There are many reasons why door handles are being replaced. Some people decide to change a handle after a robbery, which is actually highly recommended. Luckily, that is not the main cause of handle replacement. Usually, the most popular reason for changing knobs or handles is their malfunctioning, sagging, or emergency, like a key stuck in the lock. However, some people wisely decide to change worn-out handles over time, even though they might seem to be in great condition. Whatever the reason is, it is possible to replace a door handle. The only question left is, who will be doing that? Can you do it yourself, or maybe you want it to be done by someone else? Sure Lock & Key is ready to assist you if you decide to ask for professional help.
Is it easy to replace a door handle
For most door handle replacements, you only need a set of new handles and a screwdriver. However, is the process that easy? Not always. It doesn't mean, though, that you should call a handyperson for this operation.
Before the door handle replacement, it would be good if you answered several questions. The first one is, “What is my reason for changing the door handle or knob?” If you want to do it due to a malfunction of any kind, it's logical. However, examine the whole locking mechanism and the door. If it's old and so are the doorknob, the lock, hinges and frame, maybe a better decision would be to replace the entire door. However, if the door doesn't require replacement and you still want to change the handle, here are a few other things to take into account.
Before removing the door handle, you need to understand how it was installed and it's important to check the measurements to buy a new one that will fit the door cutout perfectly. Some handles may be easily installed, but the others have concealed fixings covered with the outer rose plate or a special cover. Everything depends on the handle type.
Types of door handles
There are many factors to consider when choosing between different types of door handles. People usually think first about styles, colors, and finishes. However, it might be more important to define whether you need a handle or a doorknob. Handles usually have a lever you move down to open the door. A knob operates the latch inside the locking mechanism, and the opening happens when you rotate the knob. It's up to you to choose which one is more convenient and which one suits your door more. You may be guided by your home design or personal preferences on usability. Handles tend to be easier to use than doorknobs. However, knobs usually fit both right-operating and left-operating doors.
When you decide which type you prefer, you may choose between some of the best door locks brands that are available on the market today.
How to replace a door handle
If you decide to replace a handle yourself, here are a few steps you might take.
- Take a flat-head screwdriver and insert it into the slot where a door handle connects to the cover plate. Apply a bit of pressure and gently take the handle or knob out. If there is no slot, try unscrewing it, as it may simply be of another type. Some handles may not come separately off the cover plate. This way, you can't change them without removing the plate.
- Unscrew the screws holding the cover plate at both sides, pry it up a bit until it pops off, and put it aside. If your cover plate is round, it might not have screws securing it in place. Try turning it counterclockwise or simply prying it off.
- Remove the screws holding the latch and inner plates inside the door's hole. Gently pull out the latch plate and the door locking mechanism so that only holes are left in the door.
- Take the new handle set and perform the above-mentioned actions in reverse order. Make sure it fits the existing holes. For a door to look better, it's advisable to choose a handle with rectangular cover plates if your old ones were rectangular. As well as, if you had a knob with round cover plates, the door would look more attractive with new round ones.
If you wish, you may perform it by yourself. However, if you want to save time and nerves, consider hiring a residential locksmith. Also, remember that it's okay to stop in the middle of the process if you're not sure everything is going well. We're ready to assist you with any locksmith issue, at anytime.
Summing up
Whatever the reason for a handle replacement, it's a task that may be performed on your own or with professional assistance. Some of the things to consider in advance are the type of the future handle and the size of the door holes so that your purchase fits them perfectly.
Sure Lock & Key is always here for you in case you need professional assistance.
