14 Clever Ways To Spend Leftover Replacement Door Handles Budget

How to Replace Door Handles

Door handles are an essential part of the decor of your home. A new handle will bring your home's decor and interior modern.

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

Door Knobs

The handles on your doors can enhance the look of your home and allow you to open and close them. They come in a variety of finishes, colors, and styles to complement your decor. If yours have started to show signs of wear or require an upgrade it is possible to replace them in a couple of easy steps.

The first thing you need to do is locate the spindle or shaft through which the knob is affixed to the door. Some knobs have a tiny hole that you can insert the screwdriver with a small diameter to release the set screws that hold the handle in place. Some have a thin slot or hole that you can press a spring-activated detent pin with flathead. This pin releases the latch mechanism and lets you pull or push the knob.

Once you have the spindle or shaft in your hand Remove the knob and replace it. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure whether the latch works before tightening the new set screws.

After replacing the knob, you can place the rod for the latch into the hole on the door. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are aligned then tighten the screws on the latch plate.

Some people choose an brushed or smooth metal finish for their door hardware, giving their home a sleek and contemporary style. It will complement their furniture. Some prefer a rustic style that goes well with farmhouse-styled rooms. If you have one of your family members who has mobility issues, you may prefer the lever 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 as well. Accessibility and control of infections are the main issues that have led to the creation of new and innovative designs for handles including ones which can be operated by the forearms of a person.

Latch

The latch that holds the handle of your door open may wear out as time passes. The replacement of the latch to make room for the new handle is an easy DIY project and it can make a big change in the way your door opens and closes.

Depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be a part of the knob itself, or it might be an independent piece attached to the door. In either scenario, the same procedure to remove and install is applicable. Removing the old latch of its place is quite simple particularly 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 remove the latch of the handle.

If your handle does not have this button, you'll need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. They are typically rectangular or circular and can be removed using a screwdriver. Some have a slot in which you can put your screwdriver. Other handles simply snap off.

Next, you will want to remove the two machine screws that hold the latch and the plate to the door handle. These are the screws with a pointy tip and you'll need to keep these 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 door's hole and place it in a safe place.

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

Strike Plate

It is common to replace a door handle 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 downward on the doorjamb as time passes. This project allows you to replace your old strikeplate with a longer one, which will provide greater security for your door and ensure it stays shut.

Apply  window handles  or other marking material on the bolt for the latch to check if it is the strike plate. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is lower than the strike plate's 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 up or downward on the doorjamb.

You might be able to put the new strikeplate in place over the old one using the screws included with it, based on your door. It is possible that you will need to first drill holes and then chisel the wood to ensure a perfect fit. If this is the case make sure you don't be too rough with the chiseling process or you'll damage the integrity of the doorjamb.

Installing a new style box strike plate will give the lock a stronger grip on the doors and require more force to open the doors. It usually requires two larger screws to anchor the strike plate in the frame of the door. To do this, you'll have to remove the current strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.

This strike plate is made to work with antique rim locks, and it's constructed of durable solid brass in the heavy duty thickness. This kit includes both wood screws and machine screws, allowing you to pick the right hardware to suit your needs. Be aware that wood screws have a pointed tip whereas machine screws are blunter.