Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like an insignificant thing but if you aren't happy with the style or design of them, or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With a little patience, you can install an entirely new handle in a short time.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a more attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Remove the Old Handle
The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home, but it's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. However, as time passes your door handle can lose its grip, appear loose, or look 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 could be time to replace it. This is a serious issue since you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door which could put your family and yourself at risk.
It is also recommended to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be quite dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members have difficulty opening it, and get trapped within. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one.
The majority of modern door handles are standard size and so they should fit any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle.
The easiest method to remove your old door handle is to remove it from the door itself. This is typically done with a screw driver. However certain door handles come with an outer cover plate that hides the screws that mount them, so you'll have to cut off this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of how the spindle has been connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. This is usually done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located just to the left of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and strike plate. Then remove the latch from the edge of the door.
The Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the 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 packaging that the new handles arrive in will include two options for latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it over to the round one, so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that holds the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.
After the screws have been removed, the latch plate will slide out of the door easily. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Using the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this could damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and open the door to determine whether it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or move it forward or back until the door shuts and latches correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggles, you might have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too shallow, the wrong size latch, or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, but using a metal file instead of an hammer and chisel.
Eliminating the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks into the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door is wobbling when you close it, a new latch may be all you need to correct the issue.
It's difficult to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver in order to take it off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it should be simple to take off the latch as well as the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch cannot be easily removed using a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel handle and latch begin to separate. It may take this several times before the latch is loose enough to pull out.
After the old latch is removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to insert the new latch into the slot without difficulties. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Measure window handles existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. You should also check whether the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with the measurement of your existing handle.
You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch or your existing one is damaged. If you're not changing locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess and will work with the keys you have already. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your old handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
Door handles can start to look shabby with time, but if you replace them with a modern lever on rose design it's an easy and quick DIY project and decorating idea that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It could have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.
After the cover plate is off take off the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't, you will need to make a hole in the door. The procedure to do this is the same procedure for opening a door with locks, but you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after the holes have been drilled. Purchase the same dimensions as your old screws to prevent getting a handle too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install an additional latch plate and strike rod that aren't included in most door handle sets.
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