Introduction
This guide will walk you through how to replace outdated or old door hardware while keeping your doors in top condition. Choosing the right hardware can enhance both the functionality and style of your home, ensuring a modern and polished look while improving ease of use.
Proper installation plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of your doors, preventing long-term damage and ensuring they remain secure and operating smoothly.
Why Upgrade Your Door Hardware?
- Aesthetic Refresh: Instantly modernise the look of your home with updated finishes like brushed brass or matte black.
- Improved Functionality: Older door handles and locks may be worn out and not worth repairing
- Increased Security: Upgrading to modern locks can enhance home safety.
- Resale Value: Small upgrades can make a big impact when selling a home.
- Ergonomics: Upgrading to more comfortable designs improves usability, especially for people with mobility issues.
Choosing the Right Replacement Hardware
- Measure Existing Holes: Measure the backset, bore hole, and screw placement to ensure compatibility with your new handles.
- Select the Right Type: Which function do you need? Passage, privacy, or entrance handles
- Coordinate Finishes: Match your new hardware with existing fixtures for a cohesive look.
Tools for a Damage-Free Installation
Consult the instructions that came with your hardware to determine the specific tools you’ll need, but in general, it’s helpful to also have these on-hand to ensure things go smoothly:
- Clean cloth (for cleaning any old grease or debris)
- Wood filler (for patching old holes if necessary)
- Sandpaper (for smoothing any rough edges)
- Square for marking straight lines
- Routing or door-specific jig
- Painter’s tape (to protect the door surface while working)
- Utility knife (for precise adjustments)
1. Remove the Old Hardware Carefully
- Unscrew the handle or lockset using a manual screwdriver to avoid stripping screws.
- If a screw is stuck, give the end of your screwdriver a sharp tap with a hammer before attempting to turn it
- If paint has sealed the hardware, score around the edges with a utility knife before removal.
- Gently pull out the handle and latch without forcing them.
- Wipe the surface of the door clean if any grease, powdered graphite or debris is left
- Store old hardware safely in case you need it for reference.
2. Inspect and Clean the Door
- Check for dents, scratches, or old paint that needs to be removed, cleaned or repaired
- Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough surfaces
- Wipe down the area to remove dust and debris.
- If necessary, use wood filler to patch any holes before installing new hardware.
- If necessary, prepare and paint any areas that were previously hidden by the old hardware, if they will not be hidden by the new.
3. Install the New Hardware
- Align the latch mechanism properly before securing it.
- Position the new handle or lock, ensuring it sits flush with the door surface.
- Tighten screws gradually, alternating sides to prevent misalignment.
4. Test for Smooth Operation
- Open and close the door multiple times to ensure the handle moves freely.
- Check that the latch retracts and extends smoothly.
- If anything feels stiff, slightly loosen the screws and adjust positioning.
- Confirm that the strike plate aligns correctly with the latch for proper closure.
Looking for high-quality door hardware to refresh your space? Browse our collection of premium handles by function: Entrance, Privacy, Passage or Dummy.