Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look or if they are difficult to use. With a little patience, you can get the new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Remove the old handle
Door handles aren't just an 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. However, as time passes, your door handle may lose its grip, feel loose, or appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time for a replacement.
One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is an issue because it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door which could create an security risk to you and your family.
It's also a good idea to replace the handle on your door if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be risky, particularly for elderly and children members who may struggle to open it. They may get trapped. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.
Most modern door handles are standard size and so they will fit on any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will let you purchase the correct size door handle.
The easiest method to remove the handle from your door is to take it off of the door itself. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles have a cover plate which hides the screws used to mount them. You'll need to remove this to get to the screws. After you have removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using the screwdriver, but you'll need to find the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can unscrew the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch off the door's edge.
Removal of the Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll also be required to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it to a round one, so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to operate.
The first step is to remove the screw that holds the old latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It might be beneficial to get a second person to assist with this part if possible.
After the screws have been removed the latch should slide out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, close and open the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll have to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or even forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, you might have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but could be due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or because of damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Remove the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that is able to move in and out of the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also catches an opening in the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be all that's needed to correct the issue.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually insert a screwdriver into a small hole in the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle that holds it.
If the latch is not easily removed then use a paperclip tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle begin to break off. You may need to repeat this procedure several times before you can remove the latch.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot with no issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.
If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged then you'll require an entirely new one. If you're not changing locks the new lock should fit into your existing recess, and work with your existing keys. Be sure to select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Take off the cover plate
You can replace your door handles with a contemporary design of roses and levers to enhance the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and the mechanism within. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It may have a slot on one edge or be held by a pin.
Remove upvc door handle replacement that is holding the handle in the interior and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. Take off the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Put them away.
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 it doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole in the door to install the new handle. The procedure to do this is similar to the procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll need to take extra care not to damage the frame or door.
After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so that you do not end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install the new latch plate and strike rod that aren't part of most door handle sets.
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