| How to Replace a Door Handle Posted: 12 Nov 2020 12:00 AM PST Replacing a door handle or door knob just requires a new door handle set and a flat-head screwdriver. Whether you want to fix a worn-out door knob or upgrade the appearance of a door with a new handle, replacing the existing handle is something that is usually hassle-free. Pick up a new door handle set that you like from a hardware store or home improvement center and get your screwdriver ready to go—soon enough, your door will have a whole new look and feel! [Edit]Removing the Existing Handle - Open the door and stick a door stop under the bottom edge of the door. Open up the door about halfway, so you can easily access both sides of the door handle. Push a door stop under the bottom edge of the door to keep it from moving and closing while you replace the handle.[1]
- If you don't have a door stop, you could use a wedge-shaped piece of wood or any other wedge-like object you can find around your home that will fit under the door.
- Push the handle's pressure release in with a screwdriver and pull it off. Look for a small slot in the side of the door knob or door handle where it connects to the cover plate or look on the side of the cover plate where it sits flush against the door. Insert the tip of a flat-head screwdriver into the slot and apply pressure with the tip of the screwdriver, then pull the handle or door knob off.[2]
- The cover plates are the round or rectangular plates that sit against the door between the handle or door knob and the door itself. These parts are there to hide the inner workings of the door handle and give it an attractive appearance.
- Try unscrewing the knobs or handles if you don't see this type of pressure slot. Different handles come off in different ways.
- Some types of handles might not come off separately. If yours don't seem like you can pull or screw them off, skip this step. For instance, if your handle has a rectangular plate, the handle might be attached to the plate and will just come off when you remove the whole plate.
- Unscrew and pull off the door handle's cover plates. Remove any screws that are holding the cover plates in place on either side of the door using a flat-head screwdriver. Insert the edge of your screwdriver under the plates and pry them up gently until they pop off, then remove them and set them aside.[3]
- Not all cover plates have screws holding them in place. Some might just snap into place, so you can just pry them right off using your screwdriver. Look for a slot on the side or bottom of the cover plate that you can slide your screwdriver into to pry it off.
- Some round types of cover plates might screw on, so try turning the cover plate itself counterclockwise if you can't remove it by unscrewing it or prying it off.
- Take out the screws holding the latch and inner plates in place. Unscrew and remove the screws holding the latch in place on the inside edge of the door. Take out the screws that hold the inner plates in place on either side of the door.[4]
- The inner plates are what sit directly under the cover plates you just removed. These hold the door handle's latching mechanism in place inside the hole in the door.
- The latch is the angled metal piece that moves in and out of the hole on the inside edge of the door. When you close the door, this latch hooks into a hole in the door frame to keep the door closed. Turning the door handle moves this latch in, so you can open the door.
- Pull out the latch plate and door latch mechanism. Carefully pull the latch plate and mechanism out from the hole on the inside edge of the door and set it aside. Remove the plates from either side of the door and set them aside as well.[5]
- You should now just have holes in your door, into which you can install a new door handle.
[Edit]Attaching the New Handle - Choose a new door handle that fits on your door. Use a tape measure to measure from the inside edge of the door to the center of the hole in the door to get the backset measurement, then choose a handle that fits this backset. Pick a new handle or knob with cover plates that are the same shape and size as the old ones to cover up any marks in the surface of your door that the old plates made, such as screw holes and scratches.[6]
- Most door handles have a standard backset of 60 mm or 70 mm, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a new door handle that fits in the existing holes in your door.
- For example, if your old door handle had rectangular cover plates, it's probably best to stick to a new handle with similar rectangular cover plates, rather than switching to one with round plates.
- Insert your new handle's latch into the hole on the door's inside edge. Position the latch in the hole on the inside edge of the door so that the smooth angled part faces in the same direction as the door closes in. Slide the latch mechanism into the hole until the latch plate rests flush against the inside edge of the door in the old latch recess.[7]
- Door handle latches come in a standard size, so the new latch should fit into the old recess without any problems. If it doesn't seem to fit for some reason, you can use a chisel to make adjustments to the depth and shape of the recess in the door.
- Screw the new handle's inner plates to the door. Line up the cylinders on the insides of the inner plates with the corresponding holes in the latch mechanism and slide them into place. Fasten the plates flush against the door using the provided screws and your screwdriver.[8]
- If the inner plates are different from each other, make sure to look at the instructions on your new handle to see which one goes on the inside and which one goes on the outside of the door.
- Put the cover plates in place on top of the inner plates. Slide the new cover plates on and press them against the inner plates until they snap into place. Attach any provided screws that hold the plates in place using your screwdriver.[9]
- These plates should be the same for both sides, since they are just the cosmetic plates that cover up the inner plates.
