How to Replace external door handles and locks Handles
Door handles are an essential part of your home’s decor. A new handle can transform your home’s decor and bring your decor up-to-date.
Over time, your door knobs may become stiff, or even break. These are signs it’s time to replace them. This guide will help you choose the right door handle replacement door handles for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your home and make it easier for you to open and shut them. They are available in a wide variety of colors, finishes and styles that will complement your decor. If yours has begun to show signs or need an upgrade, you can change them in just a few simple steps.
The first thing you need to do is locate the shaft or spindle through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can access with an screwdriver to take out the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a slot or hole in which can be used with a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated pin called a detent. When you press this pin it opens the latch mechanism and allows you to pull or push the knob.
Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hand, remove the old knob and replace it. Make sure you align it properly and check to ensure that the latch works correctly before tightening the new set screws.
After replacing the knob, you can place the rod for the latch into the door’s hole. Secure it by securing it to the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned and then thread in the screws on the latch plate and tighten them.
Some people opt for the smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware to create an elegant, modern look that matches other furnishings in their homes. Some prefer a rustic design that goes well with farmhouse-styled rooms. If you have members of your household with mobility limitations You might be interested in a rim lock or lever style door knob that require less pressure to operate.
While aesthetics are traditionally the main consideration when it comes to patio door handle replacement handle design, other aspects are becoming more important as well. Accessibility and control of infections are two major issues that have led to the creation of innovative new handle designs, such as ones which can be operated by the forearms of a person.
Latch
The latch that holds the handle of your door open may wear out over time. It is simple to replace the latch on your door handle. This will result in huge differences in how it opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of handle you choose, the latch could be a separate component or a part of the knob. In any case, you’ll follow the same procedure for removing and replacing. The process of removing the old latch of the way is relatively simple especially if the door handle has what’s called a “magic button”. This little pressure-slot, located on the side knob is the one you’ll need to press in order to pull the latch out of the handle.
If your handle isn’t equipped with this button, the first step is to remove any cover plates that are positioned over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pry them off the handle. Some have a small hole inside that you can slide your screwdriver into, while others snap off.
Next, you will want to unscrew the two machine screws that hold the latch and the inner plate to the door handle. It is important to keep these screws with sharp tips in a secure location to be able to reuse them later. After the screws have been removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and put it aside.
Now you can begin installing the new latch. Insert the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door, and secure it using the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it lines up with the other screw chambers inside the door handle. Then push the exterior latch plate on and secure it with the screws provided.
Strike Plate
It is typical to replace a door handle when it is loose or does not lock properly. This is often caused by incorrectly aligned parts in the latching mechanism, like a strike plate that’s too small or shifted up or down on the doorjamb over time. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which will provide better security for your door and ensure it stays shut.
Apply a lipstick or another marking material on the bolt for the latch to determine if it’s the strike plate. Close the composite door handles, then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate’s hole, this indicates that your door won’t latch because the strike plate is too small. If the mark is higher than the strike plate hole, it’s most likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.
It is possible to screw the new strikeplate into the old one using the screws included with it, depending on the door you have. You may need to first drill holes and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a tight fit. If this is the case Be careful not to chisel out too much wood or you’ll damage the strength of the doorjamb.
Installing a new style box strike plate will give the lock a more secure grip on doors and will require more force to open the doors. Typically it will require two longer screws that anchor the strike plate to the door frame. To do this, you’ll need to take off the existing strike plate and then drill and chisel out the wood to create space for the new one.
This hard-to find 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 both wood screws and machine screws so you can choose the right hardware for your needs. Remember that wood screws have a pointed tip, and machine screws have a blunter tip.