The Ultimate Glossary Of Terms About Replacement Door Handles

How to Replace Door Handles Door handles are a key part of your home's decor. A new handle will bring your home's decor up-to-date. Over time, your door knobs may become stiff or even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you choose the appropriate replacement door handle for your home. Door Knobs The handles on your doors can enhance the appearance of your house and make it easier to open and shut them. They are available in a variety of finishes, colors, and styles that will complement your decor. If yours has begun to show signs or need an upgrade, you can replace them in a couple of simple steps. You must locate the spindle, or shaft, through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a tiny hole that you can insert the screwdriver with a small diameter to remove the set screws holding the handle in place. Some have a slot or hole in which can be used with a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated pin called a detent. This pin releases the latch mechanism, and lets you to pull or push the knob. After you have gained access to the shaft or spindle remove the old door knob and replace it with the new one. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure that the latch functions properly before tightening new set screws. Once you've replaced the knob, put the latch rod in position over the door's hole and interlock it with 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 for their door hardware for modern, sleek design that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic style, which pairs well with rustic-styled rooms. If you have family members who are unable to move You might think about a rim lock or lever knobs for doors that require less pressure to operate. Other factors are being taken into consideration more and more in the design of door handles. Infection control and accessibility are key issues that have led to the development of new and innovative designs for handles like those that can be operated with the forearm of a person. Latch The latch that opens your door can wear out from the wear and tear of use. It is simple to change the latch on your door handle. This will make an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes. Depending on the type of handle you have the latch could be part of the knob or it could be an individual piece that is attached to the door. In either scenario, the same procedure for removing and reinstalling will be used. Removing the old latch of place is fairly easy especially if the door handle has what is known as a “magic button”. The button is located on the left side of the knob, this tiny pressure-slot is what you need to press to take the latch out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism. If your handle does not have this button, you will need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pull them off the handle. Some have a small slot inside that you can insert your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off. Then, unscrew the machine screws that hold the plate's inner and latch to the door handle. You will need to store these shorter screws with sharp tips in a secure location 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 then set it aside. Then you can begin to install the new latch. Place the latch plate in the door hole and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin in the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism of the handle and aligns with the other holes for screws in the handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate using the screws supplied. Strike Plate It is typical to replace a door handle if it feels loose, or does not lock properly. This is usually due to misaligned parts in the latching system, for example the strike plate being too short or has moved up or down on the doorjamb with time. This easy project allows you to replace your old strike plate with a new, larger one that will give you better security and keep your door closed. To determine if the issue is due to the strike plate, apply some lipstick or a similar marking material to the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door, and then try 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 will not latch. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate is likely to have been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb. Depending on the door you have, you may be able to simply install the new strike plate in the existing one using the screws included with it. upvc door handle may need to drill holes first, and then chisel the wood to ensure a tight fit. If this is the case, be cautious not to chisel too hard or you'll ruin the strength of your doorjamb. You can also try installing a new strike plate that will give the lock a more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. It usually requires two larger screws to secure the strike plate in the frame of the door. You'll need to remove the old strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one. This difficult-to-find strike plate was specifically designed to work with rim locks from the past, and is made of sturdy solid brass in a heavy duty thickness. This kit comes with wood screws and machine screws, so you can select the appropriate hardware for your needs. Be aware that the wood screws have a sharp tip, while the machine screws are more blunt.