How to Replace a Composite Door Handle
Door handles can make a big improvement to the look of your composite or UPVC door. There are many different handle designs available, no matter if you prefer a traditional antique stainless steel or black suite.
Changing your door handle is simpler than you think. Follow these easy steps and you'll have a new handle in no time.
1. Measure the Door
The first step in replacing a composite handle on the door is to determine its correct size. The easiest way to do this is by measuring the handle that is currently in use. The measurements you have to determine are the center of the spindle hole (also known as the PZ measurement) and the centres of the Euro holes in the cylinders.
Once you have the measurements, you can begin looking for handles. There are a variety of handles to pick from and it's crucial to take your time to select one that suits your design and home. The choice of the perfect door handle isn't just about appearance - it's also about functionality and security.
When you are looking for a new door handle, make sure that you measure the door opening and not the brick opening. This will provide you with a more accurate size of the handle, and also ensure that it fits correctly. It is also important to be aware of the backset of your door. This is the distance from the center of a handle bore hole to the edge of the door. Most uPVC door have a backset of 2-3/8" or 2-3/4". Choose a handle with the right backset.
There are several ways to measure the door handle The most commonly used is using a tape measure. Make sure to use a calibrated measuring tape to get the most effective results. It's important to keep in mind that sizes are measured in millimetres.
After you've taken the measurement then you'll have to decide whether you'd prefer to replace only the handle or the whole handle set. Changes to the handle set are generally a much simpler process and it can save you money in the long run.
Once you've removed your handle that was previously used, it's time to install the new handle. The procedure is easy and the result is guaranteed to be perfect. Be careful not to lose any screws, and make sure that all of the features line up properly. It's a great idea to test the new handle by moving it up downwards, locking it and unlocking.
2. Remove the old Handle
The door handle is an essential part of a door that can add style and functionality. If your handles are damaged or worn out, replacing them is a simple and relatively quick project that can make a big difference to the appearance of your home. Before you can install a new handle, first take off the old one. Make sure that the holes are large enough to accommodate the new one.
You can easily remove the mounting screws from the majority of door handles. Some designs, however they are more difficult to get off. Find a small opening in the neck of handle generally near the point where the base and latch plate. You can pull the handle off using a screwdriver, or a thin Allen wrench. When doing this, be aware that the latch plate and handle may fall out of the door. If this happens, you can put two half-circle pieces cardboard (not boxes or construction paper cardboard) into the holes that you have made after removing the bolts from. This will stop the latch and handle plates from falling to the bottom of your door.
If the handle isn't screwed, it may be held in place by a pin or snaps into a hole in the bezel, above the lock mechanism. In this situation you'll have to first remove the entire cover plate or rose, then the handle. Certain types of handles include a screw to hold the latch plate in place and is easy to unbolt as well.
When you have removed the old handle, you should have a series of holes in the door slab, that are similar to the size of the latch plate set in the jamb of the door. To avoid repeating this step, choose a handle that matches the size of the latch plate. It is also important to ensure that the strike plate, which is set into the door jamb, and is used to support the latch when it's closed, matches the handle you select.
3. Install the new Handle
The handle of the door is an important part of the front door since it lets you into your home and provides security for your family and you. If composite door replacement parts starts to lose its shine or becomes difficult to operate, it is time to replace it. Whether it is for aesthetic reasons or because it's been damaged replacing your door handle is a simple task that anyone can do themselves without having to call an expert.
Before you begin the replacement, make sure the door is open with a door stop or any other piece of equipment you have in your home to prevent the door from closing while working on it. This will prevent the door from closing behind you while you attempt to install the new handles. It will also make the process much simpler.
After you have locked the door, you'll need to loosen any screws that are holding the door knob. They are usually located on the side of the door, and may be covered by the cover plate for aesthetic reasons. Once the screws are loose, remove the handle from the door and make sure that the holes in the door are not blocked. The spindle of the new door handle must be inserted in the hole to allow it to be seen on the opposite side.
Make sure that the screw holes on the handle are identical to the screwholes on the door, and also that it is positioned in the correct direction. If it's a lever handle the open end should be facing the hinges of the door. If it is a knob with a closed end, it should be facing away from the hinges.
You will also need to decide on the right replacement for the composite door handle. The most commonly used handle is one that has two holes on either side, which can be used on left-handed and right-handed doors. You will need to measure the distance from the door's edge to the center of the knob's opening which is known as the backset, and ensure that your new handle will fit the measurement.
4. Secure the Door
It is possible to replace the door handle due to various reasons, like age, damage, or because it doesn't look like it did in the past. It could also be an indication that it's time to upgrade your door handle to something more sophisticated or modern. It is a quick and simple process that can be completed in a short time.
There are numerous handles, so it is essential to select the one that is right for you. A lever or lever-lock handle is a popular choice because it offers a superior level of security and is easy to use. It is often employed in combination with a multi-point auto lock or slam-closed locking systems to give extra security in case of an attempted break-in.
Another option is to choose a bar handle that is long. This kind of handle has more attractive style and is usually employed together with mortice deadlocks and a night latches to give you extra security. This type of handle is usually found on doors that are exterior, and adds a stylish and striking look to your home.
Keyed handlesets are another popular choice, as they offer a level of functionality that makes it easy to secure your home. They are made up of an exterior handle, a thumb-operated latch and matching dead bolt. They can be easily installed on doors of all kinds, as they use the existing holes for installation.
It is important to check the new handle for proper functioning before leaving the house. Be sure it can move without jamming or lag and that the bolt is securely locked. It is also a good idea to shut and open the door several times to ensure it's secure.
In the event of a crisis the use of a simple chair could be used as a temporary barricade to ensure the door is secure. Find a chair that can fit under the handle and then wedge it in. This may not be as efficient as other methods, but it is a good temporary solution to keep your home secure.