Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like an insignificant thing but if you aren't happy with the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them and use, you should consider replacing them. Installing a new door handle is simple if you have patience.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. If your new handle does not have screws already attached, you will have to attach them separately.
Remove 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 allow you to lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle can start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could be beginning to appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace your 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 can no longer lock or unlock your door which could pose the risk of security for you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be extremely dangerous, particularly when your children or elderly family members struggle to open it and end up trapped within. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you aren't sure if your new door handle will work, take out the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will allow you to purchase the correct size door handle.
The easiest method to take off your old door handle is to remove it from the door itself. This is usually done with the screw driver. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the screws that mount them. You will need to remove this to get to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is connected to ensure you are able to align it when you fit your new one.
You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located at the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then the latch away from the door's edge.
Removal of the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole through which the latch of the door hooks when the door is closed. The new handles will come with two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the image above which shows the various parts of a door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier.
The first step is to unscrew the screw that is holding the old latch plate in place. The screws are often quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist in this area if it is possible.
The latch plate should come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.
You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that came with the new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this may damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, shut and open the door to see whether it locks and closes correctly. If it does not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, you might need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't narrow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, use a metal filing instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Remove the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that is able to move in and out of the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also catches the door frame to ensure that the door is closed. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch might be the only thing needed to fix it.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to see however, you can put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it'll be simple to take off the latch and the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in the position.
If the latch isn't able to release, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently twist it or jiggle until the that the latch and handle begin to split. It is possible to repeat this process several times before you can take the latch off.
Once the old latch is removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot without problems. Make sure the latch is properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame.
Before installing the new handle, be certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
If you are replacing the latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need an entirely new one. If you're not switching locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess, and also work with your existing keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your existing handles.
Remove the cover plate
Door handles may begin to look shabby over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's a quick and easy DIY project and decorating idea that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets of escutcheons, the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and the mechanism within. Find window handles opening tab on the plate, and make use of a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It could have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.
When the cover plate is off take the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all have. If yours doesn't allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a hole in the door. It's the same procedure for opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra careful not to damage the frame or door.
After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Purchase the same dimensions as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle that is too loose or tight. It's also necessary to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't part of most door handle sets.
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