How to Replace Door Handles

Door handles are a crucial part of your home's decor. A new handle can bring your home's decor modern.

Over time, your door knobs may become stiff or even break. These are indications that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you select the correct door handle replacement for your home.

Door Knobs

The handles on your doors will improve the appearance of your home and make it easier for you to open and shut them. They are available in a wide variety of finishes, colors, and styles to complement your decor. If yours has begun to show signs of wear or requires an upgrade You can change them in just a few simple steps.

You need to locate the spindle, or shaft, through which the knob is inserted to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that can be used with an screwdriver to take out the set screws that keep the handle in place. Some have a slot or hole in which you can use a flathead screwdriver to push on a spring-activated pin, also known as a detent. When you press this pin it opens the latch mechanism and allows you to pull or push on the knob.

After you have ahold of the spindle or shaft, take off the door knob and replace it with the new one. Check that the latch functions properly before tightening the set screws.

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

Some people opt for a smooth or brushed finish for their euro door handles hardware for a sleek, contemporary look that matches other furnishings in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic style that is a good match for spaces that are reminiscent of farmhouse. If you have someone in your family with mobility issues, you might want to choose the lever or rim lock that require less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other aspects are increasingly being considered too. Infection control and accessibility are the main issues that have led to the creation of new and innovative designs for handles, such as ones that can be operated using the forearms of a person.

Latch

The latch that opens your door is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. The replacement double glazing window handles of the latch to fit a new handle can be an easy DIY task and it will make a huge change in the way your door opens and closes.

Depending on the type of upvc window handle replacement you are using, the latch could be a separate part or an integral part of the knob. In either scenario, the same procedure to remove and install is applicable. The process of removing the old latch of place is fairly easy particularly if your door handle has what's called a "magic button". This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob, is what you need to press in order to remove the latch of the handle.

If your handle doesn't have this magic button the first step is to remove any cover plates that sit over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed using the help of a screwdriver. Some have slots where you can place your screwdriver, while others simply snap off.

Then, unscrew the machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. You will need to store these screws with a pointed tip in a secure location in order to reuse them later. Once the screws are removed you can pull the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and place it in a safe place.

Now you can start on the new latch. Insert the latch plate into the door hole and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on the inside of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle, and that it lines up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then fix the exterior latch plate using the screws provided.

Strike Plate

It is not uncommon to replace upvc window handle a door handle if it feels loose, or isn't locking properly. This is usually due to malfunctioning components of the latching mechanism, such as a strike plate that's too short or moved up or down on the doorjamb as time passes. This project allows you replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which will offer greater security for your door and will keep it closed.

To determine if the issue is caused by the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material on the bolt that is used to latch. Close the replacement upvc door handle and attempt to latch it. If the mark is lower than your strike plate hole, it indicates that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole the strikeplate may have been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.

Depending on your door, you may be able to simply screw the new strike plate in the door over the old one, using the screws that come with it. However, you may need to pre-drill holes and then chisel some of the wood to ensure it's snugly fitted. If this is the situation make sure you don't be too rough with the chiseling process or you may ruin the integrity of the doorjamb.

You can also consider installing a new strike plate, which will give the lock a more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically it requires two long screws that secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. To do this, you'll need to remove the existing strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.

This difficult-to-find strike plate was designed to be used with antique rim locks and it's made from sturdy solid brass in the heavy duty thickness. It comes with both machine screws and wood screws, which means you'll have the right equipment for your task. Just remember that the wood screws have a sharp tip, whereas the machine ones are more blunt.