Door Handle Replacement

Door handles appear to be something minor however, if you don't like the appearance of the handles for doors or are unable to use them, it's worth replacing them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you've got patience.

Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to create a stylish appearance. If your new handle does not have them already attached, you will have to attach them separately.

Remove the Old Handle

The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle can become loose or feel loose. It could also appear worn out and old. This is a sign that it's probably time for a replacement.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a problem since it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door which could create a security risk for you and your family.

Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be very dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members are unable to open it, and get trapped within. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.

Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should fit any door. If you are not certain that your new door handle will work, take out the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will enable you to purchase the right size door handle.

The easiest way to remove the door handle you have been using is to unscrew it from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However, some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll need to pry off this cover plate to get access to the screws beneath. Once you've removed your old handle, make note of the way the spindle is connected so that you can align it when you fit the new one.

Alternately, you can take off the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to find the small latch, which is located at the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door.

Take off the Strike Plate

You'll have to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole through which the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The package the new window handles replacement arrive in will include two latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the diagram above for the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular, swap it to a circular one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use.

The first step is to unhook the screw that is holding the latch plate. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be helpful to have another person assist with this part.

The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door once the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This will sometimes free the plate up.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Using the wood screws that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this can damage the strike plate.

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and then open the door to determine if it latches and closes properly. If not, you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or even forward or back until the door closes and latches properly.

If the door is still jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more common with older doors, but could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or not the right size for the latch, or due to a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, but using an iron file instead of the hammer and chisel.

Remove the Latch

The latch is the angled piece of metal that moves in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door wiggles when you close it, changing the latch may be all that's needed to correct the issue.

It's difficult to identify the screws that secure the latch to the door, however there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver and pry it off. After removing the trim plate, you will be able to pull off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle in position.

If the latch cannot be easily removed then use a paperclip tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch begin to separate. You may have to do this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to pull out.

You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot with no problems after you have removed the old one. Use your new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.

Before you install the new handle, make sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.

If you're replacing a window handle the latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged, then you will need an entirely new one. If you are not changing locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess and work with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.

Remove the cover plate

Door handles can begin to look worn over time If you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's a quick and easy DIY and decorating project that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.

The first step to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and the mechanism within. Look for a release tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver lift it off the knob. It could have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.

Remove the screw that is holding the handle inside and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. It is also necessary to take out the screws that hold the latch and plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Set them aside.

Most bi-fold doors handles have gaps between the door jamb and the edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, but not all do. If it doesn't then you'll have to make a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. The procedure to do this is the same procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door.

Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after the holes have been drilled. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you don't end up with an handle that is either too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. They aren't included in most door handle sets.

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