Why Door Handle Replacement Is More Difficult Than You Think
Door Handle Replacement It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they're difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is easy if you have patience. Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already. Remove the handle that was previously used Door handles are not only an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're vital for safety since they let you lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle could become loose or feel loose. It may also appear old and worn. This is an indication that it's time to replace it. One of the first indications that your door handle needs replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a serious problem since you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door which could put you and your family at risk. It is also a good idea to replace your door handle in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, particularly for elderly or children members who may struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the handle that was broken. Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the correct sized door handle. It is the easiest way to remove the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the screws used to mount them. It is necessary to remove it to get to the screws. After removing the old handle, make a note of the way the spindle is connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle. Alternately, you can take off your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. However, you will have to locate the tiny latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, unscrew the handle from the strike plate, and then remove the latch off the door's edge. Removal of the Strike Plate When replacing the handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the diagram above that shows the parts of the door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier to use. The first step is to loosen the screw that's holding the latch plate that was previously in place. These screws are often tight, and will require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to have a second person assist in this area if it is possible. After the screws have been removed, the latch plate should slide out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate. Now you can move on to creating the new door strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that came with the new handles. Do not overtighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate. If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, shut and then open the door to see if it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or move it forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly. If the door continues to move or jiggles, you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent for older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or not the right size for the latch, or from damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure for adjusting the strike plate, using a metal file instead of a chisel and hammer. Removing the Latch The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move between the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame to keep the door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, an upgrade to the latch could be all you need to correct the issue. The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to see however, you can use a screwdriver to make a small hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it'll be easy to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in the position. If the latch is not easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle start to separate. You may have to repeat this process several times before you can take the latch off. It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot with no issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame. Take note of the backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Also, make sure that the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to this measurement. If you are replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need a new one. If you're not switching locks the new lock will fit inside your existing recess and work with your current keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles. Remove the cover plate Door handles can begin to look worn over time, but if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's a quick and easy DIY project and decorating idea that can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits. To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Look for an release tab on the plate and make use of a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It could have a slot on one edge or be held by a pin. After the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. You'll also want to remove the screws that hold the latch and inner plates, which you can do by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors have a gap between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all do. If yours doesn't, you'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. This is the same process for opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra cautious not to scratch the door or frame. After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Be sure to purchase the same size as the previous ones, so you don't end up with the handle that is too tight or loose. You'll also need to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't part of most door handle sets. Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a great alternative if you're in search of a premium interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.