Door Handle Replacement

It's worth replacing door handles if you don't like the way they appear, or if they are difficult to use. With a little patience, you can install an entirely new handle in a short time.

door handle repair ewell Links to an external site. are often equipped with cover plates which hide the screws, giving them an attractive look. If your new handle does not have screws already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.

Remove the Old Handle

The door handle isn't just a decorative feature for your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose or start to look old and worn. This is an indication that it's the time to replace your door handle.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be able to lock or unlock the door which could put your family and yourself at risk.

It's also a good idea to replace your door handle in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be very dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members have difficulty opening it and could get trapped within. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on doors.

The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and so they are suitable for any door. If you're unsure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the right door handle.

It is the easiest way to remove the door handle by unscrewing it from the door. This is usually done using the screw driver. However, some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll have to cut off this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. Once you've removed your old handle, make note of the way the spindle is attached to ensure you are able to make sure it is aligned when you put in the new one.

You can also remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the small latch that is located on the edge trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door.

Take off the Strike Plate

You'll have to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole where the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The packaging that the new handles come in will include two different latch plates - either a rectangular or circular (see the diagram above detailing the parts of the door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, swap it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier to use.

The first step is to remove the screw holding the old latch plate. The screws can be very tight, and will require some force to loosen. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have a second person assist with this part.

The latch plate should come out of the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Using the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this can damage the strike plate.

If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, close and open the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door closes properly.

If the door is moving or jiggling, then it may be necessary to expand the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more common in older doors, however it can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or the wrong size for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.


Take off the Latch

The latch is the angled piece of metal that is able to move through the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door is wobbling when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be all you need to correct the issue.

The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to take off the latch and the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle in position.

If the latch doesn't easily come out you can try using the clip of a paper or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed latch slot and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle begin to separate. You may have to do this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to let it out.

It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot with no issues once you have removed the old one. Make use of the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.

Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, make sure that the latch size on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.

You'll require a brand new lock cylinder if you're replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess and also work with the keys you have already. Be sure to choose a latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.

Remove the cover plate

You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary rose and lever designs to enhance the appearance of your house. You can buy complete sets that include matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.

To replace the door handle inside, remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Find a release tab on the plate and make use of a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It could have a slot along one edge or be secured by a pin.

Remove the screw that is holding the handle in the interior and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them using a Philips Screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.

Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all do. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door to accommodate the new handle. It's the same procedure for opening a locked door however you'll have to be extra cautious not to scratch the door or frame.

After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new screws for the door knob. Purchase the same size as the old screws to avoid getting the handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. They aren't included in all door handle sets.

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