How to Replace Door Handles

The door double glazed handles in your home are an important element of your decor. A new handle can bring your home's decor and interior modern.

Over time, your knobs for your doors can begin to feel stiff, or break. These are indicators that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you choose the correct door handle replacement for your home.

upvc door locks and handles Knobs

Door handles enhance the appearance of your house while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They come in a wide variety of finishes, colors, and types to match your decor. If yours is beginning to appear worn or just need an upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in just a few steps.

The first thing to do is locate the spindle or shaft through the knob's attachment to the door. Some knobs have a tiny hole that you can insert a narrow screwdriver into to release the set screws holding the knob in place. Others have a thin slot or hole where you can use a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated pin called a detent. This pin lets go of the latch mechanism and allows you pull or push the knob.

Once you have access to the spindle or shaft, remove the old door knob and replace it with the new one. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure whether the latch works before tightening the new set screws.

After replacing the knob, you can place the latch rod over the replacement upvc door handle's hole. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Ensure that the holes are in alignment, then tighten the screws on the latch plate.

Some people opt for a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware to create modern, sleek design that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic look that is a good match for rustic-styled rooms. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you might prefer the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have been the primary consideration for door handle design, other factors are becoming more important too. Accessibility and control of infections are key issues that have led to the development of new and innovative designs for handles, such as ones that can be operated with a person's forearm.

Latch

The latch that holds the handle of your door open may wear out as time passes. Changing out the old latch to accommodate a new handle can be a simple DIY job and it will make a significant difference in how your door opens and closes.

Depending on the kind of brompton carry handle you choose the latch may be a separate piece or a component of the knob. In either situation, the same procedure for removing and reinstalling will apply. Getting the old latch out of the way is relatively simple particularly if your door handle has what's called a "magic button". It is located on the opposite side of the knob, this tiny pressure-slot is the one you need to press to take the latch out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism.

If your handle doesn't have this magical button the first step is to take off any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed using a screwdriver in order to remove them off the handle. Some have slots where you can put your screwdriver. Other handles just snap off.

Then, unscrew the machine screws that attach the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a sharp point You will need to keep these in a safe location to reuse them in later steps. After the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and the mechanism from the hole, and then set it aside.

You can now begin working on the new latch. Insert the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin in the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism in the handle and is aligned with the other screw holes in the handle. Then, push the outside latch plate onto and secure it with the screws provided.

Strike Plate

It is not uncommon to replace a door handle when it feels loose, or does not lock properly. This is often caused by misaligned components in the latching mechanism, like an unbalanced strike plate that is too small or has moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb over time. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which will provide more security for your door and will keep it shut.

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

You may be able simply to put the new strikeplate in the existing one by using the screws supplied with it, based on the door. But, you may have to pre-drill holes and then chisel some of the wood to ensure it's a good fit. If this is the case Be careful not to be too rough with the chiseling process or you may ruin the strength of the doorjamb.

You could also try installing a new strike plate, which provides the lock with a stronger grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically it will require two longer screws that secure the strike plate to the door frame. To do this, you'll need to remove the current strike plate, then drill and chisel out the wood to create space for the new one.

This rare strike plate is made of solid brass and has an extremely thick. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes wood screws as well as machine screws so you can select the appropriate hardware to suit your needs. Remember that wood screws have a pointed tip, and machine screws have a blunter tip.