Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they are difficult to use. With a bit of patience, you can install the new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws for a more attractive appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't have them attached already.
Remove the old handle
The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. But, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose or start to look old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time to replace it.
One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a serious problem since you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door, which could put your family and yourself at risk.
Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, especially for children and elderly family members who might struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's simple to replace a damaged handle on a door.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you to buy the right door handle.
The easiest method to take off your old door handle is to remove it from the door. This is typically done with the screw driver. Some door handles come with an enclosure plate that hides the screws used to mount them. You'll need to remove this to get to the screws. Once you've removed your old handle, take a note of how the spindle is connected so that you can 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. This is usually done using the screwdriver, but you'll need to find the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, remove the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch from the door edge.
Removing the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll also be required to replace the latch plate that holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the diagram above that shows the parts of a door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, replace it with a round one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook onto the strike plate and make the handle easier.
The first step is to loosen the screw that holds the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.
After the screws are removed and the latch plate should slide out of the door easily. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This will sometimes free the plate up.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the wood screws that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and then open the door to determine if it latches and closes properly. If it does not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, forward or back until the door shuts properly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, then you may need to increase the size of the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more frequent for older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or the wrong size for the latch, or due to damaged or broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but with an iron file instead of a chisel and hammer.
Remove the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that moves through the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door is wobbling when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be all that is needed to fix the issue.
The screws that hold the door latch are hard to spot however, you can use a screwdriver to make an insignificant hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle that holds it.
If the latch isn't easily removed then use a paperclip tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item in the recessed latch slot and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch begin to separate. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
After the old latch is removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot with no difficulties. Make sure the latch is properly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, make sure that the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with the measurement of your existing handle.
You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you're not changing locks the new lock should fit into your existing recess and also work with your existing keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.
Remove the cover plate
You can replace your old door handles with a new lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It could have an opening along one side or be held in place by a pin.
Remove the screw that is holding the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours does not, you will need to make a hole through the door. The process for doing this is similar to the procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door.
Installing new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been made. Purchase the same dimensions as your old screws to avoid getting the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. door handle repairs near me included in all door handle sets.
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