How to Replace Door Handles

The door handles for upvc windows in your home are an important part of the decor. A new handle will elevate your home and bring your decor up-to-date.

Over time the knobs on your door may become stiff or even break. These are indicators that it's time to change them. This guide will help you select the appropriate replacement door Handles door handle for your home.

Door Knobs

The locking window handles on your bi-fold doors handle will enhance the look of your home and make it easier for you to open and close them. They are available in a wide variety types of window handles colors, finishes and styles to complement your decor. If yours has begun to show signs of wear or requires an upgrade You can 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 small opening that you can use an screwdriver to take out the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a small slot or hole through which you can press the spring-activated detent pin using a flathead. This pin releases the latch mechanism, and lets you to pull or push the knob.

After you have ahold of the spindle or shaft, remove the old door knob and replace it with the new one. Align it correctly and check that the latch is working properly before tightening new set screws.

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

Some homeowners opt for a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a modern and sleek appearance. This can be matched with their other furniture. Some prefer a rustic style that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have one of your family members with mobility issues, you may prefer a lever style or rim lock, which requires less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have been the main consideration when it comes to door handle design, other factors are becoming more important too. Accessibility and control of infections are key considerations in the development of new handle designs. For instance certain handles handle designs can be operated by an arm.

Latch

The latch that keeps your door handle open is prone to wear and tear due to age and use. The replacement upvc door handle of the latch to accommodate an entirely new handle can be an easy DIY project and it can make a big difference in how your door opens and closes.

Depending on the kind of handle you have the latch could be part of the knob or it could be an individual piece that is attached to the door itself. In either situation, the same procedure for removing and installing will be used. Removing the old latch of its place is quite simple particularly if your door handle 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 the one you need to press to pop the latch right out of the handle and off of the latching mechanism.

If your handle does not have this magic button you'll have to take off the cover plates placed over the latch plate. These are usually rectangular or circular and can be removed using the aid of a screwdriver. Some have a small slot inside that you can put your screwdriver, whereas others simply snap off.

Then, loosen the machine screws that hold the inner plate and latch to the door handle. It is important to keep these shorter screws with sharp tips in a safe location to be able to reuse them in the future. After the screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and the mechanism from the hole and put it aside.

Now you can begin installing the new latch. Place the latch plate in the door hole and secure it using the hardware supplied. Make sure the square pin that is on the interior of the latch is facing the mechanism for latching inside the handle, and that it lines up with the other screw chambers in the door handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate onto the handle and secure it with the screws provided.

Strike Plate

One of the most frequent reasons to replace the door handle is because it feels loose or doesn't lock properly. This is usually caused by misaligned parts in the latching mechanism, such as a strike plate that is too short or has moved upwards or down on the doorjamb as time passes. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which will provide more security for your door and ensure it stays closed.

To check if the problem is caused by the strike plate, apply some lipstick or similar marking material on the latch bolt. Close the door and try to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate hole this indicates that your door won't latch because the strike plate is too small. If the mark is higher or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate is likely to have been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.

Depending on the door You may be able to simply install the new strike plate in the existing one with the screws included with it. But, you may have to drill holes first, and then chisel a bit of the wood to make sure it's a snug fit. If this is the case, you must be careful not to cut too hard or you'll cause damage to the integrity of your doorjamb.

You could also try installing a new strike plate which gives the lock a much more secure grip on the door and requires more force to open it. It usually requires two longer screws to anchor the strike plate in the door frame. You'll need remove the old strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to create space for the new one.

This hard-to find strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with an extremely thick. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. This kit includes wood screws and machine screws, so you can select the appropriate hardware to suit your needs. Just remember that wood screws have a sharp edge, whereas the machine screws are more blunt.