Door handles hold the first layer of security and the first glimpse of your home’s aesthetics. For this reason, you’ll want to know how long you can rely on your door handle so you can at least schedule a timeframe for a maintenance check. So, you may ask: how long should a door handle last?
A good-quality door handle that is installed correctly should last as long as your house. It should last a lifetime with regular maintenance unless you decide on a major house renovation. Still, you should check and replace your door handles after several years due to possible wear out over time.
Understanding the lifespan of a door handle includes being aware of other related things such as doorknobs and door levers. Further, after knowing about the possible wearing out of door handles, you’ll need to know the costs and the overall process of dealing with such.
We know it may seem overwhelming to absorb all this information. Thus, we listed every answer down for you in the simplest and most comprehensive way.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
Do doorknobs wear out?
Like all other hardware, doorknobs wear out over time. However, if you have installed a doorknob of high-quality, that’s not something you’ll have to worry about for several years at least.
In most cases, doorknobs have a minimum lifespan of around seven to ten years. Such a lifespan will likely happen to doorknobs that are not correctly installed but of the wrong grade.
The best way to prolong your doorknob would be to check it regularly, at least once in a few years. In general, taking a good look at it once in a while can help you see if it needs maintenance or not.
Now, since we have established that doorknobs wear out, the next question you would likely wonder about is its time of replacement.
When should a doorknob be replaced?
Doorknobs, if built with good quality and installed correctly, can last for a lifetime. However, these things are also subject to replacement at some point, especially when they start having issues.
To give you an idea, here are some signs that show when you need a doorknob replacement.
You find it difficult to lock and unlock your doorknob.
If you’re already finding it difficult to lock or unlock your doorknob, chances are it already has a problem with the lock mechanism inside. To prevent any inconvenience on your part, you may want to replace it as soon as possible.
Doorknobs won’t turn or bounce back.
Every doorknob has a spring inside that makes it turn back to its original position when you turn it. If your doorknob isn’t springing back, then it’s also possible that the spring and the latch are malfunctioning. Such a problem can cause a lot of trouble, so you need to replace it soon.
Your doorknob has missing parts.
Once you notice your doorknob has missing parts, it’s already time to consider replacing it. Missing parts can make your doorknob malfunction and cause you more problems. Thus, you need to replace it soon. If you don’t want to replace the whole set, you can simply get the replacement part (although most doorknobs are bought in sets).
Your doorknob is of the wrong grade.
Doorknobs can quickly wear out if their grade is not compatible with your door. Thus, if you check your doorknob and it breaks easily, you may want to consider checking which doorknob grade is compatible with your door. This way, you can get the correct replacement that’s compatible with your door.
As a general rule of thumb, consider replacing your doorknob when you notice that it’s troubling to use and that you find it hard every time you deal with it.
Are door levers easier to break?
Door levers have a more complicated design than a typical doorknob, making them easier to break or wear out.
For instance, lever handles have springs built inside, keeping the handle in its horizontal position. Unlike doorknobs, door levers can break easier if not maintained. The common problems would be the springs wearing out due to frequent usage during its life.
In short, door levers are more prone to breaking than doorknobs. Nevertheless, it will still depend on the quality of your door lever and the care and maintenance you put into it.
How much does it cost to replace a door handle?
A door handle replacement cost depends on your chosen method and the replacement parts themselves. For instance, you can find door handles at Amazon for as low as $15-$20, but you can also get the pricey ones that cost more than a hundred dollars.
Also, you may opt to hire a locksmith to replace your door handle. Or, you can also do it yourself if you can. In general, a locksmith service costs around $75 per hour to replace a lock and a door handle.
Since the process may take less than an hour (assuming you only need to replace a single door), expect the cost of at least $75. You can then add the cost of your door handle.
In short, you can save a considerable amount if you do it yourself. But, of course, if you aren’t familiar with such tasks, paying a locksmith charge will always be worth spending.
How hard is it to replace doorknobs?
Replacing doorknobs is not that hard, even for a typical homeowner. Most people can replace doorknobs on their own since every tool they need is likely available at home.
In most cases, you’ll only need three things to replace your doorknobs: the replacement part, a Flat-head Screwdriver, and a Phillips Screwdriver. For some people, they can replace a doorknob even without using a Screwdriver.
At first glance, it can seem complicated to replace doorknobs. However, as you learn how to take out the old one, you’ll see that this task is as easy as a simple home project that you can do on your own. Thus, you don’t have to hire a repairman’s service.
As long as you know the door’s measurement and got the compatible knob replacement, you can do it yourself without problems.
In Closing
A door handle should last for at least seven years, but with good quality and proper installation, it can last longer, even for a lifetime, unless you decide on a major house renovation at some point. But, of course, even the best door handles are subject to wearing out, so you’ll have to maintain and check your door handles regularly.
In short, you can enjoy a door handle for a lifetime as long as you do some regular checking and maintenance to ensure it retains its good condition.
