How to Replace Door Handles

The door handles for patio doors of your home are an important part of the decor. A new handle will elevate your home's decor and bring your decor up to date.

As time passes, your knobs on your doors may begin to feel stiff, or break. These are indicators that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you choose the right Replacement Door Handles door handle for your home.

Door Knobs

Door handles can enhance the look of your home while also making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They are available in a wide variety of finishes, colors, and styles to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to appear worn or simply require an upgrade replacing them is simple and can be completed in a couple of steps.

The first thing to find is the spindle or shaft through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that can be used with an screwdriver to take out the set screws that hold the handle in place. Others have a thin slot or hole that you can use a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. When you press the pin and the latch mechanism opens, it releases and lets you pull or push on the knob.

After you have gained access to the spindle or shaft, remove the old door knob and replace it with the new one. Check that the latch is working properly before tightening the 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 then tighten the screws on the latch plate.

Some people opt for a smooth or brushed finish for their door hardware for a sleek, contemporary look that complements other furniture in their homes. Some prefer a rustic look that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, you may want to choose an rim or lever lock that requires less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other aspects are being taken into consideration too. Accessibility and infection control have been key issues in the development of new handle designs. For instance some double glazing handles can be operated with an arm.

Latch

The latch that opens your door can wear out from age and use. It is simple to replace the latch on your door handle. This will result in a big difference in how it opens and closes.

Depending on what type of handle you use the latch may be a separate piece or a component of the knob. In any case, you'll follow the same procedure for removing and replacing. It's simple to take off the old latch, especially when you have a door handle with a "magic" button. Located on the side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is what you need to press to pull the latch out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.

If your handle does not come with this button, you will need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed by using a screwdriver to pry them off of the window handle repairs. Some have a small slot inside that you can insert your screwdriver, whereas others simply snap off.

The next step is to unscrew the two machine screws that hold the latch and the inner plate to the patio door handle locks handle. It is important to keep these shorter screws with sharp tips in a safe location so that you can reuse them in the future. After these screws are removed you can pull the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and place it in a safe place.

Then you can begin to install the new latch. Place the inside of the latch into the hole in the door, and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism inside the handle and aligns with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate using the screws provided.

Strike Plate

It is typical to replace a door handle when it feels loose, or isn't locking properly. This is usually caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching system, for example a striking plate that's either too short or has moved upwards or down on the doorjamb as time passes. This easy project allows you to replace your existing strike plate with a longer, new one that will give you better security and ensure that your door stays shut.

To determine if the issue is caused by the strike plate, apply some lipstick or similar marking material to the latch bolt. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is lower than the strike plate hole it indicates that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is above or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate has likely been moved up or downward on the doorjamb.

It is possible to put the new strikeplate in the existing one using the screws included with it, based on your door. But, you may have to drill holes first, and then chisel some of the wood to ensure it's a snug fit. If this is the case, you must be cautious not to chisel too deeply or you could cause damage to the integrity of your doorjamb.

You can also try installing a new strike plate, which will give the lock a stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. It usually requires two larger screws to secure the strike plate into the door frame. You'll need remove the old strike plate and then drill and chisel 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 designed to be used on antique rim locks. It comes with both machine screws and wood screws, ensuring that you have the correct hardware for the job. Remember that wood screws have a pointed point, and machine screws have a blunter tip.