Five Things You Don't Know About French Door Handle Replacement
French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors
Door handles are important to protect your home from outside elements. Door handles are also a popular feature that sets a style for your interior.
Most French doors have two handles: one that is functional and the other one is decorative. This handle that's not functional is commonly called a dummy handle.
Replacement
A new handle is an affordable option to improve the look of French doors. Whether your doors are older and in need of replacement or you're remodeling the look of your doors, you should choose top quality handles that can be able to withstand repeated use and withstand the elements. The best handles are made of stainless steel as it is antibacterial and easy to clean. They also feature a brushed finish that wards off fingerprints and is less likely to show scratches or rust over time.
Handle sets are available in a vast range of styles and finishes. You're sure you'll find something that matches your style and decor. Some handle styles are more appealing than others, while others have an integrated lock for additional security. Key-operated handles are available which are ideal for homes with small children. Certain handles are more expensive than others, and it's important to consider your budget when choosing a set.
Choose the best configuration for your French door prior to buying the handle. If you have interior door that open independently and you want to have two handles. One handle can be locked and the other will not. This will determine if require a handle that rotates or fixed one. You'll need to decide if you would like to secure the door from both the inside and the outside.
You'll need to use a lock to unlock external doors that require keys. You can select a standard Yale lock or a multipoint locking system to secure your French doors. Certain locks allow you to lock the top and bottom of the door at once and some require that you unlock both the top and the bottom.
If you're ready to put in your new handle, first find the slot for actuator. It's a cylindrical slot that connects to the latch. It's possible to find holes for this in the door frame but you should measure carefully and use the spirit level to ensure that the holes are straight. With your handle, you'll need to receive a hole-boring tool to aid you in taking the proper measurements.
Installation
While door handles might seem like minor accessories but they play a crucial role in your french doors' function as well as security, and even aesthetics. It is essential to choose top-quality handles that are able to withstand regular use and don't need to be replaced or maintained regularly.
Depending on the style you want and the purpose of your door, you may need to install different handles. However regardless of your preferred style and function the process of installation is similar. First, you must take the old handles off and clean up the area where the new ones will be placed. Drill holes into the door where you want to mount the handle set. Follow the instructions that came with your hardware to ensure that you drill the holes in a manner that allows the lock mechanism to be fitted properly.
After that, put the lock bolt in the hole on the edge of the door and connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical piece that has a slot that the bolt can pass through. If you're not certain about the assembly order, consult your instructions.
Once you've done that fix the plate to cover the latching and locking mechanisms on the active side of the door. You should then test the lock and latch to ensure that they work properly. Repeat the process on the door side that you have made up to install the handle that isn't functional.
It's essential to be patient and attentive throughout the process. You could end having handles that are not functional or appear attractive if you hurry through the process. It is recommended to hire an expert to get the best results. You'll be able to enjoy your gorgeous french doors for years to come!
Compatibility
The type of handle that you pick for your French doors will be contingent on the purpose you intend to use them for. If you're planning to use them for closets, for instance it is unlikely that you'll need them to lock and decorative handles will suffice. If you're planning to put them in a bedroom or dining room, you'll need locking hardware which is easy to use and secure against forced entry. The handle you select for your french door should also be compatible with locks already installed. Get a professional's help to make sure that the lock is easy to use. A knowledgeable expert like the ones at CD Windows will be able to help you choose the correct handle for your doors.
When it comes to French Door Handles, there are a myriad of options. Some are equipped with locks that are built-in which eliminate the necessity of a separate lock system. Others have latches and deadbolts that can be controlled by a handle to provide additional security. In any case, you'll need to make sure that the handles you pick are compatible with your existing hardware and will fit well with the door type and design.
You should also think about whether you would like your handle sets to lock on one side or both sides. French doors are two doors joined together which means they require a different mechanism than single doors. If you are looking for an option that locks both sides, then you will require a handle with locks specifically that is designed for double doors.
In most cases, you'll notice that the handles you put on the active French Door have an opening in the plates that can accept the latch and the lock bolt. The dummy handle, on the other hand, is an unfunctioning handle that is purely decorative. These handles are usually employed in areas that don't need to be opened often, like bedrooms and bathrooms.
Maintenance
It is important to take care of the handles on your doors, as they are the most frequently used part of your doors. As time passes, they may get discolored, tarnished, or lose their shine completely. Using the correct cleaning solution can bring them back to their original glory. In general, mild soap is the best and safest cleaner. However, you must always dry and wash off any moisture afterwards to avoid corrosion.
Brass handles are especially susceptible to tarnishing. You can minimize the risk by keeping them clean. Begin by rinsing the brass surface with warm water and a soft cloth to eliminate dust and dirt. Prepare a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice to remove any tarnish. After removing the tarnish you can polish the handle with a stainless-steel-specific cleaner. Making sure french door hinge repairs use the right cleaner for your particular material will give you a smooth, shiny finish that lasts for a long time.
A squeaky or stiff door handle can be very difficult to deal with, but it's an issue which is usually fixable. Look to see whether there are any small objects or debris stuck inside the locking mechanism. This could be the cause of your problem. If this is not the case, you might have to grease the door handle's internal workings to resolve the issue.
WD-40 is a multipurpose product with a unique formula that lets you lubricate hardware quickly. Applying liberal amounts of the liquid will let your door handle move smoothly, and stop it from squeaking. You can also use a Flexible Straw to get into all the little nooks and crannies on your French door handle, ensuring that you don't miss any place.
While replacing a handle for a French door is relatively simple, you'll need to take some care when drilling holes for the new handles. This is because different designs for doors have a variety of holes in the door and frame which is why it's crucial to ensure that the holes are matched when putting on the new handles. Make sure that the cylinder pin, which is the metal piece that runs through the entire lock mechanism, fits correctly.