will require two longer screws that anchor the strike plate to the frame of the door. To do this, you'll have to take off the existing strike plate and then drill and chisel out the wood to make room for the new one.
This hard-to find strike plate is made of solid brass and has an extremely thick. It's specifically designed to be used with antique rim locks. It comes with machine screws and wood screws, so you'll have the right hardware for your job. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed tip, while machine screws are more blunt.