replacing dull brass handles on internal doors

[poocatcherchampion]

is this straightforward? I don't particularly want to replace the mechanism but really hate the look of the handles. ideally I'd like brushed silver knobs but I'm not too fussy. just not this.

I for see one of the issues to be marks left by the handle being unscrewed or even a hole that is bigger than the new knob. and I've no idea what it will look like once unscrewed.

shall I just go crazy and open one up?

I've replaced a few old doorknobs and made sure the new ones were the same size as the old ones.

Mt diy skills are very basic but it was an easy job. Go for it and try one - if you don't like it you can always put the old one back on.

You might like to defer swapping the handles until next time you paint the door. Then you can clean it up and fill any holes from the old handle.

If you want doorknobs rather than lever handles, your knuckles will bang on teh door frame. So latches and locks are fitted with a greater backet. Go for at least three inches but in an older home you can have six inches and it will look in keeping on a panelled door. You can also fit Fingerplates to hide old holes.

Tubular mortice latches are very easy to fit as they slide into a simple 18mm round hole bored into the edge of the door.

Have a look at Ironmongery Direct who have a very good range of door furniture and there are volume discounts.

fitted with a greater backset

thanks - we are painting doors so it is a good time. I didn't think about the knuckle issue - that's annoying!

way too 1980's for latches and fancy stuff like that. I just want nice handles.

recommendations accepted.
I'll look at that website thanks piglet

A 1980's house probably has tubular latches like this

if the distance between the edge of the door and the centre of the handle spindle is, say, 44mm, you have a 44mm backset. The tubular latch will pull out of its drilled hole. If you then drill the hole deeper you can fit a tubular latch with a greater backset, so your knuckles will not hit the frame. Three inches/75mm or greater will do and will not look odd.

There is a wide variety of brands and backsets available. If you have an 18mm bit and an electric drill it is not at all difficult.

how old are the doors? we took our brass ones around homebase etc till we found exactly the same ones in silver- straight swap!

resurrecting this thread as I am actually about to buy now (apparently nearly 18months and a baby later). and we are still painting the doors

will I need to replace the mechanism do we think - I am going for plain handles. knobs aren't right for here anyway.