How to Replace Door Handles

Door handles are a key part of your home's decor. A new handle can transform your home and bring your decor up-to-date.

Over time your doors' knobs can start to feel stiff, or break. These are indicators that it's time to change the knobs. This guide will help choose the correct upvc door handle repair near me handle replacement for your home.

Door Knobs

Door handles enhance the appearance of your home while also making it easier for people to open and close doors. They are available in a variety of finishes, colors and styles that will complement your decor. If yours is beginning show signs of wear or just need an upgrade, replacing them is relatively easy and can be accomplished in a couple of steps.

The first thing you have to find is the shaft or spindle through the knob's attachment to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that can be used with a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that secure the handle. Others have a thin slot or hole that you can use a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated pin called a detent. When you press this pin, the latch mechanism releases and allows you to pull or push the knob.

After you 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 works 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 front door handle repair. Lock it in place using the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned then tighten the screws for the latch plate.

Some people prefer a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a modern and sleek look. This can be matched with their furniture. Some prefer a rustic style that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have family members with mobility limitations, you may think about an rim lock or a lever knobs for doors, which require less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics are traditionally the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other aspects are becoming more important too. Accessibility and control of infections have been key issues when it comes to developing new handle designs. For example some handles can be operated using a person's arm.

Latch

The latch that opens your door is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. It is simple to replace the latch on your door handle. This will result in an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes.

Depending on the kind of handle you have depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be part of the knob itself or it might be an independent piece that is attached to the door itself. In either scenario, the same procedure for removing and reinstalling will apply. It's simple to remove the old latch, particularly if you have doors with a "magic" button. The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob, is the one you'll have to press to pull the latch out of the handle.

If your handle doesn't come with this button, you'll need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pry them off the handle. Some have a tiny slot in them that you can slide your screwdriver into, while others simply snap off.

Next, you will want to unscrew the two machine screws that secure the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the screws with a sharp tip You will be required to keep them in a safe location to use them again in the next steps. After the screws have been removed, you are able to remove the latch plate as well as the mechanism from the hole and set it aside.

Now you can begin installing the new latch. Place the inside of the latch into the hole in the repair door handle and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism in the handle and aligns with the other screw holes in the handle. Then push the exterior latch plate on and secure it using the screws provided.

Strike Plate

It is typical to replace a door handle if it feels loose, or does not lock properly. This is often caused by misaligned components in the latching mechanism, like the strike plate being too small or shifted upwards or downwards on the doorjamb over time. This simple fix allows you to replace your old strike plate with a new, larger one that can provide greater security and will keep your door shut.

To determine if the issue is caused by the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material to the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door, and then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole it means that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is above the strike plate hole, it's most likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.

Depending on the door you have, you may be able to just screw the new strike plate into the existing one, using the screws that come with it. However, you may need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel some of the wood to ensure it's a snug fit. If this is the situation Be careful not to be too rough with the chiseling process or you'll damage the integrity of the doorjamb.

You can also consider installing a new strike plate that will give the lock a more secure grip on the door handle lock repair and requires more force to open it. Typically it requires two long screws to secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. To accomplish this, you'll need to remove the current strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.

This strike plate is specifically designed to work with rim locks from the past, and it's constructed of robust solid brass with the heavy duty thickness. This kit includes both wood screws as well as machine screws, allowing you to choose the right hardware to suit your requirements. Remember that wood screws have a pointed tip, while machine screws are more blunt.