5 Door Handle Replacement Projects For Every Budget
Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like an insignificant thing but if you aren't happy with the style or design of them, or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With a little patience, you can install an entirely new handle in a short time.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle does not have them attached already.
Removal of the old Handle
The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. However, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose, or look old and worn out. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.
One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you are unable to 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 extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it and end up trapped within. It's easy to replace a broken handle on a door.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and therefore should fit any door. If you are not certain that the new door handle you are buying will work, remove the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will allow you to purchase the correct size door handle.
It is easiest to remove the door handle by removing it from the door. This is usually done using the screw driver. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the screws used to mount them. You'll need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of the way in which the spindle is attached. This will aid in aligning the new handle.
Alternatively, you can remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you will 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.
Remove the Strike Plate
If you are replacing the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram which illustrates the components of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it to a round one, so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to operate.
The first step is to take off the screw that is holding the latch plate. 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.
Once the screws are removed and the latch plate should pull out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that came with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws because this could damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the right position You can try closing and then opening the door to determine if it closes and latches correctly. If it does not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.
If the door is still jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more frequent for older doors, but could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Remove the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also catches a hole on the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch could be the only thing needed to fix it.
repairmywindowsanddoors to identify the screws that secure the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver in order to remove it. After you've removed your trim plate, it should be easy to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch isn't easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle start to split. It may take this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
After the old latch is removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without any problems. Make use of the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
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 matches the measurement.
You'll need a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you're not changing locks the new latch will fit into the existing recess and work with the keys you have currently. Make sure you select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
Door handles can start to look worn over time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever on rose design it's a quick and easy DIY project and decorating idea that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets with matching escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It could have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw holding the handle inside and put it aside after the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them with the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.
Most doors have gaps between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, but not all have. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door for the new handle. This is the same procedure for opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the door's frame or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after the holes have been drilled. Purchase the same size as your old screws to avoid getting a handle that is too loose or tight. You'll also have to install a new latch plate and strike rod that aren't included in most door handle sets.
If you're looking for a quality replacement set of interior door handles, try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's a factory-fit product and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's an excellent option to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.