Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they're difficult to use. With a little patience, you can install a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates which hide the screws to give them a more attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Remove the old handle
The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. As time passes, the door handle may become loose or feel loose. It could also appear aged and worn. This is an indication that it's time to replace it.
One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a serious issue because you won't be able to lock or unlock the door and put your family and yourself at risk.
window handles is also a good idea to replace the handle on your door when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly and children members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one.
Most modern door handles are standard size and therefore will fit on any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will let you buy the right size door handle.
The easiest method to take off your old door handle is to take it off of the door itself. This is usually done with a screw driver. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the screws that mount them. You will need to remove it to get to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is attached to ensure that you can align it when you fit the new one.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you'll need to locate the small latch that is located on the edge trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate that holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The package the new handles come with will offer two different latch plates - a rectangular one and a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it to a circular one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to unscrew the screw that holds the latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to have a second person assist with this part if possible.
After the screws have been removed and the latch plate will slide out of the door easily. If it's stuck or won't move, use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This will sometimes free the plate.
Now you can move on to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with your new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the right position Try closing and opening the door to check whether it locks and closes correctly. If not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, forward or back until the door closes properly.
If the door is still moving or jiggles, you might have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't narrow, the wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, using an iron file instead of a chisel and hammer.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move through the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door closed. If your door is wobbling when you close it, an upgrade to the latch could be the only thing needed to fix the problem.
It's difficult to identify the screws that hold the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver and pry it off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to remove the latch as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle in position.
If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed and then gently twist or jiggle until the that the latch and handle begin to break off. You may need repeat this process a few times before you are able to take the latch off.
Once the old latch is removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot without any problems. Make sure that the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Check that the latch size of the new handle matches the measurement.
If you're replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged then you'll need an entirely new one. If you are not changing locks the new lock should fit into your existing recess and work with your current keys. Make sure you select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a modern rose and lever designs to make a difference in the appearance of your house. You can buy complete sets that include matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It could have a slot on one edge or be secured by pins.
When the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. You'll also need to take out the screws that hold the latch and inner plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have gaps between the door jamb and the inside edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, but not all have. If yours does not, you will need to drill a hole into the door. The process for doing this is similar to the procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll need to take extra care not to harm the frame or door.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after holes have been drilled. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to prevent getting the handle too tight or loose. You'll also need to install an additional strike rod and latch plate that aren't part of most door handle sets.
If you're looking for a quality replacement interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It is a factory-fit and has received hundreds five-star reviews. It's a great choice for replacing worn or damaged interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.