Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they look or if they're difficult to use. With some patience, you can install a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates which hide the screws, giving them a more attractive appearance. If your new handle does not already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately.
Removal of the old Handle
The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes the door handle could lose its grip, feel loose, or appear old and worn. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a serious problem since you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door and put your family and yourself at risk.
It's also recommended to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, particularly for elderly or children members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will enable you to purchase the right size door handle.
The most straightforward method to take off your old door handle is to take it off of the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll have to cut off this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take a note of how the spindle is connected to ensure you are able to make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one.
You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. This is usually done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be at the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door's edge.
Removing the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole where the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The new handles will come with two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the above diagram which shows the various parts of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, replace it with a circular one. This will let the latch hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier to use.
The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be beneficial to have another person help with this process.
upvc replacement door handles should be removed from the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes open the plate up.
You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate for installation. Utilizing the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws because this could damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, close and open the door to see whether it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't then you'll have to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door is jiggling or moving, you may need to enlarge the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more common in older doors, however it can happen 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 the angled metal piece that is able to move in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks into a hole on the door frame so that the door is closed. If your door shakes when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be the only thing needed to fix the problem.
It's hard to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and pry it off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle in position.
If the latch won't be released you can try using the clip of a paper or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. It may take this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to pull out.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues after you've removed the old one. Use the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before installing the new handle, be sure 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, make sure that the size of the latch on the new handle matches this measurement.
You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks however, a new latch should fit in the existing recess and be compatible with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a new rose and lever designs to improve the look of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Look for a release tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver pop it off the knob. It may have a slot along one edge or be secured by a pin.
When the cover plate is off take the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer 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 door. Set them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole into the door. The procedure to do this is the same as opening a door using locks, but you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the door or frame.
After the holes are drilled, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Choose the same size as the old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also necessary. These aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
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