10 Unexpected Door Handle Replacement Tips

From Shiapedia

Door Handle Replacement

Door handles appear to be an insignificant thing however, if you don't like the way they look or are finding them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.

Most modern euro door handles handles have cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.

Removal of the Old Handle

Door handles aren't just an essential for aesthetics of your home, but they're also vital for safety since they allow you to lock and unlock your door. But, over time the door handle could lose its grip, become loose, or appear old and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace your door handle.

One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is 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.

Another reason to replace the door Window Handle Upvc is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is dangerous, especially for elderly and children members who might struggle to open it. They may get trapped. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.

Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not certain if your new door handle will work, remove the old one and measure its housing holes. This will allow you to buy the right door handle.

It is easiest to remove the old upvc door handles door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However some door double glazed handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll have to cut off this to reach the screws underneath. Once you've removed your old handle, make an outline of how the spindle is attached so that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.

You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the small latch which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door's edge.

Remove the Strike Plate

When replacing your handle, you'll also need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The box that the new handles are packaged with will offer two options for latch plates - a rectangular one and a circular one (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with an oval one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate and make the double glazing handle easier.

The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the old latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.

After the screws are removed and the latch plate will slide out of the door easily. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Screw the latch plate into the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with the new handles. Do not tighten the screws too much as this can damage the strike plate.

If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and then open the door to determine if it latches and closes properly. If not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, forward or back until the door shuts correctly.

If the door is moving or jiggling, then you may need to enlarge the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too narrow, the wrong size latch, or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with an iron file instead of a chisel and hammer.

Remove the Latch

The latch is a curved metal piece that slides into and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door shakes when you close, a new latch may be the only thing needed to fix the issue.

The screws that secure the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually insert a screwdriver into a small hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it'll be easy to remove the latch and the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in the position.

If the latch won't release, try using the clip of a paper or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently move it around until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch is loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.

You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues once you have removed the old one. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.

Before you install the new handle, make sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is equal to the measurement.

If you're replacing the latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll require a new one. If you're not switching locks the new lock should fit into your existing recess and also work with your existing keys. Be sure to choose an entry point with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.

Take off the cover plate

You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary rose and lever designs to make a difference in the appearance of your house. You can buy complete sets that include privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.

The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and mechanism inside. Look for an release tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver remove it from the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.

When the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.

Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all do. If yours does not allow for a handle, you'll have to make a hole in the door. The procedure to do this is the same as for opening a door with the lock, however you'll be taking extra care not to damage the door or frame.

After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you don't end up with a handle that's too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. They aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.

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