Ten French Door Handle Replacements That Really Improve Your Life
French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors
Door handles serve a crucial function, shielding your home from elements outside. They also provide a striking design feature that can set the tone for your home's style.
The majority of French doors have two handles: one that is functional and the other one is decorative. The non-functional handle is commonly known as a fake.
Replacement
A new handle is an affordable method to change the look of French doors. Whether your doors are older and need to be replaced or you're remodeling, it's important to choose high quality handles that will stand up to repeated use and weather the elements. The most durable handles are made from stainless steel which is antibacterial and is easy to clean. They also have an brushed finish that is resistant to fingerprints and is less likely to show scratches or rust over time.
Handle sets are available in a broad variety of styles and finishes. You'll surely find something that will complement your style and decor. Certain handle designs have a more decorative look while others have an integrated lock for additional security. You can get key-operated handles which are perfect for homes with small children. Certain handles are more expensive than others, and it's important to take your budget into consideration when choosing the right set.
Before you buy a handle, you must decide which configuration will work best for your French doors. If you have an inside doors that open on their own, you may want to install two handles. One handle will lock and the other won't. This will help you decide if you need a rotating handle or fixed one. You'll need to decide if you want to be able to lock the door from the inside and the outside.
You'll need to use locks to open external doors which require a key. You can pick a simple Yale lock or a multipoint locking system to secure your French doors. Certain locks allow you to lock the top of the door and the bottom at the same time and some require you to unlock the top and bottom.
Locate the actuator slot before installing your new handle. replace french door 's a cylindrical insert that connects to the latch. It is common to find a hole in the door frame for this, but it's important to take your measurements carefully and make use of a spirit-level to ensure that the holes are straight and consistent. With your handle, you'll need to have a hole-boring device to assist you in taking the correct measurements.
Installation
Although door handles may appear like minor accessories, they play a critical role in your french doors' functionality, security and even aesthetics. This is why it's crucial to choose handles of high-quality that can stand up to regular use and won't require regular replacement or maintenance.
Based on the configuration you want and the purpose behind your doors, you could require different kinds of handles. However, regardless of your preferred style and purpose the process of installing them is almost identical. You'll need to remove your handles that are currently in use and clean the area where you intend to put in the new ones. Drill holes into the door where you intend to mount the handle set. Follow the directions that came with your hardware to ensure that you can bore the holes properly to allow the lock mechanism fit.
Then, you need to insert the lock bolt through the hole on the edge of the door, and connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical component that has a slot through which the bolt passes. Certain handle designs might call for you to place the bolt before the actuator, so make certain to read the instructions if you're unsure about the correct order to put it together.
Once you've done that fix the plate to cover the latching and locking mechanisms on the side that is active on the door. Test the latch and lock. Repeat the process on the door with a dummy to install the nonfunctional handle.
It's essential to be patient and attentive throughout the process. You might end having handles that aren't functional or look great if you rush the process. It is recommended to hire an expert to get the best outcomes. In the end, you'll be enjoying your beautiful french doors for years to come!
Compatibility
The type of handle that you pick for your French doors will depend on what you plan to use them for. If you are using them as closets, you may want to use decorative handles instead of locking hardware. If you're using them for a dining room or bedroom however, you'll need locking hardware that allows for easy use while also providing security against forced entry. The handle that you choose for your French door must also be compatible with the locks already installed. Selecting the wrong handle can result in the lock becoming difficult or impossible to operate, so it is essential to consult with a professional prior to making a shop. CD Windows has experts who can assist you in choosing the correct handle.
There are a myriad of alternatives when it comes down to French Door Handles. Some come with built-in locks which eliminate the need for an additional lock system. Others have latches and deadbolts that are handle activated for added security. In any case, you'll want to be sure that the handles you pick are compatible with the hardware you already have and will work well with the door type and style.
Another thing to think about is whether you want the handle sets to be able to lock both sides or just one side. This is because French doors are composed of two doors that are linked to one another, which means they require a totally different mechanism to secure them unlike single-doors. If you're looking for an option that locks on both sides, you'll require an entire set of handle sets with a lock specifically designed to be compatible with double doors.
In most instances, the handles you put on the active French Door will have openings in the plates to accept the latch and lock bolt. The dummy handles are non-functional and purely decorative. These handles are usually used in areas that do not need to be opened often such as bathrooms and bedrooms.
Maintenance
Door handles are among the most frequently used components of your doors, therefore it is important to take care of them. Over time they can be stained, tarnished or lose their shine entirely. The right cleaning solution can bring them back to their previous glory. In general mild soap is the best and safest cleaner. However, you must always dry and rinse off any moisture afterward to prevent corrosion.
Brass handles are especially susceptible to tarnishing. You can reduce the chance of this happening by keeping them clean. Begin by rinsing the brass surface with warm water and then a soft cloth to get rid of dust and dirt. Next, prepare a mixture of lemon and baking soda to remove any tarnish. After removing the tarnish you can polish the handle with a stainless-steel-specific cleaner. Using the right product for your particular material will give you a smooth, shiny finish that lasts for years.
It can be frustrating to have a noisy or stiff door handle, but this is something that's generally fixable. First, make sure whether there aren't any tiny objects or debris entangled in the door's locking mechanism, as this could be the cause of the issue. If this isn't the case, you may need to lubricate the inside of your door handle to fix the problem.
WD-40 is a multipurpose product with a special formula that lets you lubricate hardware quickly. Applying a liberal amount of the liquid on the door handle will allow it move easily and stop the squeaking. Use a flexible straw or a brush to get in every crevice and nook of your French door handle.
While replacing a french door handle is relatively straightforward, you'll need take some care when drilling holes for the new handles. It's because different door designs have different holes in the frame and door. This makes it important to match the holes when installing the new handles. Check that the cylinder pin, the metal piece that connects your entire lock mechanism, is fitted correctly.