How to Replace Door Handles

Door replacement handles for windows are a key part of your home's decor. A new handle can elevate your home's decor and bring your decor up-to-date.

Over time the knobs on your door could become stiff or even break. These are signs that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you pick the correct door handle Replacement Door handles for your home.

Door Knobs

The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your house and make it easier for you to open and shut them. They are available in a wide range of finishes, colors and types to match your decor. If yours is beginning to begin to show signs of wear or you just want to upgrade, replacing them is relatively simple and can be completed in a couple of steps.

You need to locate the shaft, or spindle, through which the knob is connected to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can use a screwdriver to remove the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a thin slot, or hole, that you can use to press the spring-activated detent pin using flathead. This pin releases the latch mechanism, and lets you to 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. Align it correctly and check that the latch functions properly before tightening new set screws.

After replacing the knob, put the rod that is attached to the latch over the hole on the door. Secure it by securing it to the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned, then thread in the screws for the latch plate and tighten them.

Some people prefer a brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware to give their home a modern and sleek appearance. This will match the furniture they have. Some prefer a rustic design that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have family members who are unable to move, you may be interested in a rim lock or lever style door knob that require less pressure to operate.

Other aspects are being considered more and more for the design of door handles. Infection control and accessibility are key issues that have led to the development of new designs for handle handles, such as ones that can be operated using a person's forearm.

Latch

The latch that keeps your door handle open can wear out from age and use. It is simple to change the latch on your door handle. This will make a big difference in how it opens and closes.

Depending on the kind of handle you choose, the latch could be a separate component or a part of the knob. In either case, you will follow the same process to remove and replace. It's simple to remove the old aluminium window handles latch, particularly in the case of an entry handle that has a "magic" button. This little pressure-slot, located on the side knob, is the one you'll have to press to pop the latch out of the handle.

If your handle does not have this magical button, the first step is to remove any cover plates that are positioned over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed with the help of a screwdriver. Some have a small hole inside that you can slide your screwdriver into, while others simply snap off.

The next step is to remove the two machine screws that secure the latch and inner plate to the door handle. These are the screws that are shorter with a sharp point and you'll need to keep these in a safe place to reuse them in later steps. After the screws are removed, you are able to remove the latch plate as well as the mechanism from the hole and put it aside.

Now you can begin installing the new latch. Install the inside plate of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch faces the latching mechanism inside the handle and is aligned with the other screw holes in the handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate using the screws supplied.

Strike Plate

One of the most common reasons to replace the door handle is that it is loose or isn't locking properly. This is often caused by misaligned components in the latching mechanism, like an unbalanced strike plate that is too small or has moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb over time. This simple fix allows you to replace your existing strike plate with a new, longer one that will provide better security and ensure that your door stays shut.

Apply a lipstick or another marking material on the latch bolt to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, it means that the door won't latch due to the fact that the strike plate is too small. If the mark is above the strike hole on the plate, it's likely that the strike plate has been moved up or down on the doorjamb.

Depending on the composite door handles you have depending on the door, you might be able to just install the new strike plate into place over the old one with 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 situation make sure you don't cut too much wood or you'll damage the integrity of the doorjamb.

You can also try installing a new strike plate which provides the lock with a stronger hold on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically, it requires two longer screws that anchor the strike plate to the door frame. You'll have remove the previous strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.

This hard-to-find strike plate is designed to be used with antique rim locks, and is made of durable solid brass in an extremely thick. It comes with wood screws and machine screws, ensuring that you have the right hardware for your job. Be aware that wood screws have a pointed point, whereas machine screws are blunter.