Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like a small detail but if you aren't happy with the way they look or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates which hide the screws, giving them a more attractive appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if the new handle does not already have them.
Remove the old handle
Door handles are not only an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're also vital for safety since they let you lock and unlock your door. However, 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.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious problem since you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door and put your family and yourself at risk.
It is also a good idea to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly or children members who struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Luckily, upvc door handle 's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size, so they will fit on any door. If you are not sure if your new door handle will work, take off the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will let you purchase the correct size door handle.
It is the easiest way to remove the door handle by unscrewing it from the door. This is usually done with the screw driver. However, some door handles have the cover plate which hides the mounting screws, so you'll have to cut off this cover plate to get access to the screws beneath. Once you have removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is attached to ensure that you can make sure it is aligned when you put in the new one.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. This is usually done with a screwdriver but you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located just to the left of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to take the handle off the strike plate, and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate when you replace the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole where the latch of the door hooks when the door is closed. The package the new handles arrive in will have two different latch plates - a rectangular one and a circular one (see the diagram above for door handle parts). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, swap it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook onto the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.
The first step is to take off the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be helpful to have another person help with this process.
Once the screws are removed, the latch plate will slide out of the door easily. If it is stuck or doesn't move then use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate up.
Now, you can proceed to creating the new door strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, close and open the door to see if it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate up or down, forward or back until the door shuts correctly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, you may need to increase the size of the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too narrow, the wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, but using an iron file instead of a chisel and hammer.
Removing the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that is able to move between the hole on the inside edge of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into the door frame to ensure that the door remains closed. If your door is wobbling when you close it, a new latch may be the only thing needed to fix the issue.
It's difficult to identify the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver in order to pry it off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch and the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle in position.
If the latch won't come out, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle are beginning to separate. It may take this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out.
Once the old latch is removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot without issues. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly placed in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged then you'll need a new one. If you're not switching locks the new lock will fit in your existing recess, and also work with your existing keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Then remove the Cover Plate
Door handles can start to look worn over time If you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's a simple and quick DIY project and decorating idea that will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
To replace an internal door handle, remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Find a release tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It may have a slot along one edge or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw that is holding the handle inside and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. You'll also want to remove the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Place them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't, you will need to drill a new hole into the door. The process for doing this is the same procedure opening a door using the lock, however you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the door or frame.
After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Purchase the same size as the old screws to avoid getting a handle too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. These are not included in most door handle sets.
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