Five Door Handle Replacement Lessons Learned From Professionals

Door Handle Replacement It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look or if they are difficult to use. With some patience, you can put in the new handle in no time. Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that hide the screws, giving them an attractive appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't have them attached already. Removing the old Handle Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home but they're also essential for security as they let you lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle can start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might be beginning to appear worn out and old. This is a good indication that it's time to replace the door handle. If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a serious problem as you will no longer be in a position to lock or unlock the door which could put you and your family at risk. It's also an excellent idea to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly when your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it, and get trapped in the. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken. The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and so they will fit on any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will work, remove the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the correct sized door handle. The easiest way to take off the handle from your door is to unscrew it from the door itself. This is usually done with a screw driver. Some door handles have a cover plate which hides the screws that mount them. You'll need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. Once you've removed your old handle, make note of the way the spindle is attached to ensure you are able to align it when you fit your new one. You can also remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using an screwdriver however you'll need to find the small latch, which is located just to the left of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door. Removing the Strike Plate When replacing your handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles arrive in will include two options for latch plates – either a rectangular or circular (see the diagram above detailing door handle parts). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, replace it with a circular one. how you can help will let the latch hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier. The first step is to loosen the screw that's holding the old latch plate in place. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It is helpful to have a second person assist in this area if it is possible. The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This can sometimes open the plate. You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that came with the new handles. Do not tighten the screws too much because this could cause damage to the strike plate. If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the proper position You can try closing and opening the door to check if it closes and latches correctly. If not then you'll have to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly. If the door is still moving or jiggles, then you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't small, a incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate. Removing the Latch The latch is a bent metal piece which slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door wobbles when you close it, replacing the latch could be the only thing needed to correct the issue. The screws that hold the door latch are hard to spot however, you can put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to remove the latch and the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in the position. If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item in the recessed latch slot and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. It may take this several times before the latch is loose enough to let it out. After the old latch has been removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot without issues. Make sure the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame. Before installing the new handle, be certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle is equal to the measurement. If you are replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged then you'll require a new one. If you're not changing locks, however, a new latch will fit into the existing recess and work just fine with your current keys. Make sure you select an entry point with a rectangular cover plate that match your handles. Removal of the Cover Plate You can replace your door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to improve the look of your house. You can buy complete sets of escutcheons, privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons. To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be held by pins. Remove the screw holding the handle inside and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. It is also necessary to remove the screws that are holding the latch and plates, which you can do by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside. Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the inside edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all have. If yours does not then you'll have to drill a hole into the door for the new handle. This is the same procedure for opening a locked door, but you will need to be extra careful not to damage the door's frame or frame. The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. 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