How to Replace Door Handles

The door double glazing windows handles in your home are an essential part of the design. A new handle can elevate your home's decor and bring your decor up to date.

Over time your knobs for your doors can begin to feel stiff and even break. These are indicators that it's time to change the knobs. This guide will help you choose the correct door handle replacement for your home.

Door Knobs

Door replacement handles for windows enhance the aesthetics of your home, while making it easier for people to open and shut doors. They come in a wide range of finishes, colors and styles to complement your decor. If yours has begun to show signs of wear or require an upgrade You can change them in just a few simple steps.

The first thing to find is the spindle or shaft through which the knob is attached to the door. Some knobs have a small opening that you can access with an screwdriver to take out the set screws that secure the handle. Some have a thin slot or hole that allows you to press a spring-activated detent pin with flathead. The pin opens 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. Make sure it is aligned correctly and ensure that the latch functions properly before tightening the new set screws.

Once you've replaced the knob, place the rod of the latch over the door's hole and then lock it using the rod mechanism on the second knob. Make sure that the holes are aligned, then thread in the latch plate screws and tighten them.

Some people opt for a smooth or brushed metal finish on their door hardware for an elegant, modern look that matches other furnishings in their homes. Some prefer a rustic style that is perfect for farmhouse-style rooms. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, you might want to choose an rim or lever lock, which requires less pressure to operate.

While aesthetics have been the most important factor in door handle design, other factors are becoming more important too. Accessibility and infection control have been major considerations in the development of new handle designs. For instance, some can be operated using the arm of a person.

Latch

The latch that keeps your door handle open will wear out due to the wear and tear of use. It is easy to change the latch on your door handle. This will result in an enormous difference in the way it opens and closes.

Depending on the type of handle you have the latch could be part of the knob or it might be an independent piece attached to the door. In either situation, the same procedure for removing and installing will apply. It's simple to remove the old latch, particularly when you have an entry handle that has a "magic" button. It is located on the opposite 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 doesn't have this button, you'll need to remove the cover plates placed over the latch plate. They are typically circular or rectangular and can be removed by using a screwdriver in order to remove them off the handle. Some have slots where you can insert your screwdriver, while others just snap off.

Then, remove the machine screws that secure the inner plate and latch to the external door handles and locks handle. It is important to keep these screws with sharp tips in a secure location in order to reuse them later. After the screws have been removed, you can take the latch plate and mechanism from the hole and set it aside.

You can now begin installing the new latch. Place the inside of the latch into the hole in the door and secure it with the hardware supplied. 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 holes for screws in the handle. Then, push the outside latch plate onto the handle and secure it using the screws provided.

Strike Plate

It is common to replace a door handle because it feels loose, or isn't window locking handles properly. This is usually due to incorrectly aligned parts of the latching mechanism, such as a strike plate that is too small or has moved up or down on the doorjamb over time. This simple fix allows you to replace your old strike plate with a new, larger one that can provide greater security and keep your door closed.

Apply a lipstick or another marking material on the latch bolt to determine if it's the strike plate. Close the door and attempt to latch it. If the mark is lower than the strike plate hole it indicates that the plate is too small and the door will not latch. If the mark is above or below the strikeplate hole, the strikeplate has likely been moved upwards or downwards on the doorjamb.

You may be able simply to screw the new strikeplate into the one you have already installed using the screws included with it, depending on the door. You may have to drill holes first, and then chisel a bit of wood to ensure a tight fit. If this is the case, you must be cautious not to chisel too deeply or you could ruin the integrity of your doorjamb.

Installing a new box-style strike plate will provide the lock with a stronger hold on the doors and require more force to open them. Typically it requires two long screws that secure the strike plate to the door frame. It is necessary remove the previous strike plate, then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one.

This rare strike plate is made of solid brass and has an extremely thick. It's designed to be used on antique rim locks. It comes with both wood screws and machine screws, ensuring that you have the right equipment for your task. Keep in mind that wood screws have a pointed point, whereas machine screws are blunter.