French Door Handle Replacement – Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors
Door handles are important for protecting your home against external elements. They're also a popular design element that sets the tone for your interior aesthetic.
Most French doors have two handles, one that is functional and the other is purely decorative. The non-functional handle is commonly called a fake.
Replacement
A new handle is an affordable option to improve the appearance of French doors. If your doors are old and in need of replacement or you're planning to remodel the look of your doors, you should choose high quality handles that will be able to withstand repeated use and weather the elements. The best handles are constructed of stainless steel, which has antibacterial properties and is easy to clean. The handles feature a brushed surface that is impervious to fingerprints and less likely to show scratches or rust over time.
Handle sets are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. You'll be able to you'll find something that matches your style and decor. Certain styles of handles are more decorative than others, while some come with a lock that is integrated for added security. Key-operated handles are available which are ideal for homes with children. Some handles are more expensive than others, so it's important to be aware of your budget when choosing a set.
Before you buy a handle, consider what type of handle will work best for your French doors. If you have doors in the interior that open in a different way from one another and you want one handle that locks and one that doesn't. This will determine if you require a turning handle or a fixed. You'll need to decide if you would like to secure the door from both the inside and the outside.
Most exterior doors require a key to unlock them, therefore you'll require locks that allow you to accomplish this. You can pick a simple Yale lock or a multipoint locking system to secure your French doors. Certain systems allow you to lock the top of the door and the bottom simultaneously and some require you to unlock both the top and bottom.
Find the actuator slot prior to installing your new handle. This is a circular insert which connects the latch. You can usually find a hole in the door frame to do this, but it's crucial to measure carefully and employ a spirit level to ensure that the holes are straight and consistent. It is also recommended to get an appropriate hole-boring template when you purchase your handle to assist you determine the right measurements.
Installation
Door handles may seem like small accessories, but they're essential to the functionality, security, and even aesthetics of your french doors. It's the reason it's essential to select high-quality handles that can withstand regular use and won't need frequent replacement or repairs.
Depending on your desired configurations and the function of your doors, you may require different kinds of handles. However regardless of french doors repair preferred design and function the process of installation is similar. First, you need to remove the existing handles and clean the area where the new ones will be installed. Drill holes in the door where you intend to mount the handle set. Make sure to follow the instructions that came with your hardware to ensure that you bore the holes in a manner that allows the lock mechanism to fit correctly.
Then, you need to put the lock bolt in the hole in the edge of the door and connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical piece with a slot that allows the bolt to pass through. Certain designs of handles may call for you to place the bolt prior to the actuator, so make sure to follow the instructions if you're unsure about the correct order to put it together.
Then you can screw the plate in place to cover the latching mechanisms and locking mechanisms on the active side. Test the latch and lock. Repeat the process on the dummy door side to install the handle that isn't functional.
During the process, you need to take your time and be careful. If you hurry through the process, you may end up with a set of handles that don't function correctly or look good. It is recommended to hire an expert to get the best results. In the end, you'll be enjoying your beautiful french doors for years to come!
Compatibility
The type of handle you pick for your french doors will depend on the way you plan to make use of them. If you're using them for storage, you might prefer decorative handles instead of locking hardware. If you're using them in bedrooms or dining rooms However, you'll need locking hardware that allows for easy use while also providing security against forced entry. The handle you choose for your French doors should also be able to work with the kind of locks already installed. Talk to a professional to ensure that the lock is easy to operate. An experienced expert such as the ones at CD Windows will be able to help you choose the perfect handle for your doors.
When it is French Door Handles, there are a variety of options available. Certain French door handles come with built-in locking systems that eliminate the requirement for an additional locking system. Some have deadbolts and latches that are activated by the handle for extra security. You'll need to ensure that any handles you choose are compatible with the hardware you already have, and will also be compatible with the style and design of the door.
Another thing to think about is whether you want the handle sets to lock on both sides or just one. This is due to the fact that French doors are composed of two doors that are connected to one another, which means they require a completely different mechanism to secure them unlike single-doors. If you're looking for an option that locks on both sides, you'll need a set of handle sets with a lock specifically designed to work with 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 handles that are dummy are not functional and are purely decorative. These handles are usually used in areas that aren't open often, like bathrooms and bedrooms.
Maintenance
It is important to take care of your door handles because they are the most frequently used component of your doors. Over time they can get discolored, tarnished, or lose their shine entirely. Utilizing the right cleaning solution can bring them back to their original splendor. In general, mild soap is the most effective and safest cleaner. However, it is important to always dry and rinse off any moisture afterward to avoid corrosion.
Brass handles are especially prone to tarnishing, but you can reduce the chance of this happening by maintaining them clean. Start by rinsing the brass surface with warm water and then a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt. Prepare a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice to remove any tarnish. Once you've removed the tarnish, you can finish by polishing the handle using a stainless steel-specific cleaner. Selecting the right product for your particular material will ensure a smooth and shiny finish that lasts for a long time.
A stiff or squeaky door handle can be very difficult to deal with, but it's an issue that is often easily fixed. First, make sure whether there aren't any tiny objects or debris that have gotten caught in the door's locking mechanism and this could be to blame for your problem. If this isn't the case it could be that you need to lubricate the inner workings of your door handle to resolve it.
WD-40 is a multi-purpose product with a unique formula that allows you to easily lubricate your hardware. Applying large amounts of the liquid will let your door handle move effortlessly, and will stop it from making noises. You can also use a flexible Straw to reach all of the tiny nooks and crevices on your French door handle to ensure you don't miss any place.
Although replacing a handle for a French door is relatively simple, you'll need to be careful when drilling holes for the new handles. This is because different styles for doors come with a variety of holes in the frame and door which is why it's crucial to make sure that the holes match when installing the new handles. Make sure that the cylinder pin, which is the metal piece that connects your entire lock mechanism, fits correctly.