How To Replace Interior Door Handle

How to Replace Interior Door Handle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're renovating an entire home or simply updating a few rooms, replacing interior door handles can be a simple and cost-effective way to refresh your space. It's a project that can be tackled by DIYers of all skill levels, and it can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home. ### Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials Before you begin, you'll need to gather the following tools and materials: * Screwdriver * Tape measure * Pencil * New interior door handle * Drill (if necessary) ### Step 2: Remove the Old Door Handle To remove the old door handle, start by unscrewing the two screws that hold it in place. Once the screws are removed, you should be able to pull the door handle off of the door. If the old door handle is stuck, you may need to use a screwdriver to pry it off. Be careful not to damage the door or the doorframe. ### Step 3: Prepare the Door for the New Handle Once the old door handle is removed, you need to prepare the door for the new handle. This may involve drilling new holes or filling in old holes. If you need to drill new holes, use a drill bit that is the same size as the screws that came with the new door handle. Drill the holes in the same location as the old holes. If you need to fill in old holes, use a wood filler that is appropriate for the type of door you have. Apply the wood filler to the holes and let it dry completely. ### Step 4: Install the New Door Handle Once the door is prepared, you can install the new door handle. To do this, simply insert the screws that came with the new door handle into the holes in the door. Tighten the screws until the door handle is secure. If the new door handle has a locking mechanism, you will also need to install the strike plate. The strike plate is the metal plate that the door latch fits into when the door is closed. To install the strike plate, hold it up to the doorframe in the desired location and mark the location of the screw holes with a pencil. Then, use a drill to drill pilot holes at the marked locations. Finally, insert the screws that came with the strike plate into the pilot holes and tighten them until the strike plate is secure. ### Step 5: Test the New Door Handle Once the new door handle is installed, test it to make sure it works properly. Open and close the door several times to make sure the door handle moves smoothly. Also, try locking and unlocking the door to make sure the locking mechanism is working properly. If you have any problems with the new door handle, consult the manufacturer's instructions for troubleshooting tips. ### Conclusion Replacing an interior door handle is a simple and inexpensive project that can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home. With a little planning and effort, you can easily replace an old door handle with a new one that matches your décor and provides years of trouble-free use.