Door Handle Replacement 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you've got patience.
Most modern door handles for bifold doors have cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle does not have them attached already.
Removal of the old Handle
The door handle is not only a decoration for your home it also serves as an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. But, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, become loose or start to look old and worn out. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace your door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle needs replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem as you will no longer 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 broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly when your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it and end up trapped within. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you aren't certain that the new door handle you are buying will work, take out the old one and measure its housing holes. This will let you buy the right size door handle.
The easiest method to take off the door handle you have been using is to take it off of the door itself. This is typically done with a screw driver. However some door handles for upvc windows have a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll have to cut off this to reach the screws beneath. After you have removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing 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 take the handle off the strike plate, and then remove the latch off the door's edge.
The Strike Plate
If you are replacing your handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which is the hole which the patio door handle locks's latch hooks into when it closes. The new window handles replacement will have two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the image above which illustrates the components of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier to use.
The first step is to take off the screw that holds the old 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 you with this task.
Once the screws are removed and the latch plate should pull out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.
You can now move on to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. Using the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles and hinges, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position You can try closing and then opening the door to check if it closes and latches correctly. If not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down or forward or back until the door locks correctly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, then you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too shallow, the wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that slides through the hole on the inside edge of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door closed. If your door shakes when you close, replacing the latch could be the only thing needed to fix the issue.
It's difficult to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver in order to pry it off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch and the bolts that hold it and the spindle in position.
If the latch doesn't easily be released it is suggested to use an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed, and gently twist it or jiggle until the that the latch and handle begin to break off. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch is loose enough to pull out.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without issues after you've removed the old one. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, make certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Also, ensure that the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.
If you are replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll need a new one. If you are not changing locks the new lock should fit in your existing recess, and work with your current keys. Be sure to select the latch with rectangular cover plates that match your handles.
Remove the cover plate
Door handles can begin to look shabby with time If you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets of escutcheons, the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and the mechanism within. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It may have an opening on one side or be secured by a pin.
When the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the patio door handle locks. Place them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the edge of the frame that allows for a handle, however not all have. If yours does not allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a hole in the door. The process for doing this is the same procedure opening a door using the lock, however you'll need to take extra care not to damage the door or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after the holes have been made. Be sure to purchase the same size as the previous ones, to ensure that you won't have a handle that's too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install the new latch plate and strike rod that aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
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