Replacement Door Handles: A Simple Definition

How to Replace Door Handles

Door handles are a key element of your home's decor. A new handle can transform your space and bring your decor up-to-date.

Over time, your door knobs may become stiff, or even break. These are indicators that it's time to change the knobs. This guide will help you pick the appropriate replacement door handle for your home.

Door Knobs

Door handles add to the aesthetics of your home, while making it easier for people to open and close doors. They are available in a variety of colors, finishes and styles to complement your decor. If yours is beginning appear worn or just need an upgrade replacing them is easy and can be accomplished in a couple of steps.

The first thing you need to do is locate the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some have a small hole that you can insert a narrow screwdriver into to release the set screws holding the knob in place. Some have a thin 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 pull or push the knob.

Once you have access to the shaft or spindle remove the old door knob and replace it with the new one. Make sure to align it properly and check to ensure that the latch functions properly before tightening your new set screws.

Once you've replaced the knob, put the rod for latching over the door's hole and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are lined up, then thread in the screws on the latch plate and tighten them.

Some people opt for the smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware to create modern, sleek design that matches other furnishings in their homes. Some people prefer a rustic design that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have family members who are unable to move You may want to consider choosing the rim lock or lever style door knob that require less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics are traditionally the primary consideration for door handle design, other factors are becoming more important as well. Infection control and accessibility are the main issues that have led to the creation of new designs for handle handles including ones that can be operated using the forearms of a person.

Latch

The latch that holds the door handle open can wear down as time passes. The replacement of the latch to accommodate a new handle can be a simple DIY job and will make a significant difference in how your door opens and closes.

Depending on the kind of handle you have the latch could be a part of the knob or it could be an individual piece that is attached to the door itself. In any case, you'll follow the same steps to remove and replace. The process of removing the old latch of its place is quite simple especially if the door handle has what's called a "magic button". It is located on the opposite side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is the one you need to press to take the latch right out of the handle and off 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. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed with the aid of a screwdriver. Some have slots where you can insert your screwdriver, while others just snap off.

Then, remove the machine screws that attach the plate's inner and latch to the door handle. You'll need to keep the screws that are shorter and have sharp tips in a secure location to be able to reuse them later. Once the screws are removed you can remove the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and put it away.

Now you can start on the new latch. Insert the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin on the interior of the latch is pointing towards the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate using the screws supplied.

Strike Plate

One of the most frequent reasons for replacing the door handle is because it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually caused by misaligned parts in the latching mechanism, such as the strike plate being too short or has moved upwards or downward on the doorjamb over time. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which can provide greater security for your door and keep it closed.

Apply a lipstick or another marking material on the latch bolt to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate hole, this means that your door won't latch due to the fact that the strike plate is too small. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate is likely to have been moved up or downward on the doorjamb.

You might be able to screw the new strikeplate into place over the existing one by using the screws supplied with it, depending on the door. You may need to first drill holes and then chisel some wood out to ensure a perfect fit. If this is the case, be careful not to chisel too much or you may ruin the strength of your doorjamb.

You can also try installing a new box strike plate which gives the lock a much more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically it will require two longer screws that secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. You'll have remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.

This difficult-to-find strike plate was specifically designed to work with antique rim locks, and it's made from robust solid brass with a heavy duty thickness. It comes with both wood screws and machine screws, so you'll have the correct equipment for your task. Be  repairmywindowsanddoors  that wood screws have a pointy tip, while the machine ones are more blunt.