Door Handle Replacement

It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look or if they are difficult to use. With some patience, you can install an entirely new handle in a short time.

The majority of modern door handles for doors come with cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you will 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 the door. However, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, become loose, or look old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably the time to replace your door handle.

One of the first signs that your door handle needs replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a serious issue since you won't be capable of window locking handles or unlocking the door and put your family and yourself at risk.

Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it and end up trapped inside. It's easy to replace a broken handle on doors.

Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and will fit any door. If you are not certain that your new door handle will work, take out the old one and measure its housing holes. This will allow you to buy the right size door handle.

The easiest method to remove the handle from your door is to take it off of the door. This is usually done using a screw driver. Some door handles come with the cover plate, which conceals the screws used to mount them. You will need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. After removing the old handle, make a note of the way in which the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle.

You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you will have to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to remove the handle from the strike plate and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.

Take off the Strike Plate

You'll have to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the latch of the door hooks when the door is closed. The new handles will have two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of the door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a round one. This will let the latch hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier.

The first step is to loosen the screw that's holding the latch plate in place. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be helpful to have another person assist you with this task.

After the screws are removed, the latch plate should slide out of the sliding patio door handle replacement easily. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.

Now, you can proceed to creating the new door strike plate for installation. Using the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, close and open the door to check whether it locks and closes properly. If it does not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door locks properly.

If the door is still moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more common with older doors, but could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or the wrong size for the latch, or from damaged or broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Remove the Latch

The latch is the angled metal piece that moves through the hole in the inner edge of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also catches a hole on the door's frame so that the door is closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be all that's needed to fix it.

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 and remove it. Once you've removed the trim plate, it should be easy to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in the position.

If the latch doesn't easily release it is suggested to use the clip of a paper or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle start to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.

You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without any issues once you have removed the old one. Use your new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's properly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.

Measure the existing backset (the distance between the center of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. You should also check whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle.

If you're replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged then you'll need an entirely new one. If you are not changing locks the new lock should fit in the recess you have already installed, and will work with your existing keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have.

Take off the cover plate

You can replace your door handles with a contemporary design of roses and levers to improve the look of your house. You can purchase complete sets that include matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.

The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and mechanism inside. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It could have an opening along one side or be held in place by a pin.

Remove the screw that holds the handle in the interior and set it aside once the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that secure both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Set them aside.

Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all have. If it doesn't, you'll need to drill a hole in the door for the new handle. This is the same procedure as opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the door's frame or frame.

After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new screws for the door knob. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to prevent getting a handle too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. These are not included in most door handle sets.

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