If you are looking for a quick and immediate makeover for your home, trying switching out your front door handle. Your front door handle may have seen better days and is all worn and the key doesn't turn in the lock easily. Changing your front door handle can bring life back to your front door. This is an easy task that any homeowner can do.
There are four different types of door handles available. There is the passage latch door handle. This door handle has no locking mechanism and is normally used for interior door handles like closet doors and other doors that do not need to be locked. The privacy latch, mostly found on bathroom and bedroom doors, can be locked only from the inside. The entry door handle can be locked from both sides either by using a key or by button latches on the inside of the door. Finally there is the deadbolt door handle. This can be locked by a key on the exterior and by the door handle on the inside.
There are many different finishes for door handles available. You can find bronze, chrome, nickel, and brass door handles to name some finishes. There are even different types of chrome door handles; polished chrome and satin chrome to name a few. Traditionally, metal door handles were coated with lacquer for a shiny finish unfortunately this finish normally wore off and took away the new handle luster. These days, manufacturers are using newer and harder finishes and putting guarantees on their door handles.
If you are going to change your door handle, start by taking off the old knob. Take the old knob with you to the store for comparison. Also make a note on which side of the door you handle is to be installed. The hardest part of the entire process is removing your old door handle. If you are not sure how to remove and/or install your new knob consult a how-to manual and follow the instructions.
You can buy your front door handle from online stores. These stores have a wide variety of door handles in stock, from shower door handles to front door handles. If you decide to order from the internet make sure you understand what kind of door handle you need. Choose one that blends with your front door. If you want your door handle to act as a focal point, purchase an ornate front door handle. You can also shop at a local hardware store for your handles.
To make a design statement, purchase matching front door hardware; a matching door knocker, door handle and mail box slot. Consider installing a universally designed front door handle and upgrading all your door handles in your home as well. These are handles that can be opened by any person regardless of physical limitations. Such thoughtfulness will be appreciated by your guests and can be used as one of the selling points of your house.
