Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you don't like the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is easy if you have patience.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Remove the handle that was previously used
The door handle is not only a decoration for your home It's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock your door. Over time, the door handle may become loose or feel a bit loose. It may be beginning to appear aged and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace your door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is an issue because it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door which could create the risk of security for you and your family.
It's also an excellent idea to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it, and get trapped inside. Luckily, it's quite 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 are suitable for any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the correct sized door handle.
It is the easiest way to remove the door handle by taking it off from the door. This is usually done with a screw driver. However certain door handles come with an outer cover plate that hides the screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws beneath. Once you have removed the old handle, make note of the way the spindle is connected to ensure that you can align it when you fit your new one.
Alternatively, you can remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located just to the left of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Remove the Strike Plate
You'll have to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole through which the latch for the door is inserted when the door closes. The package the new handles are packaged with will offer two different latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it over to the circular one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to use.
The first step is to loosen the screw that holds the latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to have a second person assist with this task if you can.
The latch plate should lift itself out of the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free the plate.
Now, you can proceed to making the new door strike plate to be installed. Screw the latch plate into the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with your new handles. Don't over tighten your screws as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, close and open the door to see if it latches and closes properly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or even forward or back until the door shuts and latches correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggles, you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too small, a wrong size latch, or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of a chisel and hammer.
Removing the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal 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 this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, changing the latch may be all you need to fix it.
The screws that support the door latch are hard to spot however, you can use a screwdriver to make a small hole in the trim plate and pry the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to remove the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in the position.
If the latch isn't easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed slot of the latch and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel handle and latch begin to split. It may take this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
After the old latch is removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without any problems. 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 secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged then you'll need a new one. If you are not changing locks the new lock should fit in your existing recess and work with the keys you have already. Be sure to select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles may begin to look shabby with time However, if you replace them with a modern 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 that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.
To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.
After the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with 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, which allows for a handle, however not all have. If yours doesn't, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to install the new handle. The process for doing this is the same procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll be taking extra care to avoid damaging the frame or door.
After door handle repairs are drilled then you'll need to install new door knob screws. Buy the same dimensions as your old screws to avoid getting a handle too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. They aren't included in all door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable replacement for your 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 5-star reviews from happy customers. It's an excellent choice for replacing worn or damaged interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.