How to repair metal entrance doors with your own hands
Modern metal doors are distinguished by their high strength and complex structure. The need to repair metal doors arises from external influences, constant opening and closing. Components adjacent to the fabric lose their appearance over time, fail to function.
Replacement and repair of handles
The most vulnerable element of door structures are handles, since they are involved in every movement of the door leaf. Features of repair and replacement of door handles depend on their variety.
Kinds
Pens differ in function, appearance and internal mechanism. Each variety is suitable for a specific use.
Stationary
The fixed handle is a simple device without a moving mechanism. This type does not interact with the lock and is installed on doors that are intended only to delimit the area.The handles are attached to open the door by pulling it towards you, or to close it by performing a reverse movement.
Additionally, the fixed sight can be used with door latches.
It is important that the latch is on a roller, otherwise it will be impossible to open the door.
Push
The push game allows you to open and close the door structure by pressing. This action changes the position of the built-in latch. For comfortable use and without the need for unnecessary actions, it is recommended to choose a crutch with a spring mechanism. With this option, the handle returns to its initial position after opening the door, and to close it, simply slam the canvas.
Round swivel
Round handles with a twist-type interior lock are often used in interior doors. To open and close the doors, you have to turn the handle. If you want the canvas not to simply snap, but to limit access, you should consider options with a latch or button in the middle part. This design allows it to be locked from the inside.
Suvaldny
For lever locks, handles on the bar are most often used. Most of these handles are coated using modern zinc alloy multi-layer coating technology. Fastening to the canvas is done with fasteners. Drawings can be left-handed and right-handed.
Design features
The design of the door handle directly depends on its type. Complex mechanisms are more difficult to repair on your own due to the large number of components that interact with each other.
Recommended procedure
When planning a door handle repair or replacement, you should read the instructions first to avoid common mistakes. For convenience, it is recommended to follow the standard procedure, which consists of several simple steps.
Removing the locking device
You can remove the mortise lock on a metal door with a screwdriver. You will need a flat or Phillips screwdriver depending on the type of mounting screw. The disassembly process includes the following steps:
- Unscrew all the fixing screws which are on the band of the end part of the door. If a locking mechanism is used without a fixed cylinder, it is sufficient to lift the bar and remove the lock.
- Remove the screw holding the larva, which is the secret part of the lock. The clip is more elongated and goes through the entire locking mechanism.
- Press the cylinder on each side of the door. If the room is equipped with additional protection, you need to insert the key into the lock and slowly turn it until the larva can be pulled out freely.
Fault identification and repair
Careful examination of all parts of the door structure allows you to determine the exact malfunctions and make appropriate repairs. Most faults can be repaired by yourself.
The handle itself is loose
How to fix the problem depends on why the fittings are loose. To complete the repair, you need:
- Remove the handle with the coverings by unscrewing the fixing screws from the inside of the band. If the design provides for a latch and it has unscrewed, it is enough to return it to its original position.
- Check the junction with the shoe, where the PTFE insert, the retaining ring and the metal washer are located. When the PTFE is erased, the fixation is weakened.If the cap is deformed, the fittings also begin to hang. In these situations, the broken parts must be replaced.
- Inspect the part for cracks. The problem is especially common in silumin varieties. It is not possible to eliminate cracks, so replacement is necessary.
- Check cylinder operation. If it fails inside, you need to replace the part or all of the fittings.
Pin damaged
The deformation of the pin causes the tab of the door handle to become static and not allow the door to close. In inexpensive locks, the pins are made of soft alloys and wear out quickly.
The solution to the problem is to replace the pin. If the pin dimensions do not match, adjustment is required by cutting and turning the part.
The handle drops periodically without damaging the metal
The reasons why the handle falls off without destroying the sheet metal are weakening or breakage of the retaining ring... If damaged, the internal components fall off immediately after dismantling the lock and the mechanism must be replaced. If the cap is loose, it must be reinforced.
If the tongue does not move
When the tongue does not work when the door is opened, the cause is an insufficiently long inside square. The element gradually approaches the latch and presses on it to cause a malfunction. To restore the door handle to working condition, you need to purchase a suitable part, unscrew the fittings and replace.
