Door Handle Replacement

It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. With a little patience, you can install the new handle in no time.

Modern door handle lock repair handles are often equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive look. However, you will need to attach them separately if the new handle does not have them attached already.

Remove the handle that was previously used

The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. As time passes the door handle can start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It may also begin to look old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is an issue because it means you can not lock or unlock your door which could pose the risk of security for you and your family.

Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly and children members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.

Modern door handles are generally 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 its housing holes. This will allow you to buy the correct sized door handle.

The easiest way to remove the handle from your door is to remove it from the door handle repair itself. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws underneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take a note of how the spindle is attached to ensure that you can align it when you fit your new one.

You can also remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the small latch that is located on the edge trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can take the handle off the strike plate, and then the latch off the door's edge.

Removal of the Strike Plate

When replacing your handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles arrive with will offer two latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a round one. This will let the latch hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier.

The first step is to loosen the screw that holds the old latch plate in place. These screws can be quite tight, and may require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to have a second person assist with this part if possible.

After the screws are removed the latch should slide out of the door with ease. If it's stuck or won't move, use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.

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

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and open the door to see if it latches and closes correctly. If it does not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down or forward or back until the door shuts properly.

If the door still moves or jiggles, then you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too shallow, the wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of an hammer and chisel.

Removing the Latch

The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move in and out of the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch might be all that's needed to fix it.

The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate and pry the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it'll be easy to remove the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in place.

If the latch won't release, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed slot of the latch and gently twist it or jiggle until the that the latch and handle begin to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out.

You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without issues once you have removed the old one. Make use of the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.

Before you install the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front surface of the door handle repair to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle is in line with the measurement.

You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing the locks, however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess, and work just fine with the keys you have currently. Pick 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 modern lever and rose design to improve the look of your home. You can purchase complete sets that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.

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

When the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. Remove the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.

Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole through the door. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked, but you will have to be extra careful not to harm 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. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so that you won't have an handle that is either too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install an additional latch plate and strike rod, which aren't included with most door handle sets.

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