It's The Myths And Facts Behind Door Handle Replacement

Door Handle Replacement It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they appear, or if they are difficult to use. With upvc replacement door handles Repair My Windows And Doors , you can install a new handle in no time. Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates which hide the screws, giving them an attractive appearance. If your new handle does not have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately. Take off the handle from the old one. The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home It's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. However, as time passes your door handle can lose its grip, appear loose, or look old and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace your door handle. If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious problem because you won't be able to lock or unlock the door and put you and your family at risk. Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members are unable to open it and end up trapped within. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the old one. Most modern door handles are a standard size, so they will fit on any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will work, remove the old one and measure its housing holes. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle. It is the easiest way to remove the door handle by removing it from the door. This is usually done with the screw driver. Some door handles come with the cover plate, which conceals the screws used to mount them. It is necessary to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. After removing the handle that was previously used, take note of the way the spindle is connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle. You can also remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can remove the handle from the strike plate, and then remove the latch from the door edge. Remove the Strike Plate You'll need to replace the latch plate when you replace the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole through which the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The packaging that the new handles come in will include two latch plates – one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the diagram above for the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it out for the circular one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to operate. The first step is to unhook the screw holding the old latch plate. The screws can be very tight, and may require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to have a second person assist with this part if possible. After the screws have been removed and the latch plate should pull out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free the plate up. Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with your new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this could cause damage to the strike plate. If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and open the door to see whether it locks and closes correctly. If not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly. If the door continues to move or jiggles, you might have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or because of a broken or damaged strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate. Removing the Latch The latch is the angled metal piece that slides between the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the door frame to keep the door shut. If your door is wobbling when you close, a new latch may be the only thing needed to fix the problem. It's difficult to identify the screws that attach the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and take it off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to remove the latch and the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle in position. If the latch won't come out you can try using the clip of a paper or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed latch slot, and gently twist it or jiggle until the that the latch and handle are beginning to break off. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to let it out. You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues after you've removed the old one. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly placed in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers. Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle matches the measurement. If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need an entirely new one. If you're not changing the locks however, a new latch will fit into your existing recess and will work just fine with your current keys. Be sure to select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your handles. Remove the cover plate Door handles can start to look shabby over time However, if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY project to decorate and will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits. To replace the door handle inside, remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Look for an release tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver remove it from the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be held in place by pins. Remove the screw holding the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside. Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all have. If yours doesn't, you will need to drill a new hole into the door. This is the same process as opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra careful not to damage the frame or door. After the holes are drilled, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure to buy the same size as the previous ones, to ensure that you don't end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. These are not included in the majority of door handle sets. 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