Door Handle Replacement It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. With a little patience, you can get the new handle in no time. Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a more attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't have them attached already. Removing the Old Handle The door handle is not only a decoration for your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. But, over time the door handle could lose its grip, feel loose or start to look old and worn out. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle. If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a serious problem as you will no longer be able to lock or unlock the door and put your family and yourself at risk. It's also a good idea to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for children and elderly family members who might struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the old one. Most modern door handles are a standard size and so they are suitable for any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle. It is easiest to take off the old door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However some door handles have the cover plate which hides the screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. After you have removed the old handle, take note of the way in which the spindle is attached. This will assist you in aligning the new handle. You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. However, you will have to locate the tiny latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the door's edge. Take off the Strike Plate You'll need to replace the latch plate when you replace the handle. It's the part that holds the hole where the latch of the door hooks when the door is closed. The new handles will come with two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the above diagram that shows the parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it out for the circular one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use. The first step is to remove the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It is helpful to get a second person to assist in this area if it is possible. The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door once the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate. Now, you can proceed to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the door jamb using the screws that were included with the new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this may damage the strike plate. If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and then open the door to see whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or even forward or back until the door closes and latches correctly. If the door continues to move or jiggles, then you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't small, a incorrect size of the latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead an hammer and chisel. Removal of the Latch The latch is the angled piece of metal that moves in and out of the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door closed. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch could be all that's needed to correct the issue. It's hard to see the screws that secure the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and remove it. After removing the trim plate, you will be able to pull off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle in position. If the latch doesn't easily come out it is suggested to use a paper clip or a tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed slot of the latch and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel handle and latch begin to break off. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out. You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame. Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Check that the latch size of the new handle matches the measurement. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/newmalden-windowrepair/ 'll need a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you are not changing locks, a new lock should fit in your existing recess, and work with the keys you have already. Be sure to choose an entry point with a rectangular cover plate that match your handles. Take off the cover plate Door handles may begin to look worn over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY project to decorate and can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets of escutcheons, privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons. To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It may have an opening along one side or be secured by a pin. Once the cover plate is off take off the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away. Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all do. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to make a hole in the door. This is the same procedure as opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra cautious not to damage the frame or door. Installing new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Make sure to buy the same size as the previous ones, so you don't end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. You'll also need to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in most door handle sets. 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