7 Useful Tips For Making The Most Of Your Door Handle Replacement

Door Handle replacement window handle

Door handles appear to be a small detail but if you aren't happy with the style or design of them, or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. Installing a new door handle is simple if you've got patience.

Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them an attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already.

Remove the old Handle

The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home It's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. But, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, feel loose, or look old and worn. This is an indication that it's time to replace it.

One of the first indications that your sliding door handles handle is in need of replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue since you won't be capable of window locking handles or unlocking the door, which could put you and your family at risk.

Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be extremely dangerous, particularly when your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it and could get trapped inside. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.

Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will let you buy the right size door handle.

It is the easiest way to take off the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However some door handles have the cover plate which hides the mounting screws so you'll have to cut off this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. After you've removed the old handle, make an outline of how the spindle is attached to ensure you are able to make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one.

You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the tiny latch, which is located on the edge cut piece. Once you've removed the latch, remove the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch off the door's edge.

Removal of the Strike Plate

When replacing the handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The box that the new handles arrive in will include two different latch plates: a rectangular one and a circular one (see the diagram above detailing the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it to a round one, so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.

The first step is to unscrew the screw that is holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be helpful to have another person assist with this part.

After the screws have been removed the latch will slide out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This can help loosen the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. With the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws because this could damage the strike plate.

If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, shut and open the door to determine whether it latches and closes properly. If not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, forward or back until the door closes properly.

If the door is moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more prevalent in older doors, however it could also be caused by wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or the wrong size for the latch, or from a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with an iron file instead of a chisel and hammer.

Take off the Latch

The latch is an angled metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also connects to an opening in the door frame to keep the door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch may be all you need to fix it.

It's hard to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver and pry it off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle.

If the latch doesn't easily be released, try using the clip of a paper or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle start to split. It is possible repeat this process a few times before you are able to remove the latch.

It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without any problems after you have removed the old one. Make use of the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.

Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Check that the latch size of the new handle is in line with the measurement.

If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if the old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll require an entirely new one. If you are not changing locks, a new lock should fit inside the recess you have already installed, and work with the keys you have already. Be sure to select a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your handles.

Removal of the Cover Plate

Door handles may begin to look shabby with time If you replace them with a modern lever on rose design it's a quick and easy DIY project to decorate and can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.

To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.

Remove the screw holding the interior handle and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. Take off the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using a Philips Screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.

Some doors don't have this gap. If yours does not, you'll need to make a hole in the door to install the new handle. The procedure to do this is similar to the procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door.

Installing new door knob screws is required after the holes have been drilled. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, so you do not end up with an handle that is either too tight or too loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. They aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.

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