Why We Enjoy Replacement Door Handles (And You Should, Too!)

How to Replace Door Handles

Door handles are a key part of your home's decor. A new handle can transform your home's decor and bring your decor up to date.

Over time the knobs on your door could become stiff, or even break. These are signs that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you choose the correct door handle replacement for your home.

Door Knobs

upvc door handle repairs near me handles can enhance the aesthetics of your house while making it easier for people to open and close doors. They come in a wide variety of finishes, colors, and styles to complement your decor. If yours is beginning appear worn or simply require an upgrade, replacing them is relatively easy and can be accomplished in just a few steps.

You must locate the shaft, or spindle, through which the knob is attached to the door. Some have a small hole that you can put a narrow screwdriver into to remove the set screws holding the handle in place. Some have a small slot or hole in which you can use the flathead screwdriver on a spring-activated pin called a detent. This pin releases the latch mechanism, and lets you pull or push the knob.

Once you have access to the shaft or spindle take the knob off of the Repair door Handle and replace it with the new one. Make sure you align it correctly and check to ensure that the latch functions properly before tightening the new set screws.

After replacing the knob, place the rod that is attached to the latch over the hole on the door. Lock it in place using the rod system on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are lined up and then thread in the screws for the latch plate and tighten them.

Some people opt for a smooth or brushed metal finish on their door hardware to give it an elegant, modern look that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Some prefer a rustic style that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you may prefer a lever style or rim lock that requires less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have traditionally been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other factors are increasingly being considered as well. Accessibility and infection control are key considerations in the development of new designs for handles. For instance some handles can be operated with a person's arm.

Latch

The latch that holds the door handle open can wear down as time passes. Changing out the old latch to fit the new handle is an easy DIY project and it will make a significant change in the way your door opens and closes.

Depending on what type of handle you are using the latch may be a separate piece or a component of the knob. In any case, you'll follow the same procedure to remove and replace. Removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple especially if the door handle has what is known as a "magic button". The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob, is the one you'll have to press to pull the latch out of the handle.

If your handle does not have this magic button you'll have to take off the cover plates placed over the latch plate. They are typically 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, while others simply snap off.

Next, you will want to remove the two machine screws that secure the latch and the plate to the front door handle repair handle. These are the shorter screws with a sharp tip You will have to store them in a secure location to use them again in the next steps. After the screws are removed, you can remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and put it aside.

Then you can begin to install the new latch. Place the latch plate in the door hole and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism inside the handle and aligns with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate using the screws provided.

Strike Plate

One of the most common reasons to replace a door handle is because it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is often caused by incorrectly aligned parts in the latching mechanism, for example the strike plate being too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb as time passes. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with an extended one, which will provide greater security for your door and ensure it stays closed.

To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply some lipstick or similar marking material to the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate's hole, this indicates that your upvc door handle repairs won't latch due to the fact that the strike plate is too small. If the mark is above the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.

Depending on your door, you may be able to simply attach the new strike plate in place over the old one, using the screws included with it. However, you may need to pre-drill holes and then chisel a bit of the wood to ensure it's snugly fitted. If this is the situation Be careful not to be too rough with the chiseling process or you may ruin the strength of the doorjamb.

You could also try installing a new strike plate, which gives the lock a much stronger grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically it requires two long screws that secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. You'll have remove the previous strike plate before drilling and chiseling the wood to create space for the new one.

This difficult-to-find strike plate is made from solid brass and has an extremely thick. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. It comes with both wood screws and machine screws, so you'll have the right hardware for your job. Be aware that the wood screws have a pointy tip, whereas the machine screws are more blunt.