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 home's decor and bring your decor to the present.
Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you choose the right replacement
door handles repair near me 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 come in a wide range of finishes, colors and styles that will complement your decor. If yours is beginning to appear worn or just need an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in a couple of steps.
You must locate the spindle, or shaft through which the knob is inserted to the
patio door handle repair near me. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can access with a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that keep the handle in place. Some have a small slot, or hole, that you can use to press an activated detent pin that is spring-activated using flathead. When you press this pin, the latch mechanism releases and allows you to pull or push on the knob.
After you have ahold of the shaft or spindle, remove the old door knob and replace it with the new one. Make sure you align it properly and verify that the latch functions properly 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. Lock it in place using the rod system on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are in alignment, then tighten the screws on the latch plate.
Some people prefer a brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a modern and sleek look. It will complement the furniture they have. Others prefer a more rustic look, which pairs well with spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have a member of your family who has mobility issues, you may want to choose the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics have been the most important factor in door handle design, other aspects are being taken into consideration as well. Accessibility and infection control have been key issues in the development of new designs for handles. For example, some can be operated with a person's arm.
Latch
The latch that holds the door handle open may wear out as time passes. Switching out the old latch to fit an entirely new handle can be a simple DIY job and it will make a huge difference in how your door opens and closes.
Depending on what type of handle you use the latch may be a separate component or an integral part of the knob. In either case, you will follow the same steps to remove and replace. It's simple to take off the old latch, especially if you have doors with a "magic" button. It is located on the opposite side of the knob, this small pressure-slot is what you have to press to pull the latch right out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.
If your handle does not have this button the first step is to take off any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pull them off the handle. Some have a tiny slot in them where you can slide your screwdriver into, while others simply snap off.
Then, loosen the machine screws that hold the plate's inner and latch to the
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Recommended Browsing] handle. It is important to keep the screws that are shorter and have an angled tip in a safe location so that you can reuse them later. Once these are off you can remove the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and put it away.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Insert the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch is pointing towards the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers inside the door handle. Then push the exterior latch plate onto and secure it with the screws provided.
Strike Plate
One of the most frequent reasons for replacing the door handle is because it is loose or doesn't lock properly. This is often caused by misaligned components in the latching mechanism, for example a strike plate that's too small or shifted up or down on the doorjamb with time. This simple project will allow you to replace your existing strike plate with a longer, new one that can provide greater security and keep your door closed.
Apply some lipstick or other marking material on the latch bolt to check if it is the strike plate. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole, this means that your door isn't latching because the plate isn't long enough. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate has likely been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.
You may be able simply to install the new strikeplate in place over the old one using the screws that come with it, based on your door. However, you might need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel out some of the wood to make sure it's a snug fit. If this is the situation make sure you don't chisel out too much wood or you could damage the integrity of the doorjamb.
Installing a new style box strike plate will give the lock a more secure grip on doors and require more force to open them. It typically requires two longer screws to fix the strike plate to the door frame. You'll need remove the old strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.
This hard-to-find strike plate is made to work with antique rim locks and it's made from durable solid brass in an extremely thick. This kit includes wood screws as well as machine screws so you can pick the right hardware for your requirements. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed tip and machine screws have a blunter tip.