How to Replace Door Handles The door handles of your home are an essential element of your design. A new handle can bring your decor and space up-to-date. Over time your knobs for your doors can begin to feel stiff and even break. These are signs that it's time to replace them. This guide will help you select the right door handle replacement for your home. Door Knobs The handles on your doors will enhance the look of your home and make it easier for you to open and shut them. They are available in a range of colors, finishes, and types to complement your decor. If yours have started to show signs or need an upgrade You can replace them in a couple of easy steps. You must locate the shaft, or spindle through which the knob is inserted to the door. Some knobs have a tiny hole that you can put the screwdriver with a small diameter to remove the set screws holding the knob in place. Some have a small slot or hole through which allows you to press an activated detent pin that is spring-activated using 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 take the knob off and replace it. Check that the latch functions properly before tightening new set screws. After replacing the knob, place the rod that is attached to the latch over the hole on the door. Interlock it with the rod system on the second knob. Make sure the holes are aligned then thread the latch plate screws and tighten the screws. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/berkhamsted-windowrepair/ opt for a smooth or brushed metal finish for their door hardware to create modern, sleek design that complements other furniture in their homes. Others prefer a more rustic style that is a good match for rustic-styled rooms. If you have someone in your family who has mobility issues, you may want to choose a lever style or rim lock that require less pressure to operate. While aesthetics have traditionally been the primary consideration for door handle design, other aspects are increasingly being considered too. Accessibility and infection control have been major considerations in the creation of new handle designs. For instance certain handles can be operated using the arm of a person. Latch The latch that holds your door handle open can wear out from the wear and tear of use. Changing out the old latch to fit an entirely new handle can be an easy DIY task and will make a huge change in the way your door opens and closes. Depending on the type of handle you have, the latch may be part of the knob itself or it could be an individual piece that is attached to the door. In either case, you will follow the same procedure to remove and replace. Removing the old latch of its place is quite simple especially if the door handle has what is called a "magic button". Located on the side of the knob, this little pressure-slot is what you need to press to pop the latch right out of the handle and out of the latching mechanism. If your handle isn't equipped with this button, the first step is to take off any cover plates that are positioned over the latch plate. These are usually circular or rectangular and can be removed by using a screwdriver in order to remove them off of the handle. Some have a small hole inside that you can insert your screwdriver through, while others simply snap off. Then, loosen the machine screws that attach the plate's inner and latch to the door handle. These are the shorter screws with a pointy tip - you will be required to keep them in a safe location to use them again in the next steps. After the screws have been removed, you can take the latch plate as well as the mechanism from the hole and set it aside. You can now begin working on the new latch. Install the latch plate into the door hole and secure it with the hardware provided. Make sure that the square pin on interior of the latch is facing the latching mechanism of the handle and aligns with the other screw holes in the handle. Then, push the exterior latch plate on and secure it using the screws provided. Strike Plate It is not uncommon to replace a door handle if it feels loose, or does not lock properly. This is usually caused by malfunctioning parts of the latching system, for example a striking plate that's either too short or has moved up or downward on the doorjamb over time. This project allows you replace your old strikeplate with a more substantial one, which will offer more security for your door and will keep it closed. To check if the problem is caused by the strike plate, apply lipstick or similar marking material on the bolt that is used to latch. Close the door, then try to latch it. If the mark is lower than the strike plate's hole, it indicates 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 upwards or downwards on the doorjamb. It is possible to put the new strikeplate in the one you have already installed using the screws that come with it, based on the door you have. You may need to drill holes first, and then chisel some wood out to ensure a tight fit. If this is the case, you must be cautious not to chisel too deeply or you could damage the strength of your doorjamb. You can also try installing a new box strike plate, which will give the lock a stronger grip on the door and requires more force to open it. Typically, it requires two longer screws that anchor the strike plate to the frame of the door. To do this, you'll need to remove the existing strike plate and then drill and chisel the wood to make room for the new one. This rare strike plate is made of solid brass and comes with a thick, heavy-duty. It's designed to be used on antique rim locks. It comes with machine screws and wood screws, ensuring that you have the correct hardware for your job. Be aware that wood screws have a pointed tip, whereas machine screws are blunter.