Your front door should set the tone for your home’s design style. A simple upgrade of your front door hardware can make a huge difference. Luckily, upgrading your front door hardware is a relatively simple DIY project.
Before you Buy New Hardware
Replacing your door hardware should be an easy project, but you do need to keep a few details in mind:
- Choose a handle and lock that fits in the existing holes in order to avoid extra drilling and/or patching. It is also a good idea to make sure that the new strike plate fits as well.
- In order to avoid having to call in a locksmith, choose a tubular-style lock over a mortise style. Luckily, tubular locks are not only easy to install but are also less expensive.
- If you are installing a lever-style handle, make sure that you choose the right type for the direction that your door swings.
- Ensure that the finish of your new hardware compliments your door and front entryway well.
Installing New Hardware in Six Easy Steps
After purchasing the right type of hardware for your door, installation is fairly simple.
- Remove existing hardware. Start by removing the mounting screws on the interior side of the door and unscrew the faceplate on the edge of the door.
- Install new strike plate and latches. If the existing notch out is not big enough, use a chisel to make it accommodate the new hardware.
- Install the exterior handle. Make sure the spindle on the back of the new handle lines up with the slot on the latch.
- Install the interior handle. The screw holes on the interior handle should line up with the threaded posts of the exterior handle.
- Don’t forget a new deadbolt. Install the deadbolt in the same way that the new handle was installed. Make sure the inside locking knob is vertical when unlocked.
- Test the knobs, latches, and deadbolt. Make sure everything works without sticking or jamming. You may need to make some small adjustments in order for the door and lock to work easily.
Finishing the Look
If your new hardware assembly didn’t line up perfectly with the old hardware, you may need to touch up some of the door paint. It is also a great opportunity to repaint the door trim and replace the weather stripping. These little spruce ups help your front door and entryway look great.
Overall, upgrading your front door hardware is a simple DIY project that can make a great impact on the look of your entryway.
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