What is Involved in Changing Broken Exterior Door Handles?

Materials Needed

• Home centers and hardware stores supply a variety of exterior door handle kits. These kits include all of the parts necessary to change not only the door handles but also the inner workings such as the latch, strike plates and all screws needed to complete the installation. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the retaining screws from the broken handles, as well as to install the the screws on the new hardware. Use a flat head screwdriver to pry off an interior trim plate on the door handle, if necessary.

Changing the Look

• Replacing broken door handles is a perfect time to consider changing the style and improving the look of your exterior door. There are a multitude of exterior door handle finishes to choose from, such as brass, black, bronze and chrome in shiny or satin finishes, depending on your taste. You may choose a classic round knob or a stylish lever.

Removal of Handles

• Removal of exterior door handles is uncomplicated. It usually works out better to remove old handles with the door standing open -- this way you can access both the inside and outside of the door handle easily. The screws holding the door handle to the door are usually located on the interior of the door. If no screws are visible on the interior side of the knob mounting plate, then pry the trim cover off to reveal the them. Once the screws are removed, pull both halves of the door handle straight off the door. The screws that hold the latch into place are located on the metal plate on the edge of the door. Remove the screws with a Phillips screwdriver and then pull the latch straight out of the edge of the door. Remove the strike plate on the door jamb by backing out its retaining screws, as well.

Installation of Handles

• The first step in mounting the replacement door handles to install the latch. Some replacement latches are adjustable to compensate for different thicknesses of doors. If the replacement latch does not seem to fit the door, see if it has such an adjustment. The latch should be inserted in the door so that the slant of the latch bolt is facing in the direction that the door closes or it will not operate properly. Next, insert the stem of the exterior handle through the hole in the latch assembly. Position the interior knob and tighten the retaining screws to keep both halves in place. Replace the striker plate on the door jamb and you are done.