The Infrequently Known Benefits To Door Handle Replacement
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you've got patience.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. If the new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Remove the old handle
The door handle isn't just a decorative feature for your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. As time passes the door handle could start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It may be beginning to appear old and worn. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace your door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is an issue because it means 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 damaged or broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly or children members who might struggle to open it. They could be trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and so they should fit 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 allow you to buy the right door handle.
It is the easiest way to remove the door handle by taking it off 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 beneath. After you have removed the old handle, take note of how the spindle has been connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also 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, you can remove the latch from the door's edge.
The Strike Plate
If you are replacing the handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate that holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the diagram above 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 onto the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the old latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be beneficial to have a second person help with this process.
The latch plate should be removed from the door after the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. upvc door handles can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that came with the new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much because this could damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, try closing and opening the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If it does not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door locks properly.
If the door is still moving or jiggles, you may have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too small, a incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, use a metal filing instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that is able to move in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks into a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch may be the only thing needed to correct the issue.
It's difficult to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver and take it off. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle.
If the latch isn't able to be released, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle start to separate. You may need repeat this process a few times before you can take the latch off.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. You should also check that the latch size on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle.
If you're replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged then you'll need a new one. If you're not changing locks the new latch will fit into your existing recess and will be compatible with your current keys. Make sure you select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.
Then remove the Cover Plate
Door handles can begin to look shabby over time If you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's an easy and quick DIY project and decorating idea that will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and the mechanism within. Use a flathead to remove the plate. It could have an opening on one side or be secured by a pin.
Remove the screw that is holding the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate has been removed. You'll also want to remove the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the inside edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all have. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole in the door to install the new handle. The procedure to do this is similar to the procedure for opening a door with a lock, but you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the frame or door.
The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been drilled. Buy the same size as your old screws to prevent getting a handle that is too loose or tight. You'll also have to install the new latch plate and strike rod that aren't part of most door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable replacement for your interior door handle set, try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit product and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's an excellent option for replacing worn out or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.