How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles in your home are an essential part of the design. A new handle will elevate your space and bring your decor up to date.
Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff or even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you select the right door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
Door handles can enhance the appearance of your home, while making it easier for people to open and close doors. They are available in a wide variety of finishes, colors and styles that will complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs or need an upgrade it is possible to replace them in a couple of simple steps.
You need to locate the shaft, or spindle through which the knob is inserted to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can use an screwdriver to take out the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a thin slot or hole that you can press an activated detent pin that is spring-activated using a flathead. This pin releases the latch mechanism and allows you pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hand take the knob off and replace it. Be sure to align it properly and verify that the latch works properly before tightening your new set screws.
After replacing the knob, you can place the latch rod over the hole on the door. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned, then tighten the screws for the latch plate.
Some people choose an brushed or smooth metal finish for the door hardware to give their home a sleek and contemporary appearance. This can be matched with their other furniture. Others prefer a more rustic look, which pairs well with rustic-styled rooms. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you might prefer a lever style or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other factors are being taken into consideration as well. Infection control and accessibility are the main issues that have led to the development of new and innovative designs for handles including ones that can be operated with a person's forearm.
Latch
The latch that holds your door handle open will wear out due to the wear and tear of use. It is simple to replace the latch on your door handle. This will result in an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of knob you are using the latch could be part of the knob itself, or it could be an independent piece that is attached to the door. In either scenario, the same procedure for removing and installing is applicable. Removing the old latch of place is fairly easy especially if the door handle is equipped with what's called a "magic button". This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob, is what you will have to press to pop the latch out of the handle.
If your handle does not come with this button, you will need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pull them off the handle. Some have slots where you can place your screwdriver, whereas others just snap off.
Then, remove the machine screws that secure the plate's inner and latch to the door handle. You will need to store these screws with an angled tip in a secure location so that you can reuse them in the future. After these screws are removed you can pull the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and set it aside.
You can now begin installing the new latch. Insert the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it with the provided hardware. Make sure the square pin that is on the interior of the latch is facing the mechanism for latching inside the handle, and that it lines up with the other screw chambers of the door handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate with the provided screws.
Strike Plate
It is common to replace a door handle when it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to misaligned parts in the latching mechanism, such as a strike plate that is too short or has moved up or down on the doorjamb over time. This easy project allows you to replace your old strike plate with a longer, new one that will give you better security and will keep your door shut.
To check if the problem is caused by the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material on the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, it means that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. 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.
You may be able simply to put the new strikeplate in place over the existing one using the screws included with it, based on your door. However, you may need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel some of the wood to ensure it's a snug fit. If this is the case, be careful not to cut 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. It typically requires two longer screws to secure the strike plate to the door frame. You'll have remove the previous strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.
This difficult-to-find strike plate is made from solid brass and has an extremely thick. It's specifically designed to be used with antique rim locks. It comes with both machine screws and wood screws, so you'll have the right hardware for the job. Remember that wood screws have a pointed tip, whereas machine screws are blunter.