Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like something minor however, if you don't like the appearance of the handles or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With some patience, you can get a new handle in no time.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if your new handle does not already have them.
Take off the handle from the old one.
The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home It's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. Over time the door handle can become loose or feel a bit loose. It may also begin to look aged and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace your door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a serious issue because you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door which could put you and your family at risk.
It is also a good idea to replace the handle on your door if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be quite dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members have difficulty opening it, and get trapped inside. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and therefore are suitable for any door. If you are not sure if your new door handle will work, remove the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will enable you to purchase the right size door handle.
The easiest method to remove your old door handle is to unscrew it from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However, some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws, so you'll need to pry off this to access the screws beneath. After you have removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is attached. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you will have to locate the small latch that is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, unscrew the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch away from the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll also want to replace the latch plate that holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the diagram above that shows the parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it to a round one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to unhook the screw holding the latch plate. The screws are typically tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be beneficial to have a second person assist with this part.
After the screws are removed the latch should slide out of the door with ease. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate up.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with your new handles. Do not tighten the screws too much as this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and open the door to see if it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't, you will need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, forward or back until the door closes properly.
If the door is still moving or jiggles, then you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common in older doors, however it could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or the wrong size for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Take off the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When repairmywindowsanddoors turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks into the door frame to ensure that the door is closed. If your door wobbles when you close it, a new latch may be all you need to fix the problem.
The screws that support the door latch are difficult to see however, you can put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate and pry the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it should be easy to remove the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch won't release, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out.
Once the old latch is removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot without problems. Make use of the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need an entirely new one. If you're not changing the locks, however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess, and work just fine with the keys you have currently. Be sure to choose an entry point with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Removal of the Cover Plate
Door handles can begin to look shabby with time If you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets with matching privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose) that protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate and make use of a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It could have a slot along one edge or be held in place by a pin.
Once the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place, and then set it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them with the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours doesn't, you'll need to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked however you'll have to be extra cautious not to damage the door's frame or frame.
After drilling the holes after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Be sure to purchase the same size as the previous ones, so you don't end up with an handle that is either too tight or loose. You'll also need to install an additional latch plate and strike rod, which aren't included with most door handle sets.
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