How to Replace Door Handles

Door handles are an essential part of your home's decor. A new handle will bring your decor and space modern.

Over time your doors' knobs can start to feel stiff and even break. These are signs it's time to change them. This guide will help you choose the best door handle replacement for your home.

Door Knobs

Door handles for internal bifold doors enhance the appearance of your home while also making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They are available in a wide range of finishes, colors and types to match your decor. If yours has begun to show signs of wear or requires an upgrade it is possible to replace them in a few simple steps.

The first thing you have to find is the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that you can use a screwdriver to remove the set screws that keep the handle in place. Others have a thin slot or hole that can be used with a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated pin, also known as a detent. This pin releases the latch mechanism and allows you pull or push the knob.

Once you have access to the shaft or spindle, take the knob off of the door and replace it with the new one. Be sure to align it properly and then test to see that the latch is working properly before tightening the new set screws.

After replacing the knob, put the rod for the latch into the hole on the door. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned, then thread in the screws on the latch plate and tighten them.

Some people prefer a brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware to give their home a sleek and contemporary look. This will match their other furniture. Others prefer a more rustic look which is great for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have family members who have mobility issues, you may think about the rim lock or lever knobs for doors that require less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have traditionally been the primary consideration for door handle design, other aspects are becoming more important too. Infection control and accessibility have been key issues when it comes to developing new handle designs. For instance certain handles can be operated using the arm of a person.

Latch

The latch that opens your door can wear out from the wear and tear of use. It is simple to change the latch on your door window handle replacement. This will result in an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes.

Depending on the type of knob you have the latch could be part of the knob or it might be an independent piece attached to the door. In any case, you'll follow the same process for removing and replacing. Removing the old latch of its place is quite simple especially if the door window handle repair is equipped with what's called 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 pop the latch right out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.

If your handle does not come with this button, you will need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver in order to remove them off the handle. Some have a small slot in them that you can put your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off.

Then, remove the machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. You will need to store the screws that are shorter and have sharp tips in a safe place in order to reuse them in the future. After the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and put it aside.

Now you can start on the new latch. Install the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism of the handle and aligns with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate with the provided screws.

Strike Plate

One of the most frequent reasons to replace the door handle is that it is loose or isn't Upvc Window Locking Handles properly. This is usually caused by incorrectly aligned parts of the latching system, for example a striking plate that's either too short or has moved upwards or downward on the doorjamb as time passes. This simple project will allow you to replace your existing strike plate with a longer, new one that will provide better security and ensure that your door stays shut.

Apply some lipstick or other marking material on the bolt that you are using to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door, and then try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole it means that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is higher than 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 depending on the door, you might be able to simply screw the new strike plate in place over the old one using the screws that come with it. But, you may have to drill holes prior to drilling and then chisel some of the wood to ensure it's a snug fit. If this is the situation, be careful to not be too rough with the chiseling process or you'll damage the integrity of the doorjamb.

You could also try installing a new box strike plate, which gives the lock a much more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically it will require two longer screws to secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. You'll have remove the old strike plate before drilling and chiseling the wood to make room for the new one.

This hard-to find strike plate is made from solid brass and has a heavy-duty thickness. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. It comes with machine screws and wood screws, so you'll have the correct hardware for the job. Remember that wood screws have a pointed tip, while machine screws are more blunt.