These Are Myths And Facts Behind Door Handle Replacement
Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like something minor however, if you don't like the style or design of them, or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that hide the screws, giving them a more attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Removal of the Old Handle
The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home it also serves as an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock your door. But, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose, or look old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time to replace it.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a serious issue since you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door, which could put your family and yourself at risk.
Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members struggle to open it, and get trapped within. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one.
The majority of modern door handles are standard size, so they will fit on any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will enable you to purchase the right size door handle.
The easiest way to remove the door handle you have been using is to unscrew it from the door itself. This is usually done using the screw driver. However certain door handles come with an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll need to remove this to access the screws underneath. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of how the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you'll need to locate the small latch that is located on the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the door's edge.
Removing the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The package the new handles arrive with will offer two options for latch plates - a rectangular one and a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it out for the round one, so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that's holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It might be beneficial to get a second person to assist with this part if possible.
Once the screws are removed, the latch plate will slide out of the door with ease. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This will sometimes free the plate up.
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. Don't over tighten your screws as this could cause damage to 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 locks and closes correctly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts and latches correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, then you may need to increase the size of the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more common for older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or are not sized correctly for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removing the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch may be all that's needed to correct the issue.
It's hard to see 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 pry it off. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle that holds it.
If the latch isn't easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot, and gently twist it or jiggle until the that the latch and handle are beginning to separate. It is possible to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to take the latch off.
After the old latch has been removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot without difficulties. Make sure the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Before installing the new handle, make sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). You should also check that the latch size on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.
If you are replacing the latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged then you'll require an entirely new one. If you're not switching locks the new lock will fit in the recess you have already installed, and also work with your existing keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Then remove the Cover Plate
Door handles may begin to look worn over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.
To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose) that protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It may have a slot on one edge or be held by a pin.
Once the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Put them away.
Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all have. If yours doesn't, you will need to drill a hole through the door. This is the same process as opening a locked door however you'll need to be extra careful not to damage the door or frame.
After drilling the holes after which you'll have to put in new screws for the door knob. Buy the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. door handles repair near me 'll also have to install the new strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with the majority of 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-finished handle set. It is a factory-fit and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's an excellent option for replacing worn out or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.