Replacement Door Handles Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters

How to Replace Door Handles

Door handles are a key element of your home's decor. A new handle will elevate your home's decor and bring your decor up to date.

Over time, your doors' knobs can start to feel stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you choose the best door handle replacement for your home.

Door Knobs

The handles on your doors will 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 types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to begin to show signs of wear or simply require an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be completed in a couple of steps.

The first thing you have to do is locate the spindle or shaft through the knob's attachment to the door. Some have a small hole that you can insert a narrow screwdriver into to remove the set screws that hold the handle in place. Others have a thin slot or hole that can be used with the flathead screwdriver on a spring-activated pin, also known as a detent. This pin releases the latch mechanism and allows you pull or push the knob.

Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hands take the knob off and replace it. Make sure you align it properly and then check to ensure that the latch works properly before tightening your new set screws.

After replacing the knob, place the rod that is attached to the latch over the hole on the door. Lock it in place using the rod system on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are aligned, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.

Some people opt for a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware for a sleek, contemporary look that matches other furnishings in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic look, which pairs well with rustic-styled rooms. If you have one of your family members with mobility issues, you may want to choose an rim or lever lock that requires less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics are traditionally the primary consideration for door handle design, other factors are increasingly being considered too. Infection control and accessibility have been key issues in the creation of new handle designs. For example certain handles can be operated with the arm of a person.

Latch

grays door handle repairs  that holds your door handle open will wear out due to age and use. It is easy to change the latch on your door handle. This will make an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes.

Depending on the kind of handle you choose the latch can be a separate component or a part of the knob. In either case, you will follow the same process to remove and replace. Removing the old latch of place is fairly easy, especially if your 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 need to press to take the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.

If your handle doesn't have this button, you'll have to take off the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed by using a screwdriver to pull them off of the handle. Some have a small slot in them where you can insert your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off.

Then, remove the machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the screws that are shorter with a sharp tip and you'll have to store them in a safe place to reuse them in subsequent steps. After the screws have been removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and put it aside.

Now you can start on the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism in the handle and aligns with the other holes for screws in the handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate with the provided screws.

Strike Plate

It is not uncommon to replace a door handle because it feels loose, or isn't locking properly. This is often due to incorrectly aligned parts in the latching mechanism, like a strike plate that's too small or shifted up or down on the doorjamb with time. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with an extended one, which can provide more security for your door and ensure it 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 attempt to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate's hole, this indicates that your door won't latch due to the fact that the plate is too short. If the mark is above the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.

Depending on the door, you may be able to simply screw the new strike plate in the existing one using the screws included with it. You may need to first drill holes and then chisel some wood out to ensure a tight fit. If this is the case, be cautious not to chisel too much or you may ruin the integrity of your doorjamb.

Installing a brand new box-style strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger grip on the doors and require more force to open the doors. It usually requires two larger screws to secure the strike plate into the frame of the door. You'll need remove the previous strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.

This difficult-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 the job. Be aware that wood screws have a pointed point, whereas machine screws are blunter.