Fitting A New Front Door Handle
Make sure to use the right screwdriver and to do this carefully.
Fitting a new front door handle. If the new latch mechanism is longer than the old one drill about 1 2 inch in. Fitting door handles may appear complicated at first but it is an easier task then you think. Mark your brand new door with the location. Installing a door handle is a relatively easy home project that you can do with a pre made kit.
Take care to measure carefully as matching the size can be especially problematic in older homes. Next you ll install the outside handle assembly. If you choose to install a front door made of steel you will need a helper. Normally 1 2 inch is sufficient.
Painting the door optional once you ve fitted your new door furniture you might want to spruce up the door itself. Next create a rough opening around your frame that s at least 1 inch wider and taller than the outside of the door system you re installing then insert the new door into the opening and place shims on the hinge side of the door making sure there s a gap of 1 8th inch between the edge of the door and the jamb. Your brand new handles deserve to be shown off to their best after all. Slide the adjustable throughbolt up or down as needed and press the handleset onto the door.
Before you learn how to change door locks measure the space where you ll install the replacement. Line up the spindle on the back of the handle with the slot in the latch sliding any mechanisms up or down as needed to fit the handle onto the door. Marking the door handle positions. Use masking tape to secure the door handle kit s template to the door at this spot.
If your new door handle attaches to the door at a point below the lower borehole like ours you may need to drill another hole to accommodate. Align the spindle on the back of the assembly with the throughbolt and the slot in the latch. The handle will stay in place leaving your hands free to secure the interior trim. Installing an exterior door that is insulated and made of steel can be heavy and cumbersome due to the weight of the materials.
Follow our handy guide to fitting interior door handles. Measure the diameter of the holes currently cut out of your door so you can select a new door lock that fits those dimensions. Put your tape measure on the floor in front of your door and measure up 41 inches from the floor since this is the most common placement for door handles. Measure both the door and rough opening to make sure the door is the right size.
The flat surface of the latch should be on the interior side of the door. Put the new latch assembly in the old latch hole.