Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like something minor, but if you dislike 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 simple if you have patience.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Removing the Old Handle
Door handles aren't just an essential for aesthetics of your home, but they're vital for safety since they allow you to lock and unlock your door. However, over time the door handle could lose its grip, feel loose, or look old and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace your door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a problem since it means you can not lock or unlock your door which could pose the risk of security for you and your family.
Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members struggle to open it and could get trapped in the. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.
Most modern door handles are a standard size, so they should fit 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 buy the correct sized door handle.
It is the easiest way to remove the old door handle by removing it from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However certain door handles come with an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to remove this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. Once you've removed your old handle, make note of the way the spindle is attached to ensure you are able to be sure to align it when you install 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. However, you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to remove the handle from the strike plate and then the latch away from the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles are packaged in will include two latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the diagram above for the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it out for the circular one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that holds the latch plate that was previously in place. These screws can be quite tight and will require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to have a second person help with this part if possible.
The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes open the plate up.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this may damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the proper position You can try closing and opening the door to see whether it locks and closes correctly. If it doesn't you'll have to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.
If the door is jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or due to damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Eliminating the Latch
The latch is a bent 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 connects to an opening in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch might be the only thing needed to fix it.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate and then 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 cannot be easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to separate. It is possible repeat this process a few times before you can pull the latch out.
It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without issues after you've removed the old one. Use your new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is properly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.
If you are replacing the latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need an entirely new one. If you're not replacing the locks the new latch will fit into your existing recess and will work just fine with the keys you have currently. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Removing the Cover Plate
Door handles can begin to look worn over time If you replace them with a contemporary lever on rose design it's a simple and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace an internal door handle, remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Look for an release tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver lift it off the knob. It could have a slot along one edge or be secured by pins.
When upvc door handles is removed take the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and plates, which you can do by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all have. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole through the door. The process for doing this is the same procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the frame or door.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after the holes have been made. Be sure to purchase the same size as the previous ones, so you won't have a handle that's too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. These aren't included in most door handle sets.
If you're looking for a high-quality replacement for your interior door handle set Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory fit and has received a plethora 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.