Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like a small detail but if you aren't happy with the way they look or find them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. With a bit of patience, you can put in a new handle in no time.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if your new handle does not have them attached already.
Remove the handle that was previously used
Door handles aren't just an essential for aesthetics of your home but they're also crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. Over time, the door handle may begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It could be beginning to appear old and worn. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is an issue because it means that you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could pose an security risk to 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 is risky, particularly for children and elderly family members who may struggle to open it. They could be trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you to purchase the right size door handle.
It is the easiest way to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However some door handles have the cover plate which hides the mounting screws so you'll need to remove this to access the screws underneath. After removing the old handle, make a note of the way in which the spindle is attached. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however you'll need to find the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Remove the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate when you replace the handle. It's the part that holds the hole where the latch of the door hooks when the door closes. The package the new handles come in will include two options for latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the above diagram that outlines the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it out for the round one, so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to operate.
The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the latch plate. These screws can be quite tight and will require some force to loosen. If upvc door handles , it may be beneficial to have a second person assist you with this task.
After the screws are removed and the latch plate should slide out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with the new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and then open the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't, you will need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, forward or back until the door locks correctly.
If the door is jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the hole for the latch 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 the wrong size for the latch, or because of damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, but with an iron file instead of an hammer and chisel.
Remove the Latch
The latch is an angled metal piece that slides into and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also hooks into 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 the only thing needed to correct the issue.
The screws that support the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually insert a screwdriver into an insignificant hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it'll be simple to take off the latch and the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in place.
If the latch won't be released you can try using the clip of a paper or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed slot of the latch and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the handle and latch begin to break off. You may have to repeat this procedure several times before you can pull the latch out.
After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without 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 attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Before you install the new handle, make sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Also, make sure whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches this measurement.
You'll require a brand new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle, or your old one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks, however, a new latch will fit in your existing recess and will work with the keys you have currently. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.
Removal of 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 a quick and easy DIY project to decorate and will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It could have a slot along one edge or be secured by a pin.
Remove the screw holding the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. Take off the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using a Philips Screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If it doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. The procedure to do this is similar to the procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll need to take extra care not to harm the frame or door.
After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new door knob screws. Purchase the same size as the old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. They aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
If you're looking for a quality replacement interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's factory-fitted and has received hundreds five-star reviews. It's a great option to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.