Fitting A New Front Door Handle

Take care to measure carefully as matching the size can be especially problematic in older homes.
Fitting a new front door handle. Fitting door handles may appear complicated at first but it is an easier task then you think. Measure both the door and rough opening to make sure the door is the right size. 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. Measure the diameter of the holes currently cut out of your door so you can select a new door lock that fits those dimensions.
Your brand new handles deserve to be shown off to their best after all. Painting the door optional once you ve fitted your new door furniture you might want to spruce up the door itself. If the screwdriver slips it could scratch your new handle. The handle will stay in place leaving your hands free to secure the interior trim.
Step 3 put new latch mechanism in. If the new latch mechanism is longer than the old one drill about 1 2 inch in. Make sure to use the right screwdriver and to do this carefully. Normally 1 2 inch is sufficient.
If you choose to install a front door made of steel you will need a helper. Installing a door handle is a relatively easy home project that you can do with a pre made kit. Next you ll install the outside handle assembly. 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.
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. The flat surface of the latch should be on the interior side of the door. Installing an exterior door that is insulated and made of steel can be heavy and cumbersome due to the weight of the materials. Before you learn how to change door locks measure the space where you ll install the replacement.
Mark your brand new door with the location. Use masking tape to secure the door handle kit s template to the door at this spot. Put the new latch assembly in the old latch hole. Before you can fit a door handle to a new door you will first need to mark regions to be drilled and cut.
Marking the door handle positions. Follow our handy guide to fitting interior door handles.