“The Replacement Door Handles Awards: The Most Stunning, Funniest, And The Most Bizarre Things We've Seen

How to Replace Door Handles Door handles are a key part of your home's decor. A new handle can elevate your space and bring your decor to the present. Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff, or even break. These are indicators that it's time to replace the knobs. This guide will help you choose the right replacement door handle for your home. Door Knobs Door handles add to the appearance of your home, while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They are available in a wide variety of finishes, colors, and styles to complement your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or simply require an upgrade replacing them is simple and can be done in a few steps. You must locate the shaft, or spindle through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can use an screwdriver to take out the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a thin slot, or hole, that you can press an activated detent pin that is spring-activated using a flathead. When you press this pin it opens the latch mechanism and lets you pull or push on the knob. Once you have access to the spindle or shaft, remove the old door knob and replace it with the new one. Align it correctly and check whether the latch works before tightening the set screws. Once you've replaced the knob, put the rod of the latch over the door's hole and then lock it using the rod mechanism 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 door hardware to create an elegant, modern look that matches other furnishings in their homes. Some people prefer a rustic look that works well with farmhouse-style rooms. If you have family members with mobility limitations You might be interested in a rim lock or lever-style door knobs that require less pressure to operate. While aesthetics are traditionally the most important factor in door handle design, other factors are becoming more important too. Accessibility and infection control have been key issues in the creation of new designs for handles. For instance some handles can be operated with an arm. Latch The latch that holds your door handle open will wear out due to the wear and tear of use. Switching out the old latch to make room for a new handle can be an easy DIY project and it will make a huge change in the way your door opens and closes. Depending on the type of handle you are using the latch may be a separate component or a component of the knob. In either scenario, the same procedure for removing and reinstalling will be used. Getting the old latch out of its place is quite simple, especially if your door handle has what's called a “magic button”. This tiny pressure-slot, found on the side knob, is what you will need to press in order to pop the latch out of the handle. If your handle doesn't have this magic button the first step is to remove any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. Repair My Windows And Doors are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed with a screwdriver. Some have a small hole inside that you can insert your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off. Then, unscrew the machine screws that secure the plate's inner and latch to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a sharp tip You will be required to keep them in a safe place to reuse them in later steps. After these screws are removed you can pull the latch plate and mechanism out of the hole in the door and set it aside. Now you can start on the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure that the square pin on the interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism of the handle and is aligned with the screw holes on the other sides of the handle. Then, secure the exterior latch plate using the screws supplied. Strike Plate It is not uncommon to replace a door handle when it is loose or does not lock properly. This is usually caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching mechanism, such as the strike plate being too small or has moved upwards or downward on the doorjamb with time. This easy project allows you to replace your old strike plate with a longer, new one that can provide greater security and ensure that your door stays shut. Apply a lipstick or another marking material on the bolt that you are using to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door, 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 will not latch. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate has likely been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb. You may be able simply to put the new strikeplate in the one you have already installed by using the screws supplied with it, based on the door you have. It is possible that you will need to drill holes first, and then chisel some wood out to ensure a secure fit. If this is the case Be careful not to chisel out too much wood or you could damage the strength of the doorjamb. Installing a brand new box-style strike plate will give the lock a more secure hold on the doors and will require more force to open them. Typically it requires two long screws that secure the strike plate to the door frame. You'll have to remove the old strike plate before drilling and chiseling the wood to make space for the new one. This difficult-to-find strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with a thick, heavy-duty. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes both wood screws and machine screws, so you can choose the right hardware for your requirements. Make sure to note that the wood screws have a pointy tip, while the machine ones are more blunt.