Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look or if they're difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If your new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Removal of the old Handle
Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're essential for security as they let you lock and unlock your door. But, over time the door handle could lose its grip, become loose, or look old and worn out. 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 an issue because it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door which could pose a security risk for you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, particularly for children and elderly family members who may struggle to open it. They could be trapped. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.
Most 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, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the correct sized door handle.
The most straightforward method to remove the handle from your door is to take it off of the door. This is usually done using a screw driver. Some door handles have the cover plate, which conceals the mounting screws. You'll need to remove it to get to the screws. After removing the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. But, you'll need to locate the small latch that is located on the edge cut piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to remove the handle from the strike plate and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.
The Strike Plate
If you are replacing your handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate, which is the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The package the new handles arrive with will offer two different latch plates: either a rectangular or a circular one (see the diagram above detailing door handle parts). If you have a rectangular latch plate, swap it with a circular one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate, making the handle easier.
The first step is to remove the screw holding the old latch plate. These screws can be quite tight and will require some force to loosen. If possible, it may be beneficial to have a second person assist with this part.
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 may help free 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 were included with your new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the right position, try closing and opening the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or even forward or back until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggles, you might have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent in older doors, however it could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or the wrong size for the latch, or because of damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the case then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that moves between the hole in the inner edge of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame so that the door stays closed. If your door is wobbling when you close it, an upgrade to the latch could be all you need to correct the issue.
The screws that secure the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate and pry the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to take off the latch and the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in the position.
If the latch doesn't easily release you can try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert upvc door handle into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch start to split. You may have to repeat this procedure several times before you can pull the latch out.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without issues once you have removed the old one. Use the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before 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 latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need a new one. If you're not switching locks, a new lock should fit in your existing recess and work with your existing keys. Make sure you select an entry point with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.
Removal of the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a modern rose and lever designs to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets of escutcheons, privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Look for an release tab on the plate, and make use of a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It may have a slot on one edge or be secured by a pin.
After the cover plate is removed take the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. It is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours isn't allow for a handle, you'll have to make a hole in the door. The process for doing this is similar to the procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the frame or door.
After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, so you won't have an handle that is either too tight or too loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. They aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
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