How to replace the door handle step by step?

The constant banging of doors that results from door handles not locking into place can be annoying. In such a case, performing door handles replacement is inevitable if you enjoy a quiet ambience.

Well, this is not the only scenario that calls for such replacements. For example, difficulties operating your door’s handle are why you might consider changing a door handle. Additionally, when you order interior doors, improving your home’s aesthetics might trigger the need to perform such replacements across the entire house.

This is a step by step handle replacement guide, proving how easy the fitting process can be.

Let’s delve into the specifics.

Removing the old door handle

A series of steps on how to replace a door handle exists, but it all starts with detaching the unwanted one.

So, how do you go about it?

Secure the door using a doorstop

Open the door halfway before commencing the replacement process, then secure it with a stopper. Doing so keeps the door firm, preventing any unnecessary movements.

Examine the old handle

Considering different door handles exist, you need first to examine the one currently installed to ensure you unmount it as it should. Next, check for screws, and if you cannot see any, remove the cover plate to expose them.

Pull out the cover plate

There are various ways to pull out the cover plate and expose the inner workings of the handle. For starters, you can simply pop out the cover plate using a flathead screwdriver, push the pressure release/pin, or unscrew it.

Remove the faceplate

Pull out the faceplate by unscrewing it. Also, remove the latch and keep both aside.

Attaching the new door handle

To replace door handle, you need to:

Find an ideal handle

Successfully fitting a door handle means finding the right-sized one. To do that, you need to have accurate backset measurements. The backset measurement is the distance between your door’s outer edge and the keyhole’s centre.

Luckily, installation interior door handles have standard backset measurements and finding one is pretty straightforward.

To increase the chances of picking the perfect fit, choose a handle of the exact shape as the previous one.

Insert the latch

Push the latch mechanism into position. For example, if your door closes to the right, make sure the diagonal part of the latch bolt faces right. Also, confirm that the latch mechanism pushes to the door’s inside edge.

Secure the latch plate

Before attaching the latch, align the new spindle and the keyway cylinder and put them into their rightful holes. Then take the appropriate screws and secure the latch plate as well as the cylinders in position. You will need a screwdriver for this.

Sometimes, when conducting a patio doors handles replacement (or any other door for that matter), you might come across plates that do not fit properly. Unless you how to make adjustments, you need to call in a lock expert.

Additionally, confirm that the new inner plates fit in as the previous ones. If they differ, read the user manual to determine which goes where.

Mount the cover plate

Take one of the new cover plates, align it with the spindle and the keyway cylinder, and push it into place. You may need to apply a bit of pressure.

If the cover plate has a screw hole, secure it using screws before moving to the other side.

Repeat this process with the other cover plate.

Note that some cover plates will come without handles. In that case, you will install door handles separately.

Replace any other door handles

A new handle instantly improves your home’s curb appeal. To match it and update your home’s interior, you can also replace the other door handles following the step-by-step processes above.

Before removing the doorstop, confirm that the lock works as needed. Also, do not be limited to only undertaking door replacement. Spruce up your home’s aesthetic appeal by changing your cabinet handles to match the colour of the new door handles.

Tools you need to install a new handle

Doorstop
New door handle
Screwdriver

Conclusion

New door handles are functional pieces that help uphold the privacy of a room and keep outside noise at bay. If you are looking to buy door handles, United Porte has got you covered. We have durable handles for french, barn, closet, pocket, and a host of other doors.