Using Doors, Doorways, Keys and Locks

119. If turning a doorknob is difficult, have someone wind a few rubber bands around the largest part of the knob. The rubber bands increase the diameter of the knob and make it easier to grasp. To increase the diameter even more, cover knobs with padded doorknob covers, which are available at most hardware stores.
     
     
120. Make doors easier to open by installing lever handles. Hardware and building-supply stores have many styles to choose from.
     
     
121. If someone in your home uses a wheelchair, you can widen the doorways up to an inch and a half by installing offset hinges. The hinges allow the door to swing out and away from the doorway opening. They are easy to install using the existing holes and screws, and they require no cutting or drilling. You can find the hinges at many hardware or building-supply stores.
     
     
122. Here are two ways to make it easier to close doors behind you: 1) Tie a string or cord from the doorknob. Take hold of the cord as you begin to walk through the doorway, and the door will shut behind you as you walk. 2) Attach one cup hook in the door near the knob and another in the door jamb on the hinge side. Tie a string or chain from one hook to the other. As you go through the doorway, pull the string and the door will close behind you.
     
     
123. Doors that are too long and hard to open because they rub on the floor can be adjusted without removing them. Put a large piece of sandpaper on the floor under the door and move the door back and forth a few times. You may need to put some newspapers under the sandpaper so there will be a good contact with the bottom of the door. The sand- paper smooths the bottom of the door to prevent it from rubbing on the floor. As a result, the doors are easier to open and are easier on your joints.
     
     
124. To prop open heavy doors, use a tablespoon as a doorstop. Turn the spoon upside down and push the handle under the door.
     
     
125. To protect your doors from wheelchair scratches, put a clear Lucite, chrome or brass kick plate on the bottom of the door. You can purchase kick plates where building sup- plies are sold.
     
     
126. Eliminate extra steps to open or unlock your exterior door by keeping an extra garage-door opener in the house. When you want to let someone into your locked house, press the battery-operated garage-door opener. The door to the garage will open and your guests can use the garage entrance to your house.