How to Replace Door Handles

The door handles in your home are an essential part of the design. A new handle can bring your decor and space modern.

Over time the knobs on your door could become stiff, or even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you pick the right replacement door handle for your home.

External Door Handles Euro Lock (Yogicentral.Science) Knobs

Door handles can enhance the aesthetics of your home while also making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They come in a wide range of finishes, colors and styles that will complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs or need an upgrade, you can replace them in a couple of easy steps.

The first thing you have to find is the spindle or shaft through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can use an screwdriver to take out the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a tiny slot or hole through which allows you to press an activated detent pin that is spring-activated using flathead. This pin releases the latch mechanism, and lets you pull or push the knob.

Once you have the spindle, or shaft in your hand, remove the old knob and replace it. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure whether the latch works before tightening new set screws.

Once you've replaced the knob, put the latch rod in position over the door's hole and interlock it with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are in alignment, then tighten the screws on the latch plate.

Some people prefer an brushed or smooth metal finish for the door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek look. This can be matched with their other furniture. Others prefer a more rustic design which is great for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, you may want to choose the lever or rim lock that requires less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have traditionally been the most important factor in door handle design, other factors are becoming more important as well. Infection control and accessibility have been major considerations in the creation of new designs for handles for bifold doors. For example some white window handles can be operated using a person's arm.

Latch

The latch that holds the door handle open may wear out over time. Changing out the old latch to accommodate an entirely new brompton carry handle can be an easy DIY task and it will make a huge difference in how your door opens and closes.

Depending on the kind of handle you choose, the latch could be a separate component or an integral part of the knob. In either case, the same process for removing and reinstalling is applicable. The process of removing the old latch of its place is quite simple particularly if your door handle is equipped with what's called a "magic button". This little pressure-slot, located on the side knob, is the one you'll need to press in order to pull the latch out of the handle.

If your handle doesn't have this button, you will need to remove the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed with a screwdriver. Some have a tiny slot inside that you can put your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off.

The next step is to unscrew the two machine screws that secure the latch and the inner plate to the door handle. It is important to keep these shorter screws with sharp tips in a safe location in order to reuse them later. Once the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and place it in a safe place.

Then you can begin to install the new latch. Insert 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 that is on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then push the exterior latch plate on and secure it with the screws supplied.

Strike Plate

One of the most common reasons for replacing a door handle is because it is loose or doesn't lock properly. This is typically caused by misaligned parts in the latching system, such as a striking plate that's either too short or has moved upwards or downward on the doorjamb as time passes. This project lets you replace your old strikeplate with an extended one, which can provide more security for your door and ensure it stays shut.

Apply a lipstick or another marking material on the latch bolt to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door, and then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole it means that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is higher than the strike plate hole, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.

You might be able to install the new strikeplate in place over the old one by using the screws supplied with it, depending on the door. You may have to drill holes first, and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a secure fit. If this is the situation make sure you don't be too rough with the chiseling process or you could damage the integrity of the doorjamb.

Installing a brand new box-style strike plate will give the lock a stronger grip on doors and require more force to open them. Typically it requires two long screws that anchor the strike plate to the frame of the door. You'll have remove the previous strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make space for the new one.

This rare strike plate is made from solid brass and has a heavy-duty thickness. It's specifically designed to be used with antique rim locks. This kit comes with wood screws as well as machine screws, allowing you to select the appropriate hardware for your requirements. Just remember that the wood screws have a pointy tip, whereas the machine screws are more blunt.