French Door Handle Replacement - Upgrade the Look of Your French Doors Door handles play an essential function, shielding your home from the elements outside. Door handles are also a notable feature that sets a tone for your interior aesthetic. The majority of French doors have two handles, one functional and one decorative. The non-functional handle is commonly called a dummy. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/nottingham-french-door-repairs-near-me/ If you're looking to improve the appearance of your French doors replacing the handle is a great way to do so. If you're remodeling or replacing older doors, it is important to choose a high-quality handle that can withstand frequent use and the elements. The most durable handles are made of stainless steel because it is antibacterial and easy to clean. The handles have a brushed surface which is resistant to fingerprints, and less likely to rust or show scratches as time passes. Handle sets are available in a wide variety of styles and finishes. You'll surely find something that will complement your style and decor. Certain styles of handles have a more decorative look while others have an integrated lock to give additional security. Key-operated handles are available which are ideal for homes with children. Certain handles are more expensive than others, so it's crucial to take your budget into consideration when selecting the right set. Before you purchase a handle, you must decide which type of handle 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 determine if require a rotating handle or fixed one. You'll have to decide if you would like to be able lock the door from the inside and the outside. Most external doors require keys to unlock them, so you'll need locks that allow you to accomplish this. You can get a basic Yale-style lock or a more sophisticated multipoint locking system that will keep your French doors secure. Some systems allow you to lock the top and bottom of the door at once while some require you unlock both the top and the bottom. If you're ready to put in your new handle, first locate the slot for actuator. It's a cylindrical insert that connects to the latch. It is common to find holes in the door frame for this, however it's essential to measure with care and make use of a spirit-level to ensure the holes are straight and consistent. You should also get an e-boring template along with your handle to assist you to make the correct measurements. Installation While handles for doors may seem as if they're just a few accessories, they play a critical part in your french doors' function as well as security, and even aesthetics. This is why it's crucial to select high-quality handles that will stand up to regular use and don't require regular replacement or repair. Depending on the style you want and the purpose of your door, you might need to install different handles. The installation process is identical, irrespective of the design or function you prefer. You'll need to remove your existing handles and clean the area where you intend to put in the new handles. Next, drill holes into the door in which you intend to place the new handle set. Follow the instructions that came with your hardware so that you can drill the holes correctly to let the lock mechanism fit. Then, place the lock bolt into the hole at the edges of the doors and connect it to the actuator. The actuator is a cylindrical piece with a slot where allows the bolt to pass through. If you're unsure about the order of assembly, consult your instructions. Once you've done that fix the plate to cover the latching and locking mechanisms on the active side of the door. Test the lock and latch. Repeat the procedure on the door side that you have made up to install the handle that is not functional. It is essential to be patient and careful during the process. You might end having handles that are not functional or look great if you rush the process. This is why you should seek out a skilled professional who can give you the most effective results. You'll be in a position to enjoy your gorgeous french doors for many years to come! Compatibility The type of handle that you pick for your French doors will be contingent on the purpose for which you plan to use them for. If you're using them as closets, you may choose to use decorative handles instead of locking hardware. If you intend to use them in a dining or bedroom room, you'll need locks that are simple to use and secure against forced entry. The handle you select for your french door should be compatible with the locks already installed. Talk to a professional to make sure the lock is simple to operate. An experienced expert such as the ones at CD Windows will be able to help you choose the correct handle for your door. There are a variety of choices when it comes to French Door Handles. Certain French door handles come with built-in locking systems that eliminate the requirement for a separate locking system. Some latches and locks are activated by the handle to provide additional security. In any case, you'll want to be sure that the handles you choose are compatible with the hardware you already have and will fit well with the door's style and style. Another thing to think about is whether you'd like the handle sets to lock both sides or just one side. French doors are two doors joined together and require an entirely different mechanism than single doors. If you're looking for a solution that locks both sides, you'll require an entire set of handle sets with a lock specifically designed to work with double doors. In most instances, the handles that you install on the active French Door will have openings in the plates to accept the latch and lock bolt. The dummy handles aren't functional and purely decorative. These handles are used in areas that aren't open often, like bathrooms and bedrooms. Maintenance Door handles are one of the most frequently used components of your doors, so it's essential to maintain them. They can over time be stained, tarnished or lose their shine completely. The right cleaning solution can restore them to their former splendor. Generally speaking, the safest and gentlest cleaning solution is mild soap solutions, although you should always rinse and dry off all water immediately afterward to prevent corrosion and damage. Brass handles are especially prone to tarnishing however, you can minimize the risk by maintaining them clean. To remove dust and dirt clean the brass surface with warm tap water. Then, use a soft cloth. Make a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice to get rid of any tarnish. Once you've removed the tarnish, finish by polishing the handle with a stainless steel-specific cleaner. Using the correct product for your material ensures a smooth and shiny finish that lasts for a long time. A squeaky or rigid door handle can be very annoying, but it's a problem which is usually fixable. Look to see whether there are any tiny objects or debris stuck inside the locking mechanism. This could be the cause of the issue. If this is not the case, you may require lubricating your door handle's inner workings to resolve the issue. WD-40 is a multi-purpose item with a unique formula that helps you lubricate hardware quickly. Applying a generous amount the liquid on the door handle will allow it to move effortlessly and stop the squeaking. Use a Flexible Straw or a brush to get in all the nooks and crevices of your French door handle. While replacing a french door handle is fairly simple, you'll need to be careful when drilling holes for the new handles. It's because different designs of doors have different holes in the frame and door. This makes it important to ensure that the holes match when installing the new handles. Check that the cylinder pin, which is the metal piece that runs through your entire lock mechanism, fits correctly.