How to Replace Door Handles

Door handles are a key element of your home's decor. A new handle will elevate your space and bring your decor to the present.

Over time your doors' knobs can start to feel stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace them. This guide will help choose the correct door handle repairs near me handle replacement for your home.

Door Knobs

Door handles can enhance the appearance of your house while making it easier for people to open and close doors. They are available in a variety of finishes, colors and types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or you just want to upgrade replacing them is simple and can be completed in just a few steps.

You must locate the shaft, or spindle, through which the knob is connected to the door. Some knobs have a tiny hole that you can put a narrow screwdriver into to loosen the set screws holding the handle in place. Some have a tiny slot or hole that you can use to press the spring-activated detent pin using a flathead. When you press this pin, the latch mechanism releases and lets you pull or push on the knob.

Once you have the spindle or shaft, in your hand Remove the knob and replace it. Check whether the latch works before tightening new set screws.

After replacing the knob, you can place the rod that is attached to the latch over the hole on the door. Secure it by securing it to the rod system on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are aligned and then thread in the screws on the latch plate and tighten the screws.

Some people opt for the smooth or brushed finish on their door hardware for a sleek, contemporary look that is a perfect match for other furniture in their homes. Some people prefer a rustic style that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have a member of your family with mobility issues, you might prefer the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other factors are being taken into consideration as well. Accessibility and control of infections are the main issues that have led to the creation of new and innovative designs for handles, such as ones which can be operated by the forearm of a person.

Latch

The latch that opens your door is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. Switching out the old latch to fit the new handle is an easy DIY project and can make a big change in the way your patio door handle repair near me opens and closes.

Depending on the kind of handle you choose the latch can be a separate component or a part of the knob. In either situation, the same procedure for removing and reinstalling will be used. It's simple to take off the old latch, particularly when you have doors with a "magic" button. This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob, is what you will have to press to pull the latch out of the handle.

If your handle does not have this button the first step is to take off any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver to pry them off of the handle. Some have a slot in which you can put your screwdriver, while others simply snap off.

Next, you will want to remove the two machine screws holding the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a sharp point - you will be required to keep them in a safe location to use them again in the next steps. After the screws are removed, you can remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and put it aside.

Then you can begin to install the new latch. Place the latch plate in the door handle repairs (a knockout post) hole and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure the square pin on the inside of the latch is facing the mechanism for latching inside the handle and that it lines up with the other screw chambers of the door handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate using the screws provided.

Strike Plate

It is not uncommon to replace a door handle when it feels loose, or doesn't lock properly. This is usually caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching mechanism, such as a strike plate that is too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb with time. This simple fix allows you to replace your existing strike plate with a new, larger one that will give you better security and ensure that your door stays shut.

Apply some lipstick or other marking material on the latch bolt to check if it is the strike plate. Close the door, and then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole it means that the plate is too small and the door handle repair will not latch. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate is likely to have been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.

It is possible to install the new strikeplate in the old one by using the screws supplied with it, based on the door handle repair near me you have. However, you may need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel some of the wood to make sure it's snugly fitted. If this is the case, you must be careful not to cut too hard or you'll cause damage to the integrity of your doorjamb.

Installing a new style box strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger hold on the doors and will require more force to open them. Typically, it requires two longer screws to secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. It is necessary to remove the old strike plate before drilling and chiseling the wood to make room for the new one.

This difficult-to-find strike plate is made of solid brass and Door Handle Repairs has a heavy-duty thickness. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. It comes with both machine screws and wood screws, which means you'll have the correct hardware for the job. Just remember that the wood screws have a sharp tip, while the machine screws are more blunt.