Door Handle Replacement 101"The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. With upvc door handle www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk , you can put in a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Removing the Old Handle
Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home but they're also essential for security as they let you lock and unlock your door. However, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose or start to look old and worn out. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a problem because it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door, which could create an security risk to you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members struggle to open it, and get trapped in the. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're not certain that the new door handle you are buying will work, take out the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the correct sized door handle.
The easiest way to remove your old door handle is to unscrew it from the door itself. This is usually done with a screw driver. However some door handles have the cover plate which hides the screws that mount them, so you'll have to cut off this to access the screws underneath. After you have removed the old handle, make a note of the way in which the spindle is connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the tiny latch which is located on the edge trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll also be required to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram which illustrates the components of the door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a round one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate and make the handle more convenient.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the old latch plate. These screws are often tight and will require some force to loosen. If possible, it may be helpful to have another person help with this process.
After the screws are removed the latch should pull out of the door easily. If it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Using the wood screws that came with the new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and open the door to see whether it locks and closes correctly. If it doesn't you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or move it forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, you may need to increase the size of the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Eliminating the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move in and out of the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door wobbles when you close it, a new latch may be all that is needed to fix the issue.
It's difficult to identify the screws that secure the latch to the door, however there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and take it off. After you've removed your trim plate, it'll be simple to remove the latch as well as the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed slot of the latch and then gently twist or jiggle until the that the latch and handle begin to separate. It is possible repeat this process a few times before you can remove the latch.
After the old latch is removed, you should be able to insert the new latch into the slot with no difficulties. Make sure the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. You should also check that the latch size on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.
You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the handle and latch or your existing one is damaged. If you're not changing the locks the new latch will fit into the existing recess and be compatible with the keys you have currently. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
Door handles can start to look shabby with time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's a simple and quick DIY project and decorating idea that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of escutcheons, privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and the mechanism within. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw holding the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.
Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all have. If yours does not allow for a handle, you'll have to make a hole into the door. This is the same process as opening a door locked, but you will have to be extra cautious not to damage the door or frame.
After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, to ensure that you don't end up with an handle that is either too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install the new latch plate and strike rod that aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
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