- Press the new knobs or handles into place. Slide the outer knob or handle onto the handle mechanism's cylinder on the outside of the door and press it until it snaps into place. Do the same for the inner knob or handle.[10]
- Remember that some knobs and handles screw on. If you see threads on the door handle mechanism cylinders, screw the knobs or handles on instead of pressing them into place.
- If your new door handles are already attached to the cover plates, you don't have to put them on separately. They will already be in place after you attach the new cover plates to the door.
- Replace any other locks and deadbolts on the door if you want them to match. Choose new locks and deadbolts that match your door handle to update the appearance of all the hardware on the door. Unscrew and remove the old locks and deadbolts, then slide the new ones into place on the door and attach them with the provided screws to finish upgrading the door's hardware.[11]
- This is totally optional and would only matter if the new handle looks way different from the other hardware on the door.
- For example, if you have a silver deadbolt lock on your front door and you just replaced the old handle with a new silver handle, the difference might not be that noticeable. However, if your new handle is gold, you might want to update the locks.
- The general process for replacing any door knob or door handle is usually the same. However, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions before you install the new handle for any specific instructions.
[Edit]Warnings - Modern door handles are all pretty much a standard size. However, if you're replacing an old handle, the housing holes in your door might be different sizes. If this is the case, it might be a good idea to remove your old handle first and measure the housing holes before you buy a new door handle.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Door handle set
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Tape measure
[Edit]References |
| How to Cut Kiwi for Decoration Posted: 11 Nov 2020 04:00 PM PST Kiwi is a sweet, juicy fruit that also makes a pretty edible decoration as a garnish or even a topping for baked desserts like frosted cakes and cupcakes. If you're having a party and want to add some flair to something like a fruit platter, you could try cutting your kiwis into flowers to really spice up the display. On the other hand, if you're more interested in decorating something like a cake, you can just slice up a kiwi and stick the pieces right into the frosting! However you choose to cut your kiwi for decoration, feel free to get creative and try using it in different ways. [Edit]Making Kiwi Flowers for Garnishing Plates - Cut the ends off a kiwi using a small serrated kitchen knife. Place your chosen kiwi on its side on a cutting board and hold it steady with your non-dominant hand. Grab a small, sharp serrated knife in your dominant hand and carefully slice off both the ends of the kiwi.[1]
- Try to cut off the ends without removing a lot of the kiwi's flesh. The idea is just to remove the little nubs on the top and at the base of the fruit, so you are left with flat, skinless ends.
- You can use this method to create kiwi flower garnishes for things like fruit platters or trays of desserts.
- Make a long diagonal cut through the kiwi's side to the center. Carefully plunge the tip of your knife into the center of one side of the kiwi at about a 45-degree angle. Push the knife in all the way to the center of the fruit and wiggle it back and forth until the cut is about long.[2]
- The length of the diagonal cut will define the size of the "petals" of your kiwi flower. If you want the petals to be taller or shorter, you can do so by adjusting the length of your cut.
- Continue making connecting diagonal cuts around the whole kiwi. Plunge the blade of the knife into the side of the kiwi, all the way to the center, at an approximately 45-degree angle to the first cut. Wiggle it back and forth to make the cut the same length as the first, then repeat the process all the way around the kiwi until it has a continuous zig-zag pattern of cuts running around its center.[3]
- Try your best to make all the cuts at the same angle to each other and the same length, so you end up with evenly-sized petals on your kiwi flower.
- Pull the 2 halves of the kiwi apart when you finish cutting around it. Set your knife down and grab 1 end of the kiwi in each hand. Pull the ends in opposite directions to separate the kiwi into 2 halves.[4]
- If you can't pull the kiwi apart, you might not have cut deep enough in some spots. Go back over all your cuts and make sure to plunge the knife all the way to the center of the fruit, then try pulling it apart again.
- Slice part way down between each piece of peel and flesh. Start at the top of 1 of the triangular petals and carefully slide the blade of your knife down between the skin and the flesh, stopping when you almost reach the bottom. Repeat this for each petal.[5]
- Be very careful not to get your fingers in the way of the blade when you're making these more delicate cuts.
- Pull the pieces skin down to finish creating the petals of your kiwi flower. Bend each flap of the kiwi's peel down away from the fruit in the middle. Play with the angle that you bend them at until you find what looks best to you.[6]
- Your kiwi fruit will now resemble a lotus flower! You can use it to garnish anything you like or even serve several on their own together like a cluster of blooming lotuses.
[Edit]Slicing Kiwi for Decorating Frosted Desserts - Use a sharp paring knife to cut the ends off a kiwi. Place a kiwi on its side on a cutting board and stabilize it with your non-dominant hand. Hold a paring knife in your dominant hand and cut both the top and bottom ends off the kiwi.[7]
- You can use this method to decorate any kind of frosted dessert with kiwi.
