With the explosion in the cost of materials and the shortage of labour, it is time more than ever to reclaim some maintenance or renovation work on your home. Become a pro and take action with tasks anyone can do.
Project
Whether it’s for more privacy or to standardize the decor, installing or changing a door handle is easy to do. Trust yourself and take action.
In the first place
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The metal clip attached to the door jamb may need adjustment.
If you change the handle model, the strike plate, the metal clip attached to the door frame, may need adjustment. The lever handle is easier to use. With a view to a universal design, it allows opening with one hand or even with the elbow. The type with lock is not more difficult to install. The lock is obviously on the inside of the room.
The tools
Screwdriver (depending on cap screw head type)
Utility knife (optional)
How to do it
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Insert the spring bolt into the hole in the door.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The complete mechanism
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The center piece that operates the spring bolt. What you see is the part you enter the central axis of the handle that makes the handle “turn”.
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1. Insert the spring bolt into the door hole. Make sure that the slope of the spring bolt is in the right direction so as not to interfere with the opening of the door. Depending on the distance of the hole for the handle from the edge of the door and the thickness of the door, most handles allow the system to be adjusted to enter the center pin correctly. Depending on the type of handle, you can use the knob around the bolt, which offers a very clean installation, or the other classic option.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Insert a first part with the central axis.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Then screw, but not too hard.
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2. Insert a first part with the central axis, then screw. Do not overtighten to prevent the system from straining. Do it with a screwdriver.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Place the other part of the handle.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
The handle without the lever
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Then add the beak of cane.
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3. Place the other part of the handle, gently adjust, then screw. As in the present case, some handles require that the base and the lever be installed separately. If you have a handle with a latch, depending on the model, the pressure button goes to the bottom.
Last step
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Draw a pencil line exactly under the spring bolt.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Even if the door frame is already machined, there may be some adjustment to be made.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Use a utility knife with a sharp blade for precision work.
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PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, THE PRESS
Screw the plate.
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4. Secure the strike plate in the door jamb. Even if the frame is already machined, do a check, then fix the second screw. If necessary, adjust it. Draw a pencil line exactly under the spring bolt. First insert a single screw, to fit the piece, trace and cut as needed. Use a utility knife with a sharp blade for precision work. Thicker door casing moldings often require more adjustment.
A little further
If you want to replace an exterior door handle, be aware that the holes for the handle and the lock are already made. Before buying a new handle, first check the thickness of your door. Then measure, from center to center, the distance between the hole in the handle and the hole in the lock, as well as their diameter. To prevent the old assembly holes from remaining visible even if they are plugged, measure between the handle hole and the bottom screw areas of the handle. You may have to make an adjustment with the faceplate (plate that surrounds the deadbolt).