The Myths And Facts Behind Door Handle Replacement
Door Handle Replacement It's worth replacing door handles if you don't like the way they look, or if they're difficult to use. With a bit of patience, you can install an entirely new handle in a short time. Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have screws already connected, you'll need to attach them separately. Remove the old handle The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home, but it's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. Over time, the door handle may begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It might be beginning to appear worn out and old. This is a sign that it's probably time for a replacement. 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 you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could be the risk of security for you and your family. It's also an excellent idea to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly in the event that your children or senior family members struggle to open it and could get trapped inside. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the handle that was broken. Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the correct sized door handle. The easiest way to take off the handle from your door is to remove it from the door itself. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the screws used to mount them. You'll need to remove it to get to the screws. Once you've removed your old handle, make a note of how the spindle is positioned so that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one. Alternately, you can take off your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. But, you'll need to locate the small latch that is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the edge of the door. Remove the Strike Plate You'll need to replace the latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole where the latch of the door hooks when the door is closed. The package the new handles arrive in will include two different 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, swap it to a round one, so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to operate. The first step is to remove the screw that's holding the latch plate in place. These screws can be quite tight, and may require some force to loosen. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have a second person assist you with this task. The latch plate should easily be removed from the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate. Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Attach the latch plate to the door jamb using the screws that came with your new handles. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this may damage the strike plate. If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and open the door to check whether it locks and closes properly. If not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down or forward or back until the door closes correctly. If the door is moving or jiggling, it may be necessary to expand the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more prevalent in older doors, however it could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or not the right size for the latch, or due to damaged or broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate. Removal of the Latch The latch is the metal piece that is angled that is able to move through the hole in the inner edge 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 closed. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch might be all that's needed to correct the issue. It's hard to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and remove it. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle in position. If the latch doesn't easily come out it is suggested to use the clip of a paper or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed latch slot and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle are beginning to break off. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to pull out. After the old latch is removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to insert the new latch into the slot without difficulties. Use the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is properly 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. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement. You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not switching locks the 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. Take off the cover plate Door handles can begin to look worn over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's a quick and easy DIY and decorating project that will enhance 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. To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins. After the cover plate is off take off the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. You'll also need to take out the screws that hold the latch and inner plates, which you can do by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside. Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't then you'll have to make a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. It's the same procedure for opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra cautious not to harm the frame or door. The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been made. Purchase the same dimensions as your old screws to avoid getting the handle that is too loose or tight. It's also necessary to install an additional strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with most door handle sets. If you're in search of a reliable replacement set of interior door handles Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. door handles repairmywindowsanddoors 's a factory-fit product and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's a great option for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.