French Door Handle Replacement – Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors

Door handles play an essential role, protecting your home from the elements outside. Door handles are also a popular feature that can set a mood for your interior design.

Most French doors are equipped with two handles: one that's functional and one that's purely decorative. This non-functional handle is commonly known as a dummy handle.

Replacement

If you're looking to improve the appearance of your French doors replacing the handle is a cost-effective option to achieve this. If your doors are older and need to be replaced or you're constructing your home, it's essential to select high-quality handles that can endure the test of time and withstand the elements. The best handles are made from stainless steel that is antibacterial and is easy to clean. They also feature a brushed finish that resists fingerprints and is less likely to show scratches or rust over time.

You can find handle sets in a variety of styles and finishes, so you're sure to find something that complements your style and decor. Certain styles of handles are more appealing than others, while some come with a lock that is integrated for extra security. You can also get key-operated handles, which are great for homes with young children. Certain handles are more expensive than others, and it's crucial to be aware of your budget when choosing the right set.

Choose the best configuration for your French door before you buy a handle. If you have interior doors that open in a separate manner it is possible to use two handles. One handle can be locked and the other will not. This will determine if require a rotating handle or fixed one. It's also necessary to determine whether you'd like your door to to lock from both sides.

You'll require a lock to unlock external doors which require a key. You can pick a simple Yale lock or a multipoint locking system to secure your French doors. Some systems allow you to lock the top and bottom of the door at once and some require that you unlock both the top and bottom.

If you're ready to put in your new handle, first locate the slot for actuator. It's a cylindrical slot that connects to the latch. You can usually find holes in the door frame to do this, but it's important to measure carefully and use a spirit level to ensure the holes are straight and uniform. With your handle, you'll need to have a hole-boring device to help you take the right measurements.

Installation

Door handles may seem like small accessories, but they're essential to the function, security, and even aesthetics of your french doors. It's the reason it's essential to choose high quality handles that can stand up to regular use and won't need regular replacement or repairs.

Based on the design you'd like and the purpose of your door, you might need to install different handles. But, regardless of your preferred style and function the process of installation is almost identical. First, you need to take the old handles off and clean the area where the new ones will be installed. The next step is to drill holes in the door in which you intend to mount the new set of handles. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with your hardware to ensure that you drill the holes in a way that will allow the lock mechanism to fit properly.

Then, place the lock bolt into the hole at the door's edge and connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical piece with a slot where allows the bolt to pass through. Certain designs of handles may require the bolt to be inserted before the actuator, so be sure to consult your instructions if you're not sure about the correct order to put it together.

Then screw the plate into place to cover the latching mechanisms as well as the locking mechanisms of the active side. You must then check the latch and lock to ensure that they work properly. Repeat the process on the door with a dummy to install the nonfunctional handle.

During the process, you need to take your time and be cautious. If you hurry through the process, you might end with a set handles that don't function correctly or look attractive. It is recommended to hire a professional to ensure the best outcomes. You'll be able to enjoy your gorgeous french doors for many years to be!

Compatibility

The kind of handle you select for your French doors will be contingent on what you plan to use them for. If you're using them as closets, you might prefer decorative handles instead of locking hardware. If you're planning to put them in a dining room, you'll need locks that are simple to use and secure against forced entry. The handle that you choose for your French door must be compatible with the locks already in place. Consult www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to make sure the lock is simple to operate. A knowledgeable expert like the ones at CD Windows will be able to assist you in finding the correct handle for your door.

When it comes to French Door Handles, there are many different options available. Certain French door handles come with integrated locking systems, removing the requirement for an additional locking system. Others come with deadbolts and latches that are activated by the handle for added security. You'll want to make sure that the handles you pick will be compatible with your existing hardware and also will work with the style and design of the door.

Another thing to think about is whether you would like the handles to lock both sides or just one side. This is due to the fact that French doors are made of two doors that are connected to each other, and therefore they require a different method to secure them than single-doors do. If you're seeking a solution that locks on both sides, you'll need a set of handle sets with a lock specifically designed to be compatible with double doors.

In most instances, the handles you install on the active French Door will have openings in the plates that accept the latch and lock bolt. The dummy handles aren't functional and purely decorative. These handles are usually used in areas that aren't used frequently, such as bathrooms and bedrooms.

Maintenance

Door handles are one of the most frequently used components of your doors, so it is important to take care of them. Over time, they can be stained or tarnished. They may even lose their shine. The correct cleaning solution will bring them back to their previous splendor. In general, the safest and gentlest cleaner is an mild soap solution but you should rinse and dry off all water afterward to avoid corrosion and damage.

Brass handles are particularly prone to tarnishing. It is possible to reduce the risk by keeping them clean. Start by rinsing the brass surface with warm water and then a soft cloth to get rid of dust and dirt. Prepare a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice to eliminate any tarnish. After you have removed the tarnish, finish by polishing the handle using 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 a hassle to experience a squeaky or stiff door handle, however, it's generally fixable. Check to see whether there are any small objects or debris that are stuck in the locking mechanism. This could be the reason for your problem. If this isn't the case, you may need to lubricate the door handle's internal workings to solve the issue.

WD-40 is an all-purpose product that has a specialist formula that works quickly to aid in lubricating your hardware. Applying liberal amounts of the liquid will allow your door handle to move smoothly, and stop it from squeaking. You can also use a Flexible Straw to reach all the little nooks and crannies on your French door handle, so you don't miss any area.

While the process of replacing a french door handle is relatively simple, you'll need to be careful when drilling holes for the new handles. This is because different styles for doors have a variety of holes in the frame and door and frame, making it crucial to ensure that the holes are matched when installing the new handles. Verify that the cylinder pin, the metal piece that connects your entire lock mechanism, fits perfectly.