Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be a small detail however, if you don't like the appearance of the handles or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With a bit of patience, you can install a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates which hide the screws, giving them an attractive look. If your new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Remove the old Handle
Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're essential for security as they let you lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes the door handle could lose its grip, feel loose, or look old and worn out. This is a sign that it's probably time to replace it.
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 are unable to not lock or unlock your door which could create an security risk to you and your family.
repairmywindowsanddoors 's also recommended to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be risky, particularly for elderly and children members who struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on the door.
The majority of modern door handles are standard size and so they will fit on any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the correct sized 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. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the mounting screws. It is necessary to remove this to get to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, make note of the way the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to align it when you fit the new one.
You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the tiny latch which is located on the edge trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Removal of the Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the image above which shows the various parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it to a round one, so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that holds the old latch plate in place. 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 part if possible.
After the screws have been removed, the latch plate should pull out of the door easily. If it's stuck or won't move, use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes open the plate.
You can now move on to making the new door strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that came with your new handles. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the proper position, try closing and then opening the door to see whether it latches and closes correctly. If it does not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, forward or back until the door locks properly.
If the door is still jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too small, a incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, use a metal filing instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move between the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door wobbles when you close, a new latch may be the only thing needed to fix 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 then pull the latch off. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch and the bolts that hold it and the spindle that holds it.
If the latch cannot be easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. It is possible to repeat this process several times before you are able to remove the latch.
After the old latch is removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot with no difficulties. Make use of the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before installing the new handle, be 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 that the latch size on the new handle is a good match to this 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 changing locks, however, a new latch should fit in the existing recess and work just fine with your current keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Removal of the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a modern lever and rose design to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
The first step to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and mechanism inside. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It may have a slot along one edge or be held in place by a pin.
Once the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and the plates inside, which you can do by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove the inner 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 yours doesn't then you'll have to make a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. It's the same procedure for opening a locked door however you'll need to be extra careful not to damage the door's frame or frame.
Installing new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been drilled. Buy the same size as your old screws to prevent getting the handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. These are not included in most door handle sets.
If you're looking for a high-quality replacement set of interior door handles Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It is a factory-fit and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's a great option for replacing worn or damaged interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.