Door Handle Replacement

It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they look or if they are difficult to use. With a bit of patience, you can put in a new handle in no time.

Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that 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.

Remove the old Handle

Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home but they're also vital for safety since they let you lock and unlock your door. As time passes, the door handle may begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It may also appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a problem because it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could create an security risk to you and your family.

Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly and children members who might struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on a door.

The majority of modern door handles are a standard size, so they will fit on any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will let you purchase the correct size door handle.

The easiest method to remove your old door handle is to unscrew it from the composite door handles itself. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. Some door window handles come with a cover plate which hides the mounting screws. You'll need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, take a note of how the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.

Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located just to the left 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.

Removing the Strike Plate

If you are replacing your handle, you'll also 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 have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above which shows the various parts of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a circular one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate, making the handle easier.

The first step is to remove the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist with this task if you can.

After the screws have been removed, the latch plate should pull out of the door with ease. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This will sometimes free the plate up.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that were included with the new window handles for wooden windows. Do not tighten the screws too much because this could cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the correct position You can try closing and then opening the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, forward or back until the door shuts correctly.

If the door continues to move or jiggles, you might have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't narrow, the incorrect size of the latch or a 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.

Removal of the Latch

The latch is the metal piece that is angled that slides between the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the double glazed door handles. It also hooks into the door's frame so that the door stays closed. If your upvc door handle is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be all that's needed to correct the issue.

It's difficult to identify the screws that attach the latch to the door, however there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver and take it off. After you've removed the trim plate, it will be easy to remove the latch as well as the bolts that keep the spindle and latch 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 slot for the latch that is recessed. gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to separate. You may have to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to take the latch off.

Once the old latch is removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without issues. Use the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.

Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, ensure whether the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.

You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if replacing the handle and latch or your existing one is damaged. If you are not changing locks the new lock should fit in your existing recess, and will work with your existing keys. Be sure to choose the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.

Take off the cover plate

Door handles can begin to look worn over time If you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's an easy and quick 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 an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Find an release tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver lift it off the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.

When the cover plate is off take the screw that holds the interior handle in place, and then set it aside. You'll also need to take out the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them 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 allows for a handle, but not all have. If it doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. The procedure for this is similar to the procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll be taking extra care not to harm the door or frame.

After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.

If you're looking for a quality replacement for your interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It is a factory-fit and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's a great option to replace damaged or worn interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.