When it comes to home improvement projects, there are few tasks as simple yet satisfying as replacing a door handle. It’s a quick and easy way to give your home a fresh look, and it can be done in just a few minutes with the right tools. However, before you can install a new door handle, you first need to remove the old one.
Removing a door handle is a relatively straightforward process, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you get started. First, you need to make sure that you have the right tools for the job. You will need a Phillips head screwdriver, a flat head screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. Second, you need to be careful not to damage the door or the door handle when you are removing it. Finally, you need to be patient and take your time. If you rush through the process, you are more likely to make a mistake.
Identifying the Door Handle Type
Identifying the type of door handle you have is crucial for dismantling it effectively. Understanding the different handle variations will help you apply the appropriate disassembly technique. There are multiple handle types, each with its unique characteristics:
1. Lever Handle
Lever handles are distinguished by their elongated, horizontal shape. They are typically used for both residential and commercial doors and can be locked using a key or a thumb turn. To dismantle a lever handle, remove the screws visible at the base of the handle or on the side of the rosette.
| Lever Handle Subtypes: |
|---|
|
Non-locking, used for interior doors that do not require privacy. |
|
Locking, commonly used for bathrooms and bedrooms where privacy is desired. |
|
Locking, requiring a key to unlock, suitable for exterior doors or areas requiring security. |
2. Knob Handle
Knob handles are round or oval-shaped and are operated by turning. They are commonly found in residential settings but can also be used in commercial applications. To dismantle a knob handle, remove the small screws located on the side of the knob or underneath the rosette.
3. Pull Handle
Pull handles are designed to be gripped and pulled open. They are typically used for sliding doors or commercial doors. To dismantle a pull handle, look for screws or bolts securing it to the door surface. Remove these fasteners to detach the handle.
Gathering Necessary Tools
Before embarking on the task of dismantling a door handle, it is imperative to gather the requisite tools to ensure a smooth and efficient process. A basic toolkit, consisting of a few essential items, will suffice for most door handle removal tasks.
Hand Tools
The following hand tools are typically required:
Allen Key or Hex Key
Allen keys, also known as hex keys, are indispensable for removing door handles that are secured with screws. Select the appropriate size wrench that corresponds to the screw heads on the door handle.
Phillips Head Screwdriver
A Phillips head screwdriver is used to remove screws with a cross-shaped head. This type of screw is commonly found in door handles. Ensure the screwdriver bit fits snugly into the screw head to prevent stripping.
Flat Head Screwdriver
A flat head screwdriver is useful for prying and loosening components of the door handle, such as the cover plate or escutcheon. Choose a screwdriver with a slotted blade that is not too wide for the grooves on the handle.
Pliers
Pliers can be employed to grip and turn set screws or other small, hard-to-reach fasteners that may require additional torque. It is recommended to use needle-nose pliers for precision in confined spaces.
Additionally, the following materials may be helpful:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Safety Glasses | Protect your eyes from flying debris |
| Cloth or Rag | Wipe away any grease or dust during the process |
| Flashlight | Illuminate hard-to-see areas, especially in dimly lit rooms |
Removing the Lock Cylinder
To remove the lock cylinder, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver. First, remove the screws that are holding the lock cylinder in place. The number and location of these screws will vary depending on the type of door lock you have. Once the screws are removed, you should be able to pull the lock cylinder out of the door. If the lock cylinder is stuck, you can try using a lubricant to loosen it.
Once the lock cylinder is removed, you can remove the key from the cylinder. To do this, simply insert the key into the cylinder and turn it until the key is released. You should now be able to remove the key from the cylinder.
If you are having difficulty removing the lock cylinder, you may need to consult with a locksmith. A locksmith will be able to help you remove the lock cylinder and replace it with a new one.
Here is a table summarizing the steps involved in removing the lock cylinder:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the screws that are holding the lock cylinder in place. |
| 2 | Pull the lock cylinder out of the door. |
| 3 | Remove the key from the cylinder. |
Detaching the Door Lever or Knob
The specific procedure for detaching the door lever or knob can vary slightly depending on the type and design of the handle. However, the following general steps typically apply:
1. Remove the Visible Screws
Locate the visible screws that hold the door handle in place. These are typically found on the rosette or escutcheon, which is the decorative plate that surrounds the base of the handle.
2. Unscrew the Lever or Knob
Once the visible screws are removed, the door lever or knob should be loose enough to pull straight off. If it doesn’t come off easily, you may need to gently pry it loose with a screwdriver or a knife.
