7 Helpful Tricks To Making The Most Of Your Door Handle Replacement

Door Handle Replacement Door handles appear to be an insignificant thing, but if you dislike the appearance of the handles or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you've got patience. The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle does not already have them. Removal of the old Handle The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home It's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. Over time the door handle could become loose or feel a bit loose. It may also appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle. One of the first indications that your door handle needs replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door which could create a security risk for you and your family. It is also a good idea to replace your door handle when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for children and elderly family members who may struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken. Most modern door handles are standard size and so they are suitable for any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will enable you to purchase the right size door handle. The most straightforward method to take off the door handle you have been using is to unscrew it from the door. This is typically done with a screw driver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the screws that mount them. You'll need 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 connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle. Alternately, you can take off the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you can take the handle off the strike plate, and then the latch off the door's edge. Removal of the Strike Plate When replacing the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the image above which shows the various parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it to a circular 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 unscrew the screw that's holding the latch plate that was previously in place. These screws are often tight, and may require some force to loosen. If you can, it might be helpful to have another person assist you with this task. The latch plate should lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This will sometimes free the plate. Now, you can proceed to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that were included with the new handles. Don't over tighten your screws as this can damage the strike plate. If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the correct position Try closing and opening the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly. If the door is still moving or jiggles, you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent 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 because of 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 using the use of a metal file instead an hammer and chisel. Removal of the Latch The latch is a curved metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into a hole in the frame of the door to keep the door closed. If your door wobbles when you close it, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix the issue. It's hard to see the screws that secure the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver in order to pry it off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it'll be simple to take off the latch and the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in place. If the latch won't come out you can try using the clip of a paper or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch start to split. It is possible to repeat this process several times before you can take the latch off. You should be able slide the new latch into its slot with no issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame. Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement. You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you're not switching locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess, and work with your existing keys. Be sure to choose an entry point with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles. Then remove the Cover Plate You can replace your old door handles with a new lever and rose design to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits. To replace an internal door handle, 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 an opening along one side or be secured by a pin. Remove the screw that is holding the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate is removed. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and inner plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Set them aside. Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the edge of the frame that allows for a handle, however not all do. If yours isn't allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a new hole through the door. It's the same procedure for opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra cautious not to scratch the frame or door. The installation of new door knob screws is required after the holes have been made. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to prevent getting the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. These aren't included in all door handle sets. Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are an excellent alternative if you're in search of a premium interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.