What A Weekly Door Handle Replacement Project Can Change Your Life
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. With some patience, you can get the new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates which hide the screws to give them an attractive look. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle does not have them attached already.
Take off the handle from the old one.
Door handles aren't just an an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're also essential for security as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. Over time, the door handle may begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It may be beginning to appear worn out and old. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door which could create the risk of security for you and your family.
It is also recommended to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it, and get trapped within. It's simple to replace a broken handle on doors.
Most modern door handles are standard size, so they will fit on any door. If you aren't certain that your new door handle will work, take off the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will allow you to purchase the right size door handle.
It is easiest to remove the old door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However, some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll have to cut off this to access the screws beneath. Once you have removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is attached to ensure that you can make sure it is aligned when you put in the new one.
Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using the screwdriver, but you'll need to find the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then the latch off the door's edge.
Removal of the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole where the latch for the door is inserted when the door closes. The box that the new handles are packaged with will offer two options for latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the parts of the door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, swap it with a round one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook into the strike plate and make the handle more convenient.
The first step is to remove the screw that holds the 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 with this part if possible.
Once the screws are removed, the latch plate should slide out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes open the plate.
You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate for installation. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that were included with your new handles. Do not tighten the screws too much as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and open the door to determine whether it locks and closes properly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or even forward or back until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, you may have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't shallow, the wrong size latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the situation then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removing the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that moves through the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, changing the latch may be all that's needed to fix it.
The screws that support the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can insert a screwdriver into a small hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After removal of the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle in position.
If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently move it around until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. You may have to do this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot with no issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll require a new one. If you're not changing locks, a new lock should fit into your existing recess and also work with your current keys. Be sure to choose a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your handles.
Remove the cover plate
Door handles can start to look shabby with time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons as well as 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 mechanism inside. Use a flathead to remove the plate. It may have an opening on one side or be held by a pin.
Remove the screw holding the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. Take off the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all have. If yours does not then you'll have to drill a hole in the door to install the new handle. This is the same process for opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra cautious not to damage the door's frame or frame.
Installing new door knob screws is required after the holes have been made. Make sure upvc door handles repairmywindowsanddoors purchase the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you do not end up with a handle that's too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install an additional strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in most door handle sets.
If you're looking for a high-quality replacement interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from delighted customers. It's a great choice for replacing worn out or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.