The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Replacement Door Handles
How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key part of the decor of your home. A new handle can bring your decor and space up-to-date.
Over time your knobs on your doors may begin to feel stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you pick the right replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will enhance the appearance of your home and make it easier to shut and open them. They are available in a wide variety of finishes, colors and styles to complement your decor. If yours has begun to show signs of wear or requires an upgrade, you can replace them in a couple of simple steps.
The first thing you have to find is the shaft or spindle through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can use an screwdriver to take out the set screws that keep the handle in place. Some have a tiny slot or hole that you can use to press the spring-activated detent pin using flathead. This pin lets go of the latch mechanism, and lets you pull or push the knob.
After window handles have gained access to the shaft or spindle take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Be sure to align it properly and then check to ensure that the latch functions properly before tightening your new set screws.
After you've replaced the knob, put the latch rod in position over the door's hole and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are lined up, then thread in the screws on the latch plate and tighten them.
Some people opt for a smooth or brushed finish on their door hardware to create a sleek, contemporary look that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic style, which pairs well with spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have one of your family members who has mobility issues, you might want to choose a lever style or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
Other factors are being considered more and more for the design of door handles. Accessibility and control of infections are the main issues that have led to the creation of new and innovative designs for handles including ones that can be operated with the forearm of a person.
Latch
The latch that keeps your door handle open is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. It is simple to change the latch on your door handle. This will result in huge differences in how it opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of knob you are using depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be part of the knob itself, or it could be an individual piece that is attached to the door. In either case, you will follow the same process for removing and replacing. It's simple to take off the old latch, especially if you have an entry handle that has a "magic" button. Located on the side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is the one you need to press to pop the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle isn't equipped with this button the first step is to remove any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver. Some have a tiny slot in them where you can slide your screwdriver, whereas others simply snap off.
Then, loosen the machine screws that hold the plate's inner and latch to the door handle. You will need to store these shorter screws with an angled tip in a safe location so that you can reuse them later. After the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and put it aside.
Now you can start on the new latch. Place the inside of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it with the provided hardware. Make sure that the square pin in the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism in the handle and is aligned 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 for replacing the door handle is that it feels loose or isn't locking 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 over time. This simple project will allow you to replace your existing strike plate with a longer, new one that will give you better security and will keep your door shut.
To check if the problem 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 attempt to latch it. If the mark is lower than the strike plate's hole, it indicates that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is over the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
Depending on your door depending on the door, you might be able to attach the new strike plate into the existing one, using the screws that come with it. However, you may need to pre-drill holes and then chisel a bit of the wood to make sure it's a good fit. If this is the case Be careful not to be too rough with the chiseling process or you may ruin the integrity of the doorjamb.
You can also try installing a new box strike plate, which will give the lock a stronger grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically it will require two longer screws to secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. You'll have remove the old strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.
This rare strike plate is made of solid brass and has a heavy-duty thickness. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes wood screws as well as machine screws so you can pick the right hardware for your requirements. Remember that wood screws have a pointed point, while machine screws are more blunt.