What To Do To Determine If You're Prepared For Door Handle Replacement
Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like an insignificant thing however, if you don't like the way they look or find them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive look. If the new handle doesn't have screws already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Remove the handle that was previously used
Door handles aren't just an essential for aesthetics of your home but they're also essential for security as they let you lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle can begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It may be beginning to appear worn out and old. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a problem because it means that you can not lock or unlock your door, which could be the risk of security for you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A 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 inside. It's easy to replace a broken handle on the door.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size, so they should fit any door. If you're not certain if the new door handle you are buying will work, remove the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will allow you to purchase the right size door handle.
It is the easiest way to remove the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is typically done with a screw driver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll need to pry off this to access the screws beneath. After removing the old handle, take note of how the spindle is attached. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. This is usually done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to find the small latch, which is located just to the left 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.
Take off the Strike Plate
If you are replacing the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of the door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, swap it with a circular one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate and make the handle more convenient.
The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It might be beneficial to get a second person to assist with this task if you can.
Once the screws are removed the latch should pull out of the door with ease. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. With the wood screws that came with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much because this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, close and open the door to check if it latches and closes correctly. If not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate up or down, forward or back until the door closes correctly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, then 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 aren't shallow, the wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removing the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that is able to move in and out of the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also catches an opening in the door frame to ensure that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix the problem.
It's difficult to identify the screws that attach the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver in order to pry it off. After you've removed the trim plate, it'll be simple to remove the latch as well as the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch cannot be easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed slot of the latch and gently twist it or jiggle until the that the latch and handle are beginning to separate. It is possible to repeat this process several times before you are able to remove the latch.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any 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 it's correctly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, make sure that the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.
If you are replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll need a new one. If you're not changing locks however, a new latch will fit into your existing recess and will work just fine with your current keys. Be sure to choose an entry point with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles can start to look worn over time, but if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose designs, it's a quick and easy DIY project to decorate and will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets of escutcheons, escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It could have an opening on one side or be held by pins.
Once the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and plates, which you can do by loosening them with 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 inner edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours does not, you will need to make a hole in the door. This is the same procedure for opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra careful not to scratch the door or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is required after the holes have been drilled. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, so that you do not end up with a handle that's too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install an additional latch plate and strike rod that aren't included in the majority of 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 hundreds of five-star reviews from delighted customers. It's a great choice for replacing worn out or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.