- You don't have to cut a lot off at either end. Just cut off the parts of the peel that have the nubs on them, so the kiwi has a flat top and bottom.
- Peel the kiwi using your knife or a vegetable peeler. Stand the kiwi up on one of the flat ends. Carefully slice off all the skin from top to bottom using your paring knife or a vegetable peeler.[8]
- If it's more comfortable and easier, you can hold the kiwi while you peel it. Just be extra careful not to cut yourself if you choose to do it that way.
- Cut the kiwi horizontally into slabs that are about thick. Lay the peeled kiwi back on its side on the cutting board and hold it steady. Start at 1 end of the kiwi and slice it into medallions that are all approximately thick.[9]
- Slices that are thick are just a good starting point, but feel free to slice the kiwi more thinly or into thicker medallions if you prefer.
- Spread frosting on any kind of baked dessert to decorate it with kiwi. Use any baked dessert you like, such as a cake or cupcake. Cover it in frosting wherever you want to decorate it with the kiwi slices.[10]
- For example, if you want to cover the top and sides of a layer cake with kiwi slices, cover the whole top and sides of the cake in frosting.
- The frosting makes the kiwi slices stick to the dessert, so you have to use frosting to decorate things like cakes with them, otherwise the kiwi pieces can easily fall off.
- Stick the kiwi slices into the frosting to decorate your desserts. Cover large desserts, like layer cakes, in the kiwi slices by sticking them flat-side-down into the frosting. Decorate smaller desserts, like cupcakes, by pressing 1 kiwi slice, either flat or sticking up on its side, into the frosting in the middle of the cupcake.[11]
- It's really totally up to you how you decorate your frosted desserts with kiwi slices, so feel free to get creative and try different techniques. For example, you could cut the medallions into halves or quarters if you want smaller pieces to decorate with or mix the slices with other fruits like berries.
- When you're choosing a kiwi to cut for decoration, pick one that is firm and only slightly gives way when you squeeze it. Avoid kiwis that are wrinkled or have very soft spots.[12]
[Edit]Warnings - Be careful when you're cutting kiwi with a sharp knife. Keep your fingers and hands out of the way of the blade to avoid any accidents.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Making Kiwi Flowers for Garnishing - Serrated knife
- Cutting board
[Edit]Slicing Kiwi for Decorating Desserts - Paring knife
- Cutting board
- Frosted desserts
[Edit]References |
| How to Teach Your Dog to Dance Posted: 11 Nov 2020 08:00 AM PST Dancing with your dog is an impressive (and super cute) trick that most dogs can learn with the right training. A dog that knows how to dance will be able to spin around you on its hind legs on command. You can also throw in a few other tricks for an even flashier routine. It may take a little bit of time for your pup to catch on, but there's no cooler move around when it comes to showing off your dog's skills. Even if your dog struggles to master the steps, you'll both still have a ton of fun trying! [Edit]Sitting Pretty - Get your dog into a regular "sit" position. Put a treat in your hand and stand up or sit next to your dog. Hold the treat up to get the dog's attention and give them your command for sit.[1] If they don't know sit yet, get in front of your dog and lure their nose upward until they sit. When they do, give them the treat and say "sit." Continue practicing this until your dog no longer needs the treat to follow the order.[2]
- You need a treats to train your dog! You can use the dog's kibble to keep things easy, or use a prepackaged treat to give your dog something more attractive if they tend to need more motivation.
- Early on, music is just going to distract your dog. Start by training your pup to dance in a calm, quiet area.[3] You can add the music later on once they've committed the moves to memory.
- Raise the treat a little above their head to direct them up. Hold a treat in front of your dog and raise it above their head. If your dog loses interest or moves, reset them by putting them back into the original position and try again. The goal here is to get your dog to lift up on their back legs a little to get the treat. If they take their front legs off of the ground to reach the treat, give it to them.[4]
- If your dog just won't take their front legs off of the ground, don't worry about it. Reward them for extending their neck up for the treat. They'll get it eventually!
- You don't need to train for super long. Just do 5-10 minutes a day and keep building on what your dog learned the previous day.[5] It may take 3-5 training sessions to get your dog to raise its front legs up.
- Reward your dog once they stand on their hips and say "sit pretty." Keep raising the treat higher and higher until your pup lifts up off of their front legs and rests on their haunches. Once your dog does this, pair the treat with the phrase "sit pretty!" so your dog starts to pair the phrase with the behavior. Keep practicing the move over and over.[6]
- While the phrase "sit pretty" is the most common term for this move, you can use any keyword you'd like. Some people prefer to use "beg" or "stand up."
