5 Door Handle Replacement Lessons Learned From Professionals

Door Handle Replacement Door handles appear to be something minor however, if you don't like the style or design of them, or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With a little patience, you can install the new handle in no time. Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if the new handle does not already have them. Remove the handle that was previously used The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home It's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. Over time the door handle can begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It may be beginning to appear worn out and old. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement. One of the first signs that your door handle needs replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue because you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door which could put your family and yourself at risk. It's also an excellent idea to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is dangerous, especially for elderly and children members who may struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's simple to replace a damaged handle on the door. Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're unsure if the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will help you to buy the correct sized door handle. It is the easiest way to remove the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is usually done with the screw driver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the screws that mount them. It is necessary to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. After removing the handle that was previously used, take note of the way in which the spindle is attached. This will help you align the new handle. Alternately, you can take off your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done with a screwdriver but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be on the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the door's edge. Removing the Strike Plate You'll need to replace the latch plate when you replace the handle. It's the part that is the one that holds the hole in which the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The new handles will have two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the diagram above which shows the various parts of a door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a circular one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate, making the handle easier to use. The first step is to unhook the screw holding the old latch plate. These screws can be quite tight, and will require some force to loosen. It might be beneficial to have a second person assist with this task if you can. The latch plate should easily be removed from the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free the plate up. Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that were included with your new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can cause damage to the strike plate. If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, close and open the door to see whether it locks and closes properly. If not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, forward or back until the door shuts correctly. If the door is still moving or jiggles, you might have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too narrow, the wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, but with the use of a metal file instead a chisel and hammer. Removing the Latch The latch is an angled metal piece that slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to an opening in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, changing the latch may be all you need to correct the issue. The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can use a screwdriver to make an insignificant hole on the trim plate and pry the latch off. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle in position. If the latch doesn't easily come out it is suggested to use a paper clip or a tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed slot of the latch and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel the handle and latch begin to separate. It is possible repeat this process a few times before you can remove the latch. You should be able slide the new latch into its slot with no issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame. Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement. You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you are not changing locks the new lock should fit inside your existing recess and will work with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your existing handles. Take off the cover plate Door handles can begin to look shabby with time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY project to decorate and will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits. To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It may have a slot on one edge or be held by a pin. Remove the screw that is holding the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. You'll also want to take out the screws that hold the latch and plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside. Some doors don't have this gap. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. The procedure for this is similar to the procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door or frame. Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after holes have been drilled. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, to ensure that you do not end up with a handle that's too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't 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 top-quality interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory-fit product and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.