Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like something minor however, if you don't like 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.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates which hide the screws, giving them a more attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already.
Take off the handle from the old one.
The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle could start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could also begin to look worn out and old. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you can not lock or unlock your door which could be an security risk to you and your family.
Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members struggle to open it and end up trapped inside. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and should fit any door. If you are not certain if your new door handle will work, take out the old one and measure its housing holes. This will help you to buy the correct sized door handle.
The most straightforward method to remove the handle from your door is to take it off of the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However, some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws, so you'll have to cut off this to access the screws underneath. After you've removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is attached so that you can align it when you fit your new one.
You can also remove the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the tiny latch which is located on the edge trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Removing the Strike Plate
You'll have to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole through which the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The new handles will come with two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate is a rectangular shape, switch it over to the circular one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws can be very tight and will require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist with this task if you can.
The latch plate should come out of the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate.
Now bifold door handle replacement can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Using the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this could damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, close and open the door to check if it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down or forward or back until the door locks correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more common with older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or due to damaged or broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Eliminating the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that slides in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into the door frame so that the door stays closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, changing the latch could be all you need to fix it.
It's difficult to identify the screws that secure the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and take it off. After removing the trim plate, you will be able to pull off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle in position.
If the latch won't be released, try using a paper clip or a tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently move it around until you feel the handle and latch start to separate. You may need repeat this process a few times before you are able to take the latch off.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot with no problems after you have removed the old one. Use your new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, make sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.
You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or your existing one is damaged. If you are not changing locks the new lock will fit in your existing recess and also work with your existing keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have.
Remove the cover plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to make a difference in the appearance of your house. You can purchase complete sets of door handles that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It could have a slot on one edge or be held by pins.
When the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. You'll also want to remove the screws that are holding the latch and inner plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door for the new handle. The procedure to do this is the same procedure opening a door using the lock, however you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is required after the holes have been made. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you won't have the handle that is too tight or too loose. It's also necessary to install a new strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets.
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