Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like something minor but if you aren't happy with the way they look or are finding them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you've got patience.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle does not already have them.
Removing the Old Handle
The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. Over time the door handle could begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It could also 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 could be time to replace it. This is an issue because it means that you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could be an security risk to you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be very dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members struggle to open it and could get trapped within. It's simple to replace a damaged handle on doors.
Most modern door handles are standard size and therefore will fit on any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle.
It is the easiest method to remove the door handle by removing it from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. 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 have removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to align it when you fit the new one.
You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however 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, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the part that is the one that holds the hole in which the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above which illustrates the components of a door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, replace 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 unscrew the screw that is holding the old latch plate in place. These screws can be quite tight, and may require some force to loosen. If possible, it may be helpful to have another person assist with this part.
Once repairmywindowsanddoors are removed, the latch plate should pull out of the door easily. If it is stuck or doesn't move then use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes open the plate up.
You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with the new handles. Do not overtighten your screws as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position You can try closing and then opening the door to see whether it locks and closes correctly. If not then you'll have to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts and latches properly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, then you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't small, a wrong size latch or a damaged 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.
Removing the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that moves in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch might be all you need to correct the issue.
The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can insert a screwdriver into 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 in place and the spindle.
If the latch won't come out you can try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. It may take this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to let it out.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot with no problems after you have removed the old one. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame.
Before you install the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.
You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you're not switching locks the new lock should fit in 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 modern design of roses and levers to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.
To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It may have a slot along one edge or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw holding the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all have. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. The process for doing this is the same as for opening a door with locks, but you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the door or frame.
After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new screws for the door knob. Be sure to purchase the same size as the previous ones, so you don't end up with the handle that is too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install a new latch plate and strike rod that aren't part of most door handle sets.
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