Replacement Door Handles: A Simple Definition

How to Replace Door window handles

The door handles in your home are an essential part of the interior design. A new handle can bring your home's decor and interior up-to-date.

Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff or even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you choose the right upvc replacement door handles door handle for your home.

Door Knobs

The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your home and allow you to shut and open them. They are available in a wide variety of finishes, colors, and styles that will complement your decor. If yours is beginning begin to show signs of wear or just need an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be completed in a few steps.

The first thing you have to find is the shaft or spindle through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a tiny hole that you can insert the screwdriver with a small diameter to release the set screws that hold the knob in place. Some have a slot or hole where can be used with the flathead screwdriver on a spring-activated pin called a detent. The pin opens the latch mechanism and allows you pull or push the knob.

Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hand take the knob off and replace it. Align it correctly and check that the latch functions properly before tightening the new set screws.

After replacing the knob, put the latch rod over the door's hole. Interlock it with the rod system 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 on their door hardware to give it modern, sleek design that matches other furnishings in their homes. Some prefer a rustic look that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have a member of your family who has mobility issues, you might want to choose a lever style or rim lock, which requires less pressure to operate.

Other factors are being considered more and more for the design of door handles. Infection control and accessibility have been key issues when it comes to developing new handle designs. For example certain handles can be operated using an arm.

Latch

The latch that opens your door will wear out due to age and use. 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 the type of handle you have depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be part of the knob or it could be an individual piece that is attached to the door. In either situation, the same procedure to remove and install will apply. It's easy to remove the old latch, especially if you have doors with a "magic" button. Located on the side of the knob, this small 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, the first step is to take off any cover plates that are positioned over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using the help of a screwdriver. Some have a tiny slot inside that you can put your screwdriver into, while others snap off.

Next, you will want to unscrew the two machine screws that hold the latch and inner plate to the door handle. These are the screws that are shorter with a sharp point and you'll be required to keep them in a secure location to reuse them in subsequent steps. Once the screws are removed, you can remove the latch plate as well as the mechanism from the hole, and then set it aside.

Now you can begin installing 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 interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism in the handle and is aligned with the other holes for screws in the handle. Then push the exterior latch plate onto and secure it with the screws supplied.

Strike Plate

One of the most common reasons to replace the door handle is because it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to misaligned components in the latching mechanism, such as a strike plate that's too small or has moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb over time. This simple fix allows you to replace your existing strike plate with a new, longer one that will give you better security and ensure that your upvc door handle replacement stays shut.

Apply a lipstick or other marking material on the bolt for the latch to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole it indicates that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is higher than the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.

Depending on your door, you may be able to simply install the new strike plate into the existing one using the screws included with it. You may need to drill holes first and then chisel the wood to ensure a tight fit. If this is the case, be careful not to cut too hard or you'll cause damage to the integrity of your doorjamb.

You can also try installing a new box strike plate, which provides the Euro lock handles with a stronger grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically it requires two long screws that anchor the strike plate to the door frame. You'll need remove the previous strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.

This strike plate is specifically designed to work with antique rim locks, and it's made from robust solid brass with the heavy duty thickness. This kit comes with wood screws and machine screws, allowing you to select the appropriate hardware to suit your needs. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed tip while machine screws are more blunt.