Why You Should Focus On The Improvement Of Replacement Door Handles
How to Replace Door Handles
The door handles of your home are an essential part of the interior design. A new handle can bring your decor and space up-to-date.
As time passes, your knobs for your doors can begin to feel stiff or even break. These are signs that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you pick the right replacement door handle for your home.
Door Knobs
The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your home and allow you to shut and open them. They are available in a variety of finishes, colors and types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs or need an upgrade, you can replace them in a couple of simple steps.
The first thing you have to find is the shaft or spindle through which the knob is attached to the door. Some have a small hole that you can insert a narrow screwdriver into to loosen the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a thin slot, or hole, that allows you to press the spring-activated detent pin using flathead. This pin releases the latch mechanism, and lets you to pull or push the knob.
After you have gained access to the spindle or shaft, take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Check that the latch is working properly before tightening the new set screws.
After you've replaced the knob, place the latch rod in position over the door's hole and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are aligned, then tighten the latch plate screws.
Some homeowners opt for an brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a modern and sleek look. This can be matched with the furniture they have. Others prefer a more rustic design which is great for rustic-styled rooms. If you have a member of your family with mobility issues, you may prefer a lever style or rim lock, which requires less pressure to operate.
Other aspects are being taken into consideration more and more in the design of door handles. Accessibility and infection control are key considerations in the development of new handle designs. For instance, some can be operated with an arm.
Latch
The latch that keeps your door handle open is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. It is easy to change the latch on your door handle. This will result in an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes.
Depending on the kind of handle you choose, the latch could be a separate piece or an integral part of the knob. In any case, you'll follow the same process for removing and replacing. Removing the old latch of place is fairly easy especially if the door handle has what is called a "magic button". The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob, is what you will need to press in order to pull the latch out of the handle.
If your handle does not come with this button, you'll need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver in order to remove them off the handle. Some have a small slot in them where you can insert your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off.
Then, remove the machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the screws with a pointy tip You will be required to keep them in a safe location to reuse them in subsequent steps. Once the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and set it aside.
Then you can begin to install the new latch. Install the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it using the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin in the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and is aligned with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate using the screws supplied.
Strike Plate
One of the most frequent reasons to replace the door handle is because it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to misaligned components in the latching mechanism, like the strike plate being too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb with time. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which can provide better security for your door and will keep it shut.
Apply a lipstick or another marking material on the latch bolt to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is lower than your strike plate hole, it means that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is over the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.
Depending on the door You may be able to simply screw the new strike plate into place over the old one using the screws that come with it. However, you may need to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel some of the wood to make sure it's a snug fit. If upvc door handles Repair My Windows And Doors is the case, you must be careful not to cut too much or you may cause damage to the strength of your doorjamb.
Installing a new style box strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger grip on doors and will require more force to open them. Typically it requires two long screws that secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. To do this, you'll have to remove the current strike plate and then drill and chisel out the wood to make room for the new one.
This hard-to-find strike plate is designed to be used with antique rim locks and is made of sturdy solid brass in the heavy duty thickness. This kit comes with wood screws as well as machine screws, so you can pick the right hardware to suit your needs. Be aware that wood screws have a pointy tip, whereas the machine screws are more blunt.