How to Replace external door handles and locks Handles

The door handles that you have in your home are an important element of your interior design. A new handle can elevate your home's decor and bring your decor up-to-date.

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

Door Knobs

Door handles enhance the appearance of your house while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They are available in a variety of finishes, colors and styles to match your decor. If yours is beginning to show signs of wear or require an upgrade, you can change them in just a few simple steps.

The first thing you need to do is locate the spindle or shaft through the knob's attachment to the door. Some knobs have a tiny opening that can be used with an screwdriver to take out the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a small slot or hole where can be used with a flathead screwdriver to press on a spring-activated nut, known as a detent. This pin releases the latch mechanism and lets you to pull or push the knob.

Once you have the spindle, or shaft in your hand Remove the knob and replace it. Be sure to align it correctly and check to ensure that the latch works properly before tightening your new set screws.

After replacing the knob, place the rod for latching over the door's hole and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure the holes are in alignment, then tighten the latch plate screws.

Some homeowners opt for a brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware to give their home a sleek and contemporary appearance. This will match their furniture. Some prefer a rustic design that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have family members who have mobility issues You may be interested in a rim lock or lever-style door knobs, which require less pressure to operate.

Other factors are being taken into consideration more and more in the design of door handles. Infection control and accessibility have been key issues in the creation of new handle designs. For instance some handles locking window handle designs can be operated by the arm of a person.

Latch

The latch that opens your door can wear out from age and use. Switching out the old latch to make room for a new handle can be a simple DIY job and can make a big change in the way your door opens and closes.

Depending on the type of handle you use, the latch could be a separate part or a component of the knob. In either case, the same process for removing and reinstalling is applicable. Getting the old latch out of the way is relatively simple especially if the door handle has what's known as a "magic button". The tiny pressure-slot, which is located on the side knob is the one you'll have to press to pop the latch out of the handle.

If your handle does not have this button, the first step is to take off any cover plates that rest over the latch plate. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed with the help of a screwdriver. Some have a tiny slot in them that you can slide your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off.

Then, loosen the machine screws that secure the inner plate and latch to the double glazed door handle handle. You'll need to keep these screws with a pointed tip in a safe place in order to reuse them in the future. After these screws are removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism out of the door's hole and set it aside.

Then you can begin to install the new latch. Place the inside of the latch into the hole in the composite door handles and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism inside the handle and is aligned with the other screw holes in the handle. Then fix the exterior latch plate using the screws provided.

Strike Plate

One of the most common reasons for replacing the door handle is because it is loose or doesn't lock properly. This is usually due to malfunctioning parts of the latching system, such as the strike plate being 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 longer one, which will offer more security for your door and ensure it stays closed.

To determine if the issue is caused by the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material on the latch bolt. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is below the strike plate's hole, it means that the plate is too small and the door won't latch. If the mark is above or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate has likely been moved up or downward on the doorjamb.

Depending on the door depending on the external door handles euro lock, you might be able to attach the new strike plate in place over the old one, using the screws included with it. It is possible that you will need to drill holes first, and then chisel the wood to ensure a perfect fit. If this is the case, be cautious not to chisel too deeply or you could damage the integrity of your doorjamb.

Installing a new box-style strike plate will give the lock a stronger grip on the doors and will require more force to open the doors. Typically it requires two long screws to secure the strike plate to the frame of the door. You'll have remove the previous strike plate before drilling and chiseling the wood to create space for the new one.

This rare strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with a heavy-duty thickness. It's made to be used on antique rim locks. It comes with both machine screws and wood screws, so you'll have the right equipment for your task. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed tip, whereas machine screws are blunter.