From Around The Web The 20 Most Amazing Infographics About Replacement Door Handles

How to Replace Door Handles

The door handles of your home are an important part of the design. A new handle will elevate your home and bring your decor to the present.

Over time, your door knobs may become stiff or even break. These are signs it's time to change them. This guide will help you select the right replacement door handle for your home.

Door Knobs

Door handles enhance the look of your home while also making it easier for people to open and close doors. They are available in a range of finishes, colors, and types to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or require an upgrade it is possible to replace them in a couple of simple steps.

The first thing to find is the shaft or spindle through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can access with an screwdriver to take out the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a small slot or hole in which can be used with a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. The pin opens the latch mechanism, and lets you to pull or push the knob.

After you have gained access to the shaft or spindle take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Check whether the latch works before tightening new set screws.

Once you've replaced the knob, put the rod for latching over the door's hole and lock it in place with the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are lined up and then thread in the screws for the latch plate and tighten them.

Some prefer a smooth or brushed metal finish on their door hardware to create a sleek, contemporary look that complements other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic look, which pairs well with rustic-styled rooms. If you have one of your family members who has mobility issues, you may want to choose the lever or rim lock that requires less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics are traditionally the most important factor in door handle design, other aspects are becoming more important as well. Accessibility and infection control have been major considerations in the development of new handle designs. For  www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk  can be operated with a person's arm.

Latch

The latch that holds the handle of your door open can wear down as time passes. The replacement of the latch to accommodate a new handle can be a simple DIY job and will make a significant difference in how your door opens and closes.

Depending on the type of knob you are using the latch could be a part of the knob itself or it might be an independent piece that is attached to the door. In either case, the same process to remove and install will be used. Getting the old latch out of place is fairly easy particularly if your door handle has what is known as a "magic button". The button is located on the left side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is what you have to press to take the latch right out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.

If your handle doesn't come with this button, you'll have to take off the cover plates that are placed over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed by using a screwdriver to pry them off the handle. Some have a slot in which you can insert your screwdriver, while others simply snap off.

Then, remove the machine screws that hold the inner plate and latch to the door handle. You'll need to keep these screws with a pointed tip in a safe place so that you can reuse them in the future. Once these are off you can pull the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and put it away.

Then you can begin to install the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin that is on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and that it is lined up with the other screw chambers of the door handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate onto and secure it using the provided screws.

Strike Plate

One of the most common reasons for replacing the door handle is because it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is usually due to malfunctioning components of the latching mechanism, like a strike plate that's too small or shifted upwards or downwards on the doorjamb with time. This easy project allows you to replace your old strike plate with a new, larger one that will provide better security and ensure that your door stays shut.

Apply some lipstick or other marking material on the latch bolt to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is lower than your strike plate hole, it means that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is above the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down the doorjamb.

Depending on the door You may be able to simply install the new strike plate in the existing one using the screws included with it. It is possible that you will need to drill holes first and then chisel the wood to ensure a secure fit. If this is the case, be cautious not to chisel too hard or you'll damage the strength of your doorjamb.

Installing a new box-style strike plate will give the lock a stronger grip on the doors and require more force to open them. It usually requires two longer screws to secure the strike plate into the frame of the door. It is necessary remove the previous strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.

This rare strike plate is made of solid brass and has a thick, heavy-duty. It's designed to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes both wood screws as well as machine screws, allowing you to select the appropriate hardware for your requirements. Just remember that the wood screws have a sharp tip, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.