Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like something minor but if you aren't happy with the appearance of the handles or find them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates which hide the screws to give them a more attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already.
Remove the handle that was previously used
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 start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might also appear worn out and old. This is an indication that it's the time to replace your door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is when it becomes 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.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly and children members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's easy to replace a broken handle on the door.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will enable you to purchase the right size door handle.
It is the easiest way to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is usually done using the screw driver. However some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws beneath. 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 a screwdriver but you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, remove the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch away from the door's edge.
Removal of the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the latch for the door is inserted when the door closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the diagram above which illustrates the components of the door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, replace it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to hook onto the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.
The first step is to loosen the screw that is holding the old latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.
After the screws are removed the latch will slide out of the door with ease. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now, you can proceed to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. Using the wood screws that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the proper position Try closing and then opening the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If it does not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down or forward or back until the door closes correctly.
If the door is still jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too narrow, the wrong size latch, or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure to adjust the strike plate, using an iron file instead of an hammer and chisel.
Take off the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece that slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also hooks in the door frame to ensure that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close it, an upgrade to the latch could be the only thing needed to correct 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 permits you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and pry it off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to take off the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle in position.
If the latch doesn't easily be released you can try using a paper clip or a tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the recessed latch slot and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure window handles is positioned correctly in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged, then you'll need an entirely new one. If you're not replacing the locks the new latch will fit into the existing recess and work with the keys you have currently. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Removing the Cover Plate
Door handles may begin to look shabby with time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.
The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and the mechanism within. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It may have an opening on one side or be held by pins.
When the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. Remove the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using 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 it doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door for the new handle. The procedure for this is the same as for opening a door with locks, but you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the frame or door.
After drilling the holes after which you'll have to put in new screws for the door knob. Make sure to buy the same size as the previous ones, so you won't have a handle that's too tight or too loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. These aren't included in most door handle sets.
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