Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be a small detail but if you aren't happy with the style or design of them, or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. With a little patience, you can put in the new handle in no time.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. If your new handle does not have screws already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Removal of the old Handle
Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're vital for safety since they allow you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes, the door handle may become loose or feel loose. It may be beginning to appear old and worn. This is an indication that it's time to replace it.
One of the first indications that your door handle needs replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem because it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door, which could create the risk of security for you and your family.
Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for children and elderly family members who struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's simple to replace a broken handle on a door.
Most modern door handles are standard size and so they will fit on any door. If you're unsure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle.
It is the easiest method to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is typically done with a screw driver. However some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll need to pry off this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. Once you have removed the old handle, take a note of how the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to align it when you fit your new one.
Alternately, you can take off your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge cut piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate when replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole through which the latch of the door hooks when the door is closed. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above which shows the various parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it to a round one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to loosen the screw that is holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be helpful to have another person assist with this part.
The latch plate should easily come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can move on to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. Utilizing the wood screws that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws as this could damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, try closing and opening the door to determine if it closes and latches correctly. If it doesn't, you will need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, then you may need to increase the size of the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but could be due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or the wrong size for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Remove the Latch
The latch is an angled metal piece which slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door is wobbling when you close it, a new latch may be all that is needed to fix the issue.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to see however, you can put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to take off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle in position.
If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed latch slot and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle are beginning to split. You may need to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to pull the latch out.
After the old latch is removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot without any issues. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned 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 door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. You should also check that the size of the latch on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle.
You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle, or your old one is damaged. If you're not switching locks the new lock will fit inside your existing recess, and work with the keys you have already. Make sure you select the latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your house. You can purchase complete sets that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose) that protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It could have an opening along one side or be secured by a pin.
Remove the screw holding the interior handle and place it aside when the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that secure both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all do. If it doesn't, you'll need to drill a hole into the door for the new handle. The procedure to do this is the same procedure opening a door using the lock, however you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the frame or door.
After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure upvc door handle purchase the same size as the previous ones, to ensure that you do not end up with an handle that is either too tight or too loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. These aren't included in all door handle sets.
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