A Reference To Door Handle Replacement From Beginning To End
Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like a small detail but if you aren't happy with the way they look or find them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. With a bit of patience, you can get an entirely new handle in a short time.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle does not already have them.
Remove the old handle
The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home, but it's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, over time your door handle can lose its grip, become loose or start to 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 is in need of replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue because you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door and put your family and yourself at risk.
It is also recommended to replace the handle on your door when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, especially for children and elderly family members who might struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's simple to fix a damaged handle on the door.
Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you to purchase the right size door handle.
The most straightforward method to remove the handle from your door is to take it off of the door itself. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. Some door handles come with the cover plate, which conceals the mounting screws. You will need to remove this to get to the screws. After you have removed the old handle, take note of how the spindle is attached. This will help you align the new handle.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you will need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge cut piece. After taking off the latch, remove 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 replacing the handle. It's the part 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 which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram that shows the parts of a door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, replace it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have another person assist with this part.
Once the screws are removed and the latch plate will slide out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that were included with the new handles. Don't over tighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and open the door to check if it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggles, then you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too shallow, the wrong size latch or a damaged 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 angled metal piece that moves in and out of the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, an upgrade to the latch could be all that is needed to correct the issue.
It's difficult to see the screws that secure the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and pry it off. After you've removed your trim plate, it should be easy to remove the latch and the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch isn't able to come out, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch is loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
After the old latch has been removed, you should be able to insert the new latch into the slot without problems. Use 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 sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). You should also check whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle.
If you are replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged, then you'll need an entirely new one. If you're not replacing the locks the new latch should fit in your existing recess, and work with the keys you have currently. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles can begin to look shabby over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY project to decorate and will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that come with matching escutcheons as well as 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. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It may have an opening along one side or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw that is holding the interior handle and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. Remove door handle repairs that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Most doors have gaps between the door jamb and the edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all do. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a new hole through the door. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked, but you will have to be extra careful not to scratch the door's frame or frame.
The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been drilled. Make sure to buy the same size as the previous ones, so you won't have the handle that is too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install an additional strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets.
If you're looking for a quality replacement for your interior door handle set, try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's factory-fitted and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.