5 Door Handle Replacement Lessons From Professionals
Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like an insignificant thing but if you aren't happy with the way they look or find them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't already have them.
Remove the old handle
Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're also crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. Over time, the door handle may start to lose its grip or feel loose. It might be beginning to appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time to replace it.
One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is an issue because it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could be the risk of security for you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly and children members who might struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's easy to replace a broken handle on a door.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're unsure if the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you buy the correct sized door handle.
The most straightforward method to take off the handle from your door is to unscrew it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws so you'll need to remove this to access the screws underneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can make sure it is aligned when you put in the new one.
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. But, you'll have to locate the small latch which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Removing the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate when you replace the handle. It's the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the door's latch hooks in when the door 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 in shape, swap it to a round one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws can be very tight and will require some force to loosen. If you are able, it could be helpful to have another person help with this process.
The latch plate should easily come out of the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate.
You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. With the wood screws that came with the new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, shut and then open the door to see whether it locks and closes properly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, then you may need to increase the size of the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't shallow, the wrong size latch, or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure as adjusting the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead the hammer and chisel.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece that slides into and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also catches an opening in the door frame to ensure that the door remains closed. If your door wobbles when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be the only thing needed to fix the problem.
The screws that support the door latch are hard to spot however, you can use a screwdriver to make a small hole on the trim plate and pry the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it will be easy to remove the latch and the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in place.
If the latch is not easily removed then use a paperclip tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle are beginning to separate. It is possible to repeat this procedure 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 without issues. Use door handle replacement middlesbrough to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, make certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Also, ensure whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle.
You'll need a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing locks however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess and will work with your current keys. Make sure you select the latch with rectangular cover plates that match your handles.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles may begin to look worn over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's a simple and quick DIY project to decorate and can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
To replace the door handle inside, remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It could have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw that is holding the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door. The procedure to do this is the same as for opening a door with a lock, but you'll need to take extra care not to harm the door or frame.
After the holes are drilled then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, so you do not end up with an handle that is either too tight or loose. You'll also need to install the new 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 delighted customers. It's a great choice to replace worn or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.