Door Handle Replacement 101: This Is The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Door Handle Replacement It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. With a bit of patience, you can put in an entirely new handle in a short time. Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't already have them. Remove the old handle The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home It's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. As time passes, the door handle may begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could also begin to look old and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace the door handle. One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be in a position to lock or unlock the door, which could put your family and yourself at risk. It is also recommended to replace your door handle when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be very dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members are unable to open it and end up trapped within. It's simple to fix a damaged handle on a door. The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and therefore are suitable for any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the correct sized door handle. It is the easiest method to remove the door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles