Door Handle Replacement

Door handles appear to be an insignificant thing, but if you dislike the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them, it's worth replacing them. With some patience, you can put in a new handle in no time.

Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws, giving them an attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle does not have them attached already.

Removing the old Handle

The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home, but it's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. Over time, the sliding door handles handle may begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It may be beginning to appear aged and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace your door handle.

One of the first signs that your door handle is in need of replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be capable of locking or unlocking the door, which could put your family and yourself at risk.

Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, especially for elderly and children members who may struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one.

Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will allow you to purchase the correct size door handle.

It is easiest to remove the old door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. Some door handles come with an enclosure plate that hides the screws that mount them. You'll need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is connected to ensure that you can make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one.

You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located at the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you'll need to remove the handle from the strike plate and then the latch off the door's edge.

Removing the Strike Plate

You'll need to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The package the new handles come with will offer two different latch plates: either a rectangular or a circular one (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, replace it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier to use.

The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the old latch plate. These screws are often tight and will require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to have a second person help with this task if you can.

The latch plate should come out of the door after 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 move on to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Screw the latch plate into the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with your new handles. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this could cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and then open the victorian door handle to determine if it latches and closes correctly. If not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.

If the door is moving or jiggling, it may be necessary to expand the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more frequent for older doors, but could be due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or due to a broken or damaged strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Take off the Latch

The latch is the angled metal piece that moves through the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be the only thing needed to correct the issue.

It's difficult to identify the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver and remove it. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch and the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle that holds it.

If the latch won't come out it is suggested to use an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed slot of the latch and then gently twist or jiggle until the that the latch and handle begin to separate. You may have to repeat this process several times before you can take the latch off.

After the old latch is removed it should be possible to move the new latch into the slot without problems. Make use of the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or conservatory door handles frame. Make sure it is correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.

Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, ensure whether the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.

If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need a new one. If you're not changing locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess and will work with the keys you have already. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.

Then remove the Cover Plate

You can replace your old door window handles for upvc with a contemporary design of roses and levers to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.

To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It may have an opening on one side or be secured by pins.

Once the cover plate is off take off the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. You'll also want to take out the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside, which you can do by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Place them aside.

Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a new hole through the door. This is the same procedure for opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra cautious not to harm the door or frame.

After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Choose the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. These aren't included in all door handle sets.

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