Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they look or if they're difficult to use. With a little patience, you can install a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates that hide the screws, giving them a more attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have screws already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Removal of the old Handle
Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're also essential for security as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. But, over time your door handle can lose its grip, appear loose, or appear old and worn. This is an indication that it's the time to replace your door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle needs replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. 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 damaged or broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and could get trapped inside. It's simple to replace a damaged handle on doors.
Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and should fit any door. If you aren't certain if your new door handle will work, take out the old one and measure its housing holes. This will let you purchase the correct size door handle.
The easiest way to take off the door handle you have been using is to unscrew it from the door itself. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However, some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll have to cut off this to reach the screws beneath. After removing the handle that was previously used, take note of the way the spindle is connected. This will help you align the new handle.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with a screwdriver but you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located at the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and the strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
You'll have to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole where the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above which shows the various parts of the door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, swap it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to hook onto the strike plate, making the handle easier.
The first step is to unhook the screw holding the old latch plate. The screws can be very tight and will require some force to loosen. If possible, it may be beneficial to have a second person assist you with this task.
The latch plate should come out of the door once the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move then use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now, you can proceed to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that were included with the new handles. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the right position You can try closing and then opening the door to check if it closes and latches correctly. If it doesn't you'll have to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down or forward or back until the door closes correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, it may be necessary to expand the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more prevalent with older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or due to damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Eliminating the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that is able to move between the hole in the inner edge of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also catches an opening in the door's frame so that the door is closed. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch might be all that's needed to correct the issue.
The screws that hold the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make a small hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle that holds it.
If the latch is not easily removed using a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
Once the old latch is removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot with no problems. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Before you install the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.
If you are replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need an entirely new one. If you are not changing locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess and will work with your existing keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a modern lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your house. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose) that protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It may have a slot along one edge or be secured by a pin.
Remove the screw that holds the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If it doesn't, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to install the new handle. upvc door handles repairmywindowsanddoors is the same procedure for opening a locked door however you'll have to be extra cautious not to scratch the door or frame.
Installing new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, so that you don't end up with a handle that's too tight or too loose. You'll also need to install an additional strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with 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 finish handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great option to replace damaged or worn interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.