How To Tell If You're Prepared To Go After Door Handle Replacement

Door Handle Replacement Door handles seem like something minor but if you aren't happy with the style or design of them, or find them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. Installing the new handle on your door is easy if you have patience. Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them an attractive look. If the new handle doesn't already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately. Removal of the old Handle Door handles are not only essential for aesthetics of your home but they're also essential for security as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes, your door handle may lose its grip, become loose, or appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time to replace it. If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a problem because it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door, which could pose a security risk for you and your family. Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is dangerous, especially for elderly and children members who may struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the old one. The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and so they are suitable for any door. If you aren't certain if your new door handle will work, take out the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will allow you to buy the right door handle. It is easiest to take off the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However some door handles have the cover plate which hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to remove this to access the screws underneath. After you have removed the old handle, make a note of the way the spindle is attached. This will assist you in aligning the new handle. You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. This is usually done with a screwdriver but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be on the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door. Take off the Strike Plate You'll need to replace the latch plate when you replace the handle. It's the part that holds the hole through which the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The packaging that the new handles come in will have two latch plates – either a rectangular or circular (see the diagram above detailing door handle parts). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it to a circular one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to use. The first step is to remove the screw that holds the old latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to have a second person help with this part if possible. The latch plate should come out of the door once 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 free up the plate. Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. With the wood screws that came with the new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much as this could cause damage to the strike plate. If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the proper position, try closing and then opening the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or move it forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly. If the door is still moving or jiggles, then you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or the wrong size for the latch, or from damage or a 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. Remove the Latch The latch is an angled metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks in a hole on the door's frame so that the door is closed. If www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is wobbling when you close it, a new latch may be the only thing needed to fix the problem. It's hard to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and take it off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle. If the latch won't be released, try using the clip of a paper or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to pull out. After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot without problems. Use your new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers. Before you install the new handle, be sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle is in line with the measurement. You'll need a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or your existing one is damaged. If you're not switching locks, a new lock should fit into your existing recess and work with your current keys. Be sure to select an entry point with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles. Take off the cover plate Door handles can start to look shabby with time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY project and decorating idea that can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits. To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find a release tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It could have a slot on one edge or be secured by a pin. Remove the screw holding the handle inside and put it aside after the cover plate has been removed. It is also necessary to take out the screws that hold the latch and inner plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Set them aside. Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours doesn't allow for a handle, you'll have to make a hole in the door. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked however you'll need to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door. After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Be sure to purchase the same size as the previous ones, so you do not end up with a handle that's too tight or too loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. These are not included in most door handle sets. 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