Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like something minor but if you aren't happy with the appearance of the handles or are finding them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't have them attached already.
Removing the Old Handle
The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home, but it's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. As time passes the door handle could become loose or feel a bit loose. It might also appear worn out and old. This is an indication that it's time to replace it.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a serious problem because you won't be able to lock or unlock the door which could put your family and yourself at risk.
It is also an excellent idea to replace the handle on your door if it is damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members struggle to open it and could get trapped in the. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure whether the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the right size door handle.
It is the easiest way to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is usually done with the screw driver. However certain door handles come with the cover plate which hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to pry off this to reach the screws underneath. After you've removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is positioned so that you can align it when you fit the new one.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. But, you'll need to locate the small latch that is located on the edge cut piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to unscrew the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch away from the door's edge.
Removing the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace your latch plate after replacing 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 closes. The packaging that the new handles are packaged in will include two different latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines door handle parts). If you have a rectangular latch plate, 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 loosen the screw that holds the old latch plate in place. These screws can be quite tight, and will require some force to loosen. upvc replacement door handles might be beneficial to have a second person help in this area if it is possible.
Once the screws are removed, the latch plate should slide out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.
You can now move on to making the new door strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with your new handles. Do not overtighten your screws as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and then open the door to determine if it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or even forward or back until the door shuts and latches correctly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, you might have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too narrow, the incorrect size of the latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, using an iron file instead of a chisel and hammer.
Removing the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece which slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door is wobbling when you close it, replacing the latch could be the only thing needed to correct the issue.
It's difficult to identify the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver and pry it off. After removing the trim plate, you will be able to pull off the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle in position.
If the latch doesn't easily be released you can try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed slot of the latch and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel handle and latch begin to separate. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out.
Once the old latch is removed, you should be able to move the new latch into the slot without issues. Make sure the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Before installing the new handle, make certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Also, make sure whether the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with the measurement of your existing handle.
You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not changing the locks however, a new latch will fit in the existing recess and be compatible with the keys you have currently. Make sure you select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.
Then remove the Cover Plate
Door handles can start to look shabby with time If you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose designs, it's a quick and easy DIY project and decorating idea that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It may have a slot on one edge or be held by a pin.
Remove the screw holding the handle in the interior and set it aside once the cover plate is removed. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have a gap between the jamb of the door and the inside edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all do. If it doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole in the door to install the new handle. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked however, you'll need to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door.
After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Be sure to purchase the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you won't have an handle that is either too tight or too loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. They aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable replacement interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's a factory-fit product and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's an excellent choice for replacing worn or damaged interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.