Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like an insignificant thing but if you aren't happy with the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. With some patience, you can put in the new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. If your new handle does not already have them connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Removal of the Old Handle
Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're also crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. However, over time your door handle can lose its grip, feel loose, or appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably the time to replace your door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you can not lock or unlock your door, which could be an security risk to you and your family.
It's also a good idea to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly when your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it and end up trapped in the. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on doors.
Most modern door handles are a standard size and so they are suitable for any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will allow you to purchase the correct size door handle.
It is the easiest way to remove the door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However certain door handles come with the cover plate which hides the mounting screws so you'll need to pry off this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install your new one.
Alternately, you can take off your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the tiny latch, which is located on the edge cut piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Remove the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate when you replace the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole through which the latch of the door hooks when the door is closed. The new handles will have two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the above diagram which shows the various parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular, swap it to a round one, so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the old latch plate. The screws can be very tight, and may require some force to loosen. It might be beneficial to have a second person help in this area if it is possible.
The latch plate should lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This will sometimes free the plate up.
You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the door jamb using the screws that were included with your new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position Try closing and opening the door to see whether it latches and closes correctly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or even forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, you may have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common 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 due to damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of the hammer and chisel.
Removing the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that is able to move in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks in the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, changing the latch might be the only thing needed to correct the issue.
The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can put a screwdriver in a small hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle.
If repairmywindowsanddoors doesn't easily come out, try using the clip of a paper or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch 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 once you have removed the old one. Make use of the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.
You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not switching locks, a new lock should fit inside the recess you have already installed, and also work with your current keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your existing handles.
Remove the cover plate
Door handles can start to look shabby with time, but if you replace them with a modern lever on rose design it's a quick and easy DIY project to decorate and can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets with matching escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside, remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate and make use of a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It may have a slot on one edge or be held by pins.
Remove the screw that is holding the handle inside and put it aside after the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that secure both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer 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 that makes room for a handle, but not all have. If yours does not then you'll have to drill a hole into the door for the new handle. This is the same process as opening a door locked however you'll have to be extra cautious not to harm the door or frame.
The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been made. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, so you won't have an handle that is either too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. These are not included in most door handle sets.
Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a great option if you're in need of a high-quality interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's an excellent choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.