Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be something minor, but if you dislike the style or design of them, or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. If your new handle doesn't have screws already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Removing the old Handle
The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle can become loose or feel a bit loose. It might also appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is an issue because it means that you can not lock or unlock your door which could pose the risk of security for you and your family.
It's also recommended to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly and children members who might struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's simple to fix a damaged handle on a door.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and therefore will fit on any door. If you're not certain that your new door handle will work, take out the old one and measure its housing holes. This will allow you to purchase the right size door handle.
It is easiest to remove the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is usually done using a screw driver. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the mounting screws. It is necessary to remove it to get to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, make note of the way the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to be sure to align it when you install the new one.
Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you will have to locate the tiny latch which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take the handle off the strike plate and then remove the latch from the door edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
You'll have to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole through which the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The new handles will have two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the diagram above that shows the parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it over to the round one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to take off the screw that holds the old latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It is helpful to have a second person assist with this task if you can.
The latch plate should easily be removed from the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes open the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the door jamb using the screws that came with the new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and then open the door to determine if it latches and closes correctly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, you might have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent for older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or are not sized correctly for the latch, or due to a broken or damaged 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.
Removing the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move in and out of the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door closed. If your door wobbles when you close, a new latch may be all you need to fix the issue.
The screws that support the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually 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 remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in place.
If upvc door handles isn't able to come out you can try using a paper clip or a tool to free it from 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 split. It is possible repeat this process a few times before you can take the latch off.
After the old latch has been removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot with no difficulties. Use the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Also, make sure that the latch size on the new handle is in line with this measurement.
If you're replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged, then you will need a new one. If you're not changing the locks, however, a new latch will fit in your existing recess, and be compatible with the keys you have currently. Make sure you select an entry point with rectangular cover plates that match your handles.
Then remove the Cover Plate
Door handles can start to look shabby over time However, if you replace them with a modern lever on rose design it's a simple and quick DIY project to decorate and can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be held in place by a pin.
Once the cover plate is off take the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and inner plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them with 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 does not, you'll need to make a hole in the door to install the new handle. The procedure to do this is the same procedure for opening a door with locks, but you'll be taking extra care to avoid damaging the door or frame.
After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Buy the same size as your old screws to avoid getting the handle too tight or loose. You'll also need to install an additional strike rod and latch plate that aren't part of most door handle sets.
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