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Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like a small detail however, if you don't like the appearance of the handles or find them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With a bit of patience, you can put in the new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a more attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Remove the old handle
The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. Over time the door handle could begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might be beginning to appear worn out and old. This is an indication that it's time to replace it.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a problem since it means that you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could be the risk of security for you and your family.
It is also an excellent idea to replace the handle on your door when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members struggle to open it and could get trapped within. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.
The majority of modern door handles are standard size, so they are suitable for any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the correct sized door handle.
The easiest way to remove your old door handle is to remove it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws, so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws beneath. After removing the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is attached. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the small latch which is located on the edge trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door.
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 through which the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The box that the new handles are packaged in will include two options for latch plates - a rectangular one and circular (see the above diagram that outlines door handle parts). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it over to the circular one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to unscrew the screw that's holding the old latch plate in place. These screws can be quite tight, and will require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist with this task if you can.
The latch plate should 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 the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Utilizing the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position Try closing and opening the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If it does not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down or forward or back until the door closes correctly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or the wrong size for the latch, or from damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the situation, use a metal filing instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removing the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that moves between the hole in the inner edge of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks in an opening in the door frame so that the door is closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch may be the only thing needed to fix it.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can use a screwdriver to make a small hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle that holds it.
If the latch isn't able to release it is suggested to use a paper clip or a tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in 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 split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot with no issues once you have removed the old one. Make use of the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly placed in the slot, 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 big hole on the front of the door to the edge). You should also check that the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with the measurement of your existing handle.
If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll require an entirely new one. If you're not changing the locks the new latch will fit in your existing recess and will work with your current keys. Make sure you select an entry point with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Take off the cover plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary design of roses and levers to make a difference in the appearance of your house. You can purchase complete sets with matching escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It could have an opening along one side or be secured by pins.
When the cover plate is off take off the screw that holds the interior handle in place, and then set it aside. It is also necessary to remove the screws that are holding the latch and plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all have. If yours isn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole in the door. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked, but you will have to be extra cautious not to damage the door's frame or frame.
Installing new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Purchase the same size as your old screws to avoid getting a handle too tight or loose. You'll also have to install an additional strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable replacement interior door handle set, try 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.