How to Replace Door Handles

Door handles are a crucial part of the decor of your home. A new handle can elevate your space and bring your decor to the present.

Over time the knobs on your door could become stiff or even break. These are signs it's time to replace them. This guide will help you pick the appropriate replacement upvc window handles door handle for your home.

Door Knobs

The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your home and make it easier for you to shut and open them. They come in a wide variety of finishes, colors, and styles that will complement your decor. If yours has begun to show signs or need an upgrade, you can replace them in a few easy steps.

The first thing you have to do is locate the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can use a screwdriver for removal of the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a small slot or hole in which you can use a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated pin called a detent. When you press the pin, the latch mechanism releases and allows you to pull or push the knob.

After you have gained access to the spindle or shaft, take the knob off of the door and replace it with the new one. Be sure to align it properly and then check to ensure that the latch is working properly before tightening your new set screws.

After replacing the knob, you can place the latch rod over the hole on the door. Secure it by securing it to the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are lined up and then thread in the latch plate screws and tighten them.

Some prefer a smooth or brushed metal finish on their door hardware for modern, sleek design that matches other furnishings in their homes. Some prefer a rustic look that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you might prefer a lever style or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have traditionally been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other factors are becoming more important as well. Accessibility and infection control have been major considerations in the creation of new designs for handles for double glazed doors. For example certain window handles for upvc handle designs can be operated by a person's arm.

Latch

The latch that holds your door handle open can wear out from the wear and tear of use. Switching out the old latch to make room for a new handle can be an easy DIY project and can make a big difference in how your door opens and closes.

Depending on the type of knob you are using depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be part of the knob itself or it could be an independent piece attached to the door itself. In either scenario, the same procedure for removing and reinstalling will be used. It's simple to remove the old latch, especially if you have doors with a "magic" button. This little pressure-slot, located on the side knob, is what you will need to press in order to pop the latch out of the handle.

If your window handle repairs doesn't have this magical button the first step is to take off any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using the help of a screwdriver. Some have a small slot in them that you can put your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off.

Then, remove the machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. You'll need to keep these screws with a pointed tip in a safe location to be able to reuse them later. Once these are off, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and place it in a safe place.

Then you can begin to install the new latch. Place the latch plate in the door hole and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and aligns with the other holes for screws in the handle. Then attach the latch's exterior plate using the screws provided.

Strike Plate

It is common to replace a door handle when it is loose or doesn't lock properly. This is typically caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching system, for example the strike plate being too short or has moved upwards or down on the doorjamb with time. This project allows you to replace upvc door handle your old strikeplate with a longer one, which will offer more security for your door and ensure it stays closed.

Apply a lipstick or other marking material on the bolt for the latch to check if it is the strike plate. Close the door and try 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 above or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate is likely to have been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.

You might be able to screw the new strikeplate into the one you have already installed by using the screws supplied with it, depending on the door. But, you may have to pre-drill holes and then chisel some of the wood to ensure it's a good fit. If this is the case, be careful not to cut too much or you may cause damage to the strength of your doorjamb.

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

This strike plate is made to work with antique rim locks and it's made from robust solid brass with an extremely thick. This kit includes wood screws as well as machine screws, so you can pick the right hardware for your requirements. Make sure to note that the wood screws have a sharp tip, while the machine ones are more blunt.