10 Door Handle Replacement Tips All Experts Recommend

Door Handle upvc replacement window handles

It's worth it to replace door double glazed handles if you don't like the way they look, or if they're difficult to use. Installing a new door handle is simple if you've got patience.

Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide 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.

Remove the Old Handle

Door handles are not only essential for aesthetics of your home, but they're also crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes the door handle could lose its grip, appear loose, or look old and worn out. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace your door handle.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. 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 your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is dangerous, especially for children and elderly family members who might struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the old one.

Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you to purchase the right size door handle.

The easiest method to take off the handle from your door is to remove it from the door itself. This is usually done using a screw driver. However, some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll need to pry off this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take a note of how the spindle is attached to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.

Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to find the small latch, which is located at the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door.

Take off the Strike Plate

You'll need to replace the latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole where the latch for the door is inserted when the door closes. The packaging that the new handles are packaged with will offer two options for latch plates - either a rectangular or a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.

The first step is to remove the screw holding the old latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist in this area if it is possible.

After the screws have been removed and the latch plate should slide out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes open the plate up.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Using the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws because this could damage the strike plate.

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and then open the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or move it forward or back until the door closes and latches correctly.

If the door is still jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too narrow, the wrong size latch, or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, using a metal file instead of an hammer and chisel.

Remove the Latch

The latch is the angled piece of metal that is able to move through the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also hooks in the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch may be the only thing needed to fix it.

It's hard to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and remove it. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle.

If the latch doesn't easily release you can try using a paper clip or a tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. You may need to repeat this process several times before you are able to pull the latch out.

You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without problems after you have removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.

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. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is equal to the measurement.

You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch, or your old upvc window handles one is damaged. If you are not changing locks the new lock should fit inside the recess you have already installed, and work with the keys you have already. Be sure to choose an entry point with rectangular cover plates that match your handles.

Removing the Cover Plate

You can replace your door handles with a new design of roses and levers to enhance the appearance of your house. You can purchase complete sets with matching privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.

To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate, and make use of a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be held in place by pins.

Remove the screw holding the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.

Most bi-fold doors handle (from this source) have an opening between the jamb of the door and the edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all have. If it doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door for the new handle. The process for doing this is the same as opening a door using a lock, but you'll need to take extra care not to damage the frame or door.

After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Choose the same size as the old screws to avoid getting a handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. These aren't included in all door handle sets.

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