Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be a small detail 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've got patience.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates which hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If your new handle does not already have them connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Remove the Old Handle
Door handles are not only essential for aesthetics of your home, but they're also vital for safety since they allow you to lock and unlock your door. But, over time your door handle can lose its grip, appear loose or start to look old and worn. This is an indication that it's the time to replace your door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. upvc door handle repairs kingston repairmywindowsanddoors is a serious problem because you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.
It is also a good idea to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members are unable to open it, and get trapped within. It's easy to fix a damaged handle on a door.
Most modern door handles are standard size and so they should fit any door. If you are not certain if the new door handle you are buying will work, take out the old one and measure its housing holes. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle.
It is the easiest way to take off the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. Some door handles have a cover plate which hides the screws used to mount them. It is necessary to remove this to get to the screws. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of the way the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. However, you will have to locate the tiny latch that is located on the edge trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, take the handle off the strike plate, and then remove the latch off the door's edge.
Removing the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate when you replace the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole where the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above which shows the various parts of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, swap it with a round one. This will allow the latch to hook onto the strike plate and make the handle more convenient.
The first step is to take off the screw that is holding the old latch plate. These screws can be quite tight and will require some force to loosen. It might be beneficial to have a second person help with this part if possible.
After the screws are removed and the latch plate should pull out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and open the door to determine if it latches and closes properly. If not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, forward or back until the door closes correctly.
If the door is still jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't narrow, the wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Eliminating the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece which slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into a hole in the frame of the door to keep the door closed. If your door wobbles when you close it, replacing the latch could be the only thing needed to fix the issue.
The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make a small hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After removal of the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle.
If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed slot of the latch, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle begin to split. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
Once the old latch is removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot without any problems. Make sure the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, make sure whether the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to this measurement.
You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing locks the new latch will fit in your existing recess, and be compatible with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have.
Remove the cover plate
You can replace your old door handles with a new rose and lever designs to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
The first step to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and the mechanism within. Look for a release tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver pop it off the knob. It may have a slot on one edge or be held by pins.
Remove the screw holding the interior handle and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours does not, you'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. This is the same process as opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra careful not to scratch the frame or door.
Installing new screws for the door knob is required after the holes have been drilled. Buy the same size as the old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle that is too loose or tight. It's also necessary to install an additional latch plate and strike rod, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets.
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