Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like something minor however, if you don't like the way they look or find them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With a bit of patience, you can install an entirely new handle in a short time.
Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that hide the screws, giving them an attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle does not have them attached already.
Removal of the Old Handle
Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home but they're also vital for safety since they allow you to lock and unlock your door. Over time, the door handle may begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might 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 signs that your door handle is in need of replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a serious problem because you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door, which could put your family and yourself at risk.
It is also an excellent idea to replace the handle on your door if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members struggle to open it and could get trapped in the. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one.
The majority of modern door handles are standard size and so they should fit any door. If you're not certain that your new door handle will work, take off the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will help you purchase the right size door handle.
The easiest way to take off the door handle you have been using is to remove it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws underneath. After you have removed the old handle, take note of the way in which the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. This is usually done using an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be on the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door.
The Strike Plate
When replacing the handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles come in will have two latch plates: either a rectangular or a circular one (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it over to the circular one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the latch plate. These screws are often tight and will require some force to loosen. If you can, it might be beneficial to have a second person assist with this part.
The latch plate should easily come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move, use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.
Now, you can proceed to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the door jamb using the screws that came with the new handles. Do not tighten the screws too much as this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, close and open the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If it does not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate up or down, or forward or back until the door locks correctly.
If the door is jiggling or moving, you may need to enlarge the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too small, a incorrect size of the latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, using an iron file instead of the hammer and chisel.
Remove the Latch
The latch is an angled metal piece which slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door is wiggles when you close it, changing the latch might be the only thing needed to fix it.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to see however, you can use a screwdriver to make an insignificant hole on the trim plate and pry the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch and the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle.
If the latch won't be released it is suggested to use the clip of a paper or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to separate. You may have to repeat this procedure several times before you can pull the latch out.
It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame.
Measure the existing 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 in line with this measurement.
You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the latch and handle, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing the locks, however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess, and work just fine with your current keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.
Then remove the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a modern lever and rose design to improve the look of your home. You can buy complete sets with matching privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be held in place by a pin.
Once the cover plate is removed take the screw that holds the interior handle in place, and then set it aside. You'll also need to remove the screws that hold the latch and plates, which you can do by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.
Most doors have gaps between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all do. If yours doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole into the door to accommodate the new handle. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked however, you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the door's frame or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after holes have been made. Purchase the same size as the old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. These aren't included in all door handle sets.
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