Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. With a bit of patience, you can get an entirely new handle in a short time.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to create a stylish appearance. If the new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Removing the Old Handle
Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes the door handle could lose its grip, appear loose, or appear old and worn. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be able to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.
It is also an excellent idea to replace the handle on your door when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly or children members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's simple to replace a broken handle on doors.
The majority of modern door handles are standard size and therefore should fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will allow you to purchase the right size door handle.
The easiest method to take off the door handle you have been using is to unscrew it from the door itself. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws, so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws beneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to align it when you fit your new one.
You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the tiny latch that is located on the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then the latch off the door's edge.
Removing the Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles arrive in will include two latch plates: a rectangular one and a circular one (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it out for the round one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be helpful to have another person assist you with this task.
After the screws have been removed, the latch plate should pull out of the door easily. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.
You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Using the wood screws that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws because this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, try closing and opening the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If not, you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, then you may need to enlarge the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't small, a wrong size latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but using the use of a metal file instead an hammer and chisel.
Removing the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch might be the only thing needed to fix it.
It's difficult to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver and pry it off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to remove the latch as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle that holds it.
If the latch cannot be easily removed using a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle begin to break off. You may need to repeat this procedure several times before you can pull the latch out.
It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.
You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or your existing one is damaged. If upvc door handle replacement are not changing locks the new lock will fit in your existing recess, and will work with your existing keys. Make sure you select a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.
Take off the cover plate
You can replace your door handles with a modern design of roses and levers to improve the look of your house. You can purchase complete sets that include the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Look for an release tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It could have a slot on one edge or be secured by a pin.
Remove the screw holding the interior handle and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.
Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the inside edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all have. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door for the new handle. This is the same process as opening a door locked however you'll need to be extra careful not to damage the door's frame or frame.
The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been made. Buy the same size as the old screws to avoid getting the handle that is too loose or tight. You'll also need to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
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