The door handle plays a functional role. It is also a decorative object in its own right that allows you to enhance the aesthetics of your doors, both indoors and outdoors, and to associate it with the style of decoration you have chosen. In order for it to perform its functions correctly, it must be installed according to the rules of the art.
The first criterion to consider when selecting a door handle will depend on its destination:bedroom door, kitchen door, etc.
The choice is also made according to whether it is an exterior or interior door handle. For the first case, the ideal is to favor models that are resistant to climatic conditions of cold, humidity and heat. This hardware accessory must be both secure and robust.
Next, you need to determine the style of the handle. There are two types on the market, namely the crutch and the button. The crutch handle is elongated, very common in all contemporary style homes. The knob handle is more common inside the house and it finds its place more on old doors. The button is oriented on the side to ensure the opening or closing. It is strongly recommended to choose a model equipped with a cylinder lock that protects against break-ins. Doors without a lock do not need this system.
If you want to enjoy more privacy, especially for the toilet or the bathroom, a model with a locking button will be more appropriate. In terms of materials, the choices are wide. Wood, brass, aluminium, stainless steel, glass, porcelain… there is something for everyone. The finishes are also varied and can be matte, brushed, chrome, polished or shiny.
When buying, be sure to acquire a handle whose center distance dimensions are the same as those of the old handle:the most common size is 19.5 cm center distance, but some doors only have 16.5cm. This precaution is important to avoid having to re-drill the fixing holes. The lock and the square must have identical dimensions.
The ideal is to first remove the old handle to know its characteristics. If it is an old model, it should have a pin in the middle that goes through the handle and the square. Simply remove this pin. If it is a recent handle, unscrew the axes with a screwdriver. For replacement, position the new handle on the center square. If the center distance is not the same, the door will have to be drilled. Use a drill and make sure it is perpendicular to the door during the operation.