- Master the "sit pretty" position to set the foundation for your dance. Practice the sit pretty trick every day until your dog has it down. Once your pup is at the point where they understand the verbal command alone, you can start phasing out the treats. This is the position your dog needs to be in while you teach them to stand and dance.[7]
- If you use hand motions to reinforce your verbal commands, holding your hand up above their head is a good way to signal the sit pretty, especially since that's what you were originally doing when you were giving them treats. It will also be a kind of cute way to start the dance off once you've put everything together.
[Edit]Standing - Raise the treat even further and reward your pup for reaching. Put your dog in the sit pretty position and hold a treat above their head. Move your hand up slowly to get your dog to extend up. Reward them for the progress they make whenever they stand up higher. If they're struggling to balance themselves while they reach for the treat, hold your forearm out under your dog's arms to give them something to rest on.[8]
- Reward any progress you see. Your dog may not stand straight up right away—it may take a few training sessions for your canine friend to get used to standing up.
- Lead your pup with the treat until they start standing up all the way. Keep practicing regularly and keep lifting the treat further up until your dog gets comfortable holding themselves up on their back legs. If your dog is still working on their balance, feel free to keep that forearm out there to support them while they practice.[9]
- Your dog's core and legs will get stronger by doing this, so they will definitely get better over time if you're consistent.
- If they never get used to balancing on their own, turn the forearm into a part of your dance. You can act like you're doing a kind of slow dance while you lead them on your forearm and spin around!
- Train them to stand up for up to 10 seconds at a time. Keep pushing your dog to stand up for longer by keeping the treat just barely out of reach and withholding it. You could wait 2 seconds, then 5 seconds, then 10 seconds with each session. This will help your pup learn that they need to stay standing up for the reward.[10]
- At this point, standing up may turn into quite the workout for your dog. Try to cut back on the length of your training sessions and give them plenty of time to rest between reps.
- Don't go for more than 10 seconds at a time. This can be difficult for your dog's knees and hips if they're standing up for too long.
[Edit]Dancing - Lead your dog around you in a circular motion until they start "walking." Get your dog into the standing position and start slowly moving the treat clockwise or counterclockwise away from them while you turn in place. If your dog moves a few inches (or centimeters), reward them. Keep practicing this until your dog gets used to taking a short stroll on their back legs.[11]
- If your dog sits down before they get the treat and they weren't standing for very long, don't give them the treat. If they made some good progress and they just lost their balance, you can probably reward them. The encouragement will keep them motivated to continue trying.
- Work on leading your dog all the way around you before rewarding them. Once they've got the basic idea down, start trying to lead your dog all the way around in a 360-degree circle. Every time your pup completes a lap, give them a treat. Then, you can start working on completing multiple laps. At this point, start to phase out the treat and just reward them with praise.[12]
- Once they've got this movement down, you've mastered a simple dance!
- If they get really good at this, you can practice leading them backwards so they can walk in either direction. This can be a little tough if your dog isn't super coordinated, though.
- Start spinning with your dog while they move to create a fancy tango. Once your dog is used to moving around you in a circle, you can start moving with them. Either rotate with them to do an elegant little twirl, or start rotating in the opposite direction for a fancier dance.[13] You can even put your hand above you like you're being twirled by the dog in a kind of ballroom dance!
- This is the point where you can start pairing the dance with music if you'd like. If you bring the music in before they've got the moves down, they're probably just going to get distracted, though.
- If you notice your dog gets progressively further away from you while doing this, start beginning the trick with your dog in "heel" and then go into "sit pretty." This will signal to your dog that you want them to stay close to you.
- Incorporate other tricks into the routine to mix it up. If your dog has other tricks in their repertoire, you can start teaching them a choreographed dance. A roll over straight into the circle dance is adorable. You could also have the dog chase its tail for a moment before jumping up to you to give you their paws for a little waltz routine. Once the core of the dance is down, the possibilities are endless![14]
- Training your dog to dance is just as valuable as doing any other kind of training. It helps to stimulate your dog, build your bond with them, and keeps their brain moving to keep them healthy and fit.[15]
- Herding breeds, like border collies, tend to really excel at dancing like this.[16]
- This process can be more challenging for dogs that are a little top-heavy or stout. Bulldogs, pugs, and dachshunds tend to struggle standing on their back legs for long periods of time. They can still pull it off, but it might take a little longer to figure it out.
- You can theoretically combine any number of tricks and moves to make a "dance," but this standing spin routine is what most people mean when they talk about teaching a dog to dance.[17]
- If your dog isn't motivated by food, try using one of their favorite toys to lure them in the direction and position you need them to go. Reward them by letting them play with their toy for a while.
[Edit]Warnings - While dancing with your dog can be a blast, standing on their hind legs can be rough for your pup's knees and hips. Once they've got the moves down, try to limit the amount of time they spend on their back legs to under 10 seconds at a time.[18]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Treats
- Clicker (optional)
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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