This Most Common Replacement Door Handles Debate Isn't As Black And White As You Might Think
How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles that you have in your home are an important element of your design. A new handle can transform your space and bring your decor up-to-date.
As time passes, your knobs for your doors can begin to feel stiff or even break. These are signs that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you select the best door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your home and allow you to open and close them. They are available in a range of finishes, colors and styles to match your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or you just want to upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be completed in just a few steps.
The first thing you have to do is locate the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can access with a screwdriver to remove the set screws that secure the handle. door handle repairs littlehampton have a thin slot or hole that you can use to press a spring-activated detent pin with flathead. When you press the pin, the latch mechanism releases and lets you pull or push the knob.
After you have ahold of the shaft or spindle take the knob off of the door and replace it with the new one. Make sure you align it correctly and verify that the latch functions correctly 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. Secure it by securing it to the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are lined up then thread the screws on the latch plate and tighten them.
Some people choose a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware to give their home a sleek and contemporary appearance. This can be matched with their other furniture. Some people prefer a rustic look that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you may want to choose an rim or lever 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 becoming more important too. Infection control and accessibility are key issues that have led to the creation of innovative new handle designs like those that can be operated with the forearms of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open may wear out over time. The replacement of the latch to fit the new handle is a simple DIY job and will make a significant change in the way your door opens and closes.
Depending on the type of knob you are using the latch could be part of the knob or it could be an independent piece attached to the door. In either situation, the same procedure for removing and reinstalling will apply. It's easy to remove the old latch, particularly when you have a door handle with a "magic" button. The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob, is what you will need to press in order to remove the latch of the handle.
If your handle doesn't have this button the first step is to take off any cover plates that sit 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 a tiny slot in them that you can slide your screwdriver into, while others snap off.
Then, remove the machine screws that attach the inner plate and latch to the door handle. These are the screws that are shorter with a sharp point You will be required to keep them in a secure location to use them again in the next steps. Once the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate as well as the mechanism from the hole, and then set it aside.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Place the inside of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure the square pin on the interior of the latch is pointing towards the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it lines up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then push the exterior latch plate onto and secure it using the provided screws.
Strike Plate
It is not uncommon to replace a door handle when it is loose or does not lock properly. This is usually due to malfunctioning parts of the latching mechanism, such as a striking plate that's either too short or has moved up or down on the doorjamb with time. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which will offer greater security for your door and keep it closed.
To check if the problem is caused by the strike plate, apply lipstick or a similar marking material to the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door, and then try to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate hole, it means that the door won't latch because the strike plate is too small. If the mark is above the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
Depending on the door you have, you may be able to simply attach the new strike plate in the door over the old one with the screws included with it. You may need to first drill holes and then chisel the wood to ensure a perfect fit. If this is the situation, be careful to not cut too much wood or you may ruin the integrity of the doorjamb.
You can also try installing a new strike plate which provides the lock with a more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. It usually requires two longer screws to anchor the strike plate to the frame of the door. You'll need to remove the old strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.
This rare strike plate is made from solid brass and has a heavy-duty thickness. It's specifically designed to be used with antique rim locks. This kit includes both wood screws and machine screws so you can choose the right hardware to suit your needs. Be aware that wood screws have a pointed tip whereas machine screws are blunter.