Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be a small detail however, if you don't like the way they look or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you've got patience.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't already have them.
Remove the Old Handle
Door handles aren't just an an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're essential for security as they let you lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle can begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It may be beginning to appear old and worn. This is an indication that it's time to replace it.
One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be in a position to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.
Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be risky, particularly for elderly or children members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on the door.
Most modern door handles are standard size and so they should fit any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will let you buy the right size door handle.
It is the easiest way to take off the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this to access the screws underneath. Once you have removed the old handle, take a note of how the spindle is attached to ensure that you can make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you'll need to locate the small latch which is located on the edge trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can unscrew the handle from the strike plate, and then remove the latch off the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll also need to replace the latch plate, which is the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles come in will include two options for latch plates: either a rectangular or a circular one (see the diagram above detailing door handle parts). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it to a circular one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to use.
The first step is to take off the screw that is holding the old latch plate. These screws can be quite tight, and may require some force to loosen. If possible, it may be beneficial to have another person assist with this part.
Once the screws are removed and the latch plate should pull out of the door with ease. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Using the screws made of wood that came with the new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws because this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the proper position Try closing and then opening the door to determine if it closes and latches correctly. If it does not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate either up or down or forward or back until the door closes correctly.
If the door is still jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't narrow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead the hammer and chisel.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is an angled metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks in a hole on the door's frame so that the door stays closed. If your door wobbles when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be all that is needed to fix the problem.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to see however, you can insert a screwdriver into a small hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it will be easy to remove the latch and the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch won't be released, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle are beginning to separate. You may have to do this several times before the latch is loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to move the new latch into the slot with no problems. Use your new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, be 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). You should also check whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches this measurement.
You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not switching locks the new lock should fit in your existing recess, and will work with your current keys. Be sure to choose a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a modern lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your house. You can buy complete sets with matching the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace an internal door handle, remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the plate. It may have an opening along one side or be held in place by pins.
Remove the screw that is holding the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to install the new handle. The procedure to do this is the same as for opening a door with the lock, however you'll need to take extra care not to damage the frame or door.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after holes have been made. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, so you do not end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. These are not included in the majority of door handle sets.
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