5 Door Handle Replacement Projects That Work For Any Budget
Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like something minor however, if you don't like the way they look or are unable to use them and use, you should consider replacing them. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If your new handle does not already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately.
Remove the old handle
Door handles are not only an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're 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 a bit loose. It may also appear worn out and old. This is a sign that it's probably time for a replacement.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a problem since it means that you can not lock or unlock your door, which could be an security risk to you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, especially for children and elderly family members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on a door.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will work, remove the old one and measure its housing holes. This will help you to buy the correct sized door handle.
The easiest way to take off the handle from your door is to remove it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with the cover plate which hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to remove this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. After you've removed the old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is positioned so that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. However, you will need to locate the small latch which is located on the edge trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
If you are replacing the handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The box that the new handles come with will offer two different latch plates - a rectangular one and circular (see the diagram above for the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it over to the 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 old latch plate. These screws can be quite tight, and may require some force to loosen. It might be beneficial to have a second person assist in this area if it is possible.
The latch plate should easily be removed from the door after the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move, use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Using the wood screws that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can damage the strike plate.
If upvc door handles 're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, close and open the door to check whether it locks and closes properly. If it doesn't you'll have to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, forward or back until the door closes correctly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, then you may need to enlarge the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more prevalent in older doors, however it could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or the wrong size for the latch, or due to damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, but using the use of a metal file instead a chisel and hammer.
Eliminating the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move in and out of the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also hooks in a hole on the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door is wobbling when you close it, an upgrade to the latch could be all that is needed to fix the problem.
The screws that support the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle.
If the latch doesn't easily be released it is suggested to use the clip of a paper or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed latch slot and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel handle and latch begin to break off. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch is loose enough to pull out.
After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot with no issues. Use your new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. 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. Make sure you select the latch with rectangular cover plates that match your handles.
Then remove the Cover Plate
Door handles may begin to look shabby over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's an easy and quick 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 an internal door handle, remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Look for a release tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver pop it off the knob. It may have a slot along one edge or be held in place by a pin.
Remove the screw that holds the handle in the interior and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that secure both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours does not then you'll have to make a hole in the door to install the new handle. The procedure to do this is similar to the procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll be taking 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. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to prevent getting the handle that is too loose or tight. You'll also have to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in most door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable replacement for your interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from delighted customers. It's an excellent choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.