If the handle does not return to its original place
The non-return of the handle to the horizontal position is due to a malfunction of the return spring.You can return the spring to its place by analogy with the retaining ring. If the spring has burst, it will need to be replaced. As it can be difficult to find the right part, it is easier to change the whole mechanism.
Chinese door handle repair
Chinese silumin fittings wear out quickly and are not resistant to external influences. Repair of fittings is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- remove mounting screws;
- the core and the square of the lock are removed;
- attach new overlays;
- changing worn parts;
- put the bar back in its place;
- screw the fasteners.
How to choose a replacement pen
It is important to consider a number of criteria when choosing a new handle. Competently selected fittings will serve for a long time without loss of reliability.
Bolt holes match
To avoid having to drill new holes for the fasteners, you should pick up a handle where the bolts are in the same place as on the old one. Before buying, it is worth measuring the dimensions and the distance between the holes in advance.
By manufacturer or model
To simplify the choice, you can use information about the manufacturer of fittings or the name of a specific model. In this case, you don't have to browse through many options to find a suitable door handle in terms of quality and features.
Right and left
Depending on the design feature of the door, you should choose fittings on the right or on the left. There are also universal options that can be installed on either side of the door leaf.
Dedicated switch for additional valve
The presence of an additional latch makes it possible to close the door by slamming, without turning the key. The switch is necessary to control the operation of the valve.
Color and design
Door handles affect the visual perception of the whole structure. Therefore, when choosing, it is worth considering the appearance.
In addition to your own preferences, it is recommended to pay attention to the compatibility of the design with the room environment.
How to replace the handle yourself
The handle replacement process does not require any special skills or experience. Simply unscrew the fasteners on both sides, remove the handle and attach the new fittings in its place. Typically, clear installation instructions are included with the handle.
Tips & Tricks
When you start repairing the handle of a steel door, you should carefully inspect the condition of all parts. In a number of situations, it will be necessary to eliminate several breakdowns at once. If the wear is high, it is better to replace it to save time and effort.
What can you fix yourself
In addition to the handle and the locking mechanism, you can repair or replace a number of other components with your own hands. Self-repair allows you to reduce costs compared to contacting specialists.
Adjustment of iron door canopies
The incorrect position of the metal door canopies leads to a crooked door leaf. The adjustment procedure depends on the type of buttonhole.
Simple
If the hinges are attached with screws, you must first check that they are securely fastened. Loose screws are tightened to hold the hinge and the door does not tilt down. If you need to achieve balance and lower the blade a little, the screws are loosened in search of optimal balance.
Hidden
Before adjusting the hidden hinges, you will need to remove the pads under which the mechanism is hidden. Then the door is adjusted in height relative to the box, as well as horizontally.
Replacement of fittings
Defective hinges that cannot be repaired must be replaced. In order not to disassemble the door, it must be fixed on the wedges, then remove the old hinges one by one and screw the new fittings in their place. It is important that the hinges are the same size and withstand the weight of the door structure.
Appearance restoration
In case of wear and formation of visual defects on the canvas, a restoration is necessary. There are several ways to restore and improve the appearance of doors.
Trolley hitch
Leather upholstery using a trolley strap allows for exquisite design. It is recommended to use artificial leather as an upholstery material, since it differs in affordable cost and comes in different colors.
Laminate finish
By gluing the laminate to the door leaf, it is possible not only to hide all the flaws, but also to insulate the structure. This advantage is especially relevant when finishing a metal entrance door.
Paint
If the door is made of metal to be painted, you can restore it by applying a new coat of paint. Also, this feature allows you to transform the appearance of the structure.
mdf cards
The use of MDF coatings increases the resistance of the metal door to external influences and increases the thermal insulation characteristics. Various patterns can be cut into the surface of the cards, so many patterns can be incorporated.
natural wood
The door leaf can be covered with wooden slats.To do this, prepare the required number of bars and fix them to the structure using self-tapping screws for metal. The slats can be mounted close to each other or leave a small gap between them.
After installation, it is recommended to varnish the wood to make the surface smoother and more attractive.
Door frame repair
Together with the door, the box should be repaired if there is significant wear or damage. The box can be completely replaced or defects can be masked with various finishing materials.