Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like something minor however, if you don't like the way they look or find them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. Installing door handle repair on your door is simple if you have patience.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't already have them.
Removal of the old Handle
The door handle isn't just a decorative feature for your home, but it's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle can become loose or feel a bit loose. It could also appear aged and worn. 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 the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door which could be a security risk for you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and could get trapped within. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and so they are suitable for any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will enable you to purchase the right size door handle.
It is easiest to take off the old door handle by taking it off from the door. This is usually done with the screw driver. Some door handles have a cover plate which hides the screws that mount them. It is necessary to remove it to get to the screws. After removing the handle that was previously used, take note of how the spindle is attached. This will help you align the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. But, you'll need to locate the small latch that is located on the edge trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can take the handle off the strike plate, and then the latch off 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 is closed. The packaging that the new handles are packaged in will have two options for latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the diagram above for the parts of the door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, swap it with a round one. This will allow the latch to hook onto the strike plate and make the handle easier.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the old latch plate in place. These screws can be quite tight and will require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to have a second person assist in this area if it is possible.
The latch plate should come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Using the wood screws that came with the new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws as this could damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the right position Try closing and opening the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door closes properly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, then it may be necessary to expand the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't shallow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, use a metal filing instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece that slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door is wobbling when you close, a new latch may be all you need to fix the problem.
The screws that support the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually insert a screwdriver into an insignificant hole on the trim plate and then pry 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 isn't able to release it is suggested to use an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed slot of the latch, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle are beginning to separate. You may need repeat this process a few times before you can remove the latch.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any problems after you have removed the old one. Use the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly placed in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Also, ensure that the latch size on the new handle matches this measurement.
You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if replacing the latch and handle or your existing one is damaged. If you're not switching locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess, and work with your current keys. Be sure to select the latch with rectangular cover plates that match your handles.
Removal of the Cover Plate
Door handles can start to look shabby with time, but if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's a simple and quick DIY and decorating project that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and inner mechanism. Look for an opening tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It could have a slot on one edge or be held by a pin.
Remove the screw that is holding the handle in the interior and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. You'll also want to remove the screws that are holding the latch and inner plates, which you can do by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the inside edge of the frame that allows for a handle, however not all do. If yours does not, you'll need to make a hole in the door for the new handle. The procedure to do this is similar to the procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll be taking extra care to avoid damaging the door or frame.
After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so you don't end up with an handle that is either too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. They aren't included in all door handle sets.
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