3. Disconnect the Latch Mechanism
For lever handles, there may be a latch mechanism that needs to be disconnected. Locate the latch and press on the release button or lever to disengage it from the handle.
4. Remove the Handle Assembly
Once the lever or knob is detached, you may need to remove the entire handle assembly, which includes the latch and any other internal components. To do this:
- Locate the retaining screws that hold the handle assembly in place. These may be hidden behind a cover or cap.
- Remove the retaining screws and carefully pull the handle assembly out of the door.
- Disconnect any electrical wires or other connections that are attached to the handle assembly.
The table below summarizes the steps for detaching various types of door handles:
| Handle Type | Removal Steps |
|---|---|
| Lever handle | Remove visible screws, unscrew lever, disconnect latch, remove handle assembly |
| Knob handle | Remove visible screws, unscrew knob, remove handle assembly |
Disassembling the Back Plate
1. Locate the Screws
Examine the back plate of the door handle. There will typically be two or more screws holding it in place.
2. Remove the Screws
Using a screwdriver appropriate for the screw head, carefully remove the screws.
3. Check for Hidden Screws
Sometimes, there may be additional screws hidden under decorative covers or caps. Inspect the back plate thoroughly and remove any such screws.
4. Lift the Back Plate
Once all the screws are removed, gently lift the back plate away from the door.
5. Disconnect the Wiring
For some door handles, there may be wiring connecting the back plate to the interior mechanism. Carefully disconnect any wires.
6. Remove the Handle Assembly
Depending on the type of door handle, you may need to perform additional steps to remove the handle assembly. Some common methods include:
- Set Screw: Look for a small set screw on the side of the handle shaft. Loosen the screw and pull the handle straight off.
- Bolts or Screws: Some handles are secured by bolts or screws that need to be removed.
- Lever Mechanism: For lever-style handles, you may need to press a release lever or button located on the back plate to disengage the handle from the mechanism.
- Spindle or Cam: For some handles, there will be a spindle or cam that connects the handle to the latch. Twist the spindle or press down on the cam to release the handle.
| Handle Type | Disassembly Method |
|---|---|
| Knob | Set Screw |
| Lever | Release Lever |
| Round Handle | Bolt or Screw |
| Touchpad | Spindle or Cam |
Unwinding the Latch Assembly
7a. Locate and Unscrew the Latch Bolt. Once you’ve removed the handle cover, you’ll see the latch assembly. The latch bolt is the metal piece that extends from the door to engage with the strike plate on the door frame. To unscrew the latch bolt, simply use a screwdriver to turn the screws that hold it in place.
7b. Extract the Latch Assembly. Once the latch bolt is unscrewed, you should be able to gently pull the latch assembly out of the door. Be careful not to damage the latch assembly or the surrounding components.
7c. Inspect and Clean the Latch Assembly. Once you have the latch assembly out of the door, take a moment to inspect it for any damage or wear. If necessary, you can clean the latch assembly with a mild detergent and water.
7d. Reassemble the Latch Assembly. Once the latch assembly is clean and inspected, it’s time to reassemble it. To do this, simply reverse the steps you took to disassemble it. Be sure to tighten all of the screws securely.
7e. Lubricate the Latch Assembly. To ensure smooth operation, apply a small amount of lubricant to the latch bolt and the other moving parts of the latch assembly. You can use a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder, or a wet lubricant, such as WD-40.
7f. Reinstall the Latch Assembly. With the latch assembly lubricated and reassembled, it’s time to reinstall it in the door. To do this, simply insert the latch assembly into the door and secure it with the screws. Be sure to tighten the screws securely.
Removing the Strike Plate
The strike plate is the metal plate that the latch of the door handle fits into when the door is closed. To remove the strike plate, you will need a screwdriver.
Step 1: Unscrew the strike plate
Using the screwdriver, unscrew the screws that are holding the strike plate in place. There will typically be two or three screws.
Step 2: Remove the strike plate
Once the screws have been removed, you can pull the strike plate off of the door frame.
Step 3: Clean the strike plate
If the strike plate is dirty or rusty, you can clean it with a damp cloth and some soap.
Step 4: Reinstall the strike plate
Once the strike plate is clean, you can reinstall it on the door frame. Make sure to line up the holes in the strike plate with the holes in the door frame.
Step 5: Screw in the strike plate
Using the screwdriver, screw the screws back into the strike plate. Make sure to tighten the screws securely.
Step 6: Test the strike plate
Once the strike plate is screwed in, test it by closing the door. The latch of the door handle should fit into the strike plate smoothly.
