How to Replace Door Handles
Door handles are a key element of your home's decor. A new handle will bring your decor and space modern.
Over time, your door knobs may become stiff or even break. These are signs that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you choose the best door handle replacement for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors can enhance the look of your home and make it easier for you to shut and open them. They come in a variety of colors, finishes and types to match your decor. If yours is beginning appear worn or simply require an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in a few steps.
You'll need to find the spindle, or shaft, through which the knob is connected to the door. Some have a small hole that you can insert a narrow screwdriver into to loosen the set screws holding the handle in place. Some have a small slot or hole that you can use a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. This pin lets go of the latch mechanism and allows you to pull or push the knob.
After you have ahold of the shaft or spindle take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Align it correctly and check whether the latch works before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, put the rod of the latch over the door's hole and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are in alignment, then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some homeowners opt for a brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a modern and sleek look. It will complement their other furniture. Some people prefer a rustic style that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, you may want to choose the lever or rim lock, which requires less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics are traditionally the primary consideration for door handle design, other factors are becoming more important as well. 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 a person's forearm.
Latch
The latch that holds the handle of your door open may wear out over time. It is simple to change the latch on your door handle. This will result in a big difference in how it opens and closes.
Depending on what kind of handle you choose the latch can be a separate part or a component of the knob. In either scenario, the same procedure to remove and install will be used. It's easy to remove the old latch, especially if you have doors with a "magic" button. The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob is what you have to press to pull the latch out of the handle.
If your handle doesn't have this button, you will need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed by using a screwdriver to pull them off of the handle. Some have slots where you can place your screwdriver, whereas others just snap off.
Then, unscrew the machine screws that hold the inner plate and latch to the door handle. You'll need to keep these shorter screws with sharp tips in a safe place to be able to reuse them in the future. After the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate as well as the mechanism from the hole and put it aside.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Insert the latch plate into the door hole and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on the inside of the latch is facing the mechanism for latching inside the handle, and that it lines up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate onto the handle and secure it using the screws provided.
Strike Plate
It is typical to replace a door handle because it is loose or isn't locking properly. door handles repair near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is usually caused by incorrectly aligned parts of the latching system, for example a strike plate that is too short or has moved upwards or downward on the doorjamb over time. This simple fix allows you to replace your existing strike plate with a new, longer one that will provide better security and keep your door closed.
Apply a lipstick or other marking material on the bolt for the latch to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is located below the strike plate hole, it means that the door won't latch because the plate isn't long enough. If the mark is over the strike plate hole, it's most likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.
It is possible to put the new strikeplate in place over the existing one using the screws that come with it, depending on your door. You may have to first drill holes and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a secure fit. If this is the case Be careful not to chisel out too much wood or you may ruin the strength of the doorjamb.
Installing a new box-style strike plate will give the lock a stronger grip on doors and require more force to open the doors. Typically it requires two long screws to secure the strike plate to the door frame. To accomplish this, you'll need to take off the existing strike plate, then drill and chisel away the wood to create space for the new one.
This strike plate is designed to be used with antique rim locks, and it's made from sturdy solid brass in a heavy duty thickness. It comes with both wood screws and machine screws, which means you'll have the right hardware for the job. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed point, and machine screws have a blunter tip.