Step 7: Adjust the strike plate if necessary
If the latch of the door handle does not fit into the strike plate smoothly, you may need to adjust the strike plate. To do this, loosen the screws that are holding the strike plate in place and move the strike plate slightly. Tighten the screws again and test the strike plate again.
Organizing the Disassembled Parts
Once you have successfully disassembled your door handle, it is important to keep track of the various parts to ensure a smooth reassembly process. Here are some tips for organizing the disassembled components:
- Group similar parts together: Sort the screws, washers, and other small components into separate containers or baggies. Label each container to indicate the corresponding part.
- Use clear containers: Transparent containers allow you to easily identify the contents without having to open them. This makes it easier to locate the necessary parts during reassembly.
- Create a parts list: Take a moment to create a list of all the parts and their corresponding locations. This will serve as a reference during reassembly and help you avoid any missing or misplaced components.
- Store parts in a safe place: Choose a secure location to store the disassembled parts, away from potential hazards or accidental misplacement.
- Keep track of the handle orientation: Note the orientation of the handle before disassembly. This will ensure that you reassemble it correctly, maintaining the proper direction of operation.
- Use a magnetic tray: If you’re working with small screws or washers, a magnetic tray can be helpful to prevent them from rolling away and getting lost.
- Consider using a repair guide: Refer to the manufacturer’s repair guide or online tutorials for specific instructions on organizing and reassembling the door handle components.
- Take photos: Before disassembling the door handle, take clear photographs of the assembly. This can provide a visual reference during reassembly and help you identify the correct placement of parts.
- Store loose parts separately: Keep any loose parts, such as keys or decorative elements, in a separate container or envelope to avoid losing them during handling.
- Label bolts by length: If there are multiple bolts of different lengths, label them accordingly to ensure they are reinstalled in the correct locations.
- Use washers and spacers: If there are any washers or spacers used in the assembly, ensure they are kept together and organized to prevent mix-ups during reassembly.
- Create a table: Consider creating a table to document the parts list and their corresponding locations. This can provide a detailed inventory and help you keep track of all the components.
| Component |
|---|
| Screws |
| Washers |
| Spacers |
| Handle plates |
| Lock cylinder |
| Spindle |
Preparing for Reassembly
10. **Handle Orientation:**
Before reassembling the door handle, determine the correct orientation of the handle itself. Identify the top and bottom edges and ensure that they are aligned properly with the door frame. Improper orientation can affect the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the handle.
11. **Screw Alignment:**
Check the alignment of the screws that secure the handle to the door. If the screws are not aligned correctly, it can cause the handle to wobble or become loose over time. Align the screws perpendicular to the door surface and tighten them evenly.
12. **Tightening Sequence:**
Follow the correct tightening sequence for the screws. This ensures even distribution of force and prevents overtightening. Start by tightening the lower screw, then the upper screw, and finally the middle screw (if applicable).
13. **Locking Mechanism:**
If the door handle has a locking mechanism, ensure that it is properly engaged. Insert the key and turn it to check the functionality of the lock. Make sure the latch engages smoothly into the strike plate and that the handle does not rattle when locked.
14. **Final Inspection:**
Once the door handle is reassembled, perform a final inspection. Check that the handle operates smoothly, is secure, and has a proper orientation. If any issues are noticed, disassemble and reassemble the handle until it meets these criteria.
How To Dismantle A Door Handle
If your door handle is broken or needs to be replaced, you can do it yourself with a few simple tools. Here are the steps on how to dismantle a door handle:
- Remove the screws. There will be two screws on the inside of the door that hold the handle in place. Remove these screws using a screwdriver.
- Pull the handle off. Once the screws are removed, you should be able to pull the handle straight off the door.
- Disconnect the wires. If the door handle is wired, you will need to disconnect the wires before you can remove it completely. To do this, simply use a pair of pliers to squeeze the connectors together and pull them apart.
- Remove the old handle. Once the wires are disconnected, you can remove the old handle completely. To do this, simply slide it out of the door.
People Also Ask About How To Dismantle A Door Handle
How do I know if my door handle is broken?
There are a few signs that your door handle may be broken, including:
*
The handle is loose or wobbly.
*
The handle doesn’t turn smoothly.
*
The handle is cracked or broken.
Can I replace a door handle myself?
Yes, you can replace a door handle yourself with a few simple tools. Just follow the steps outlined above.
How much does it cost to replace a door handle?
The cost of replacing a door handle will vary depending on the type of handle you choose and the cost of labor in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $20 and $100 for a new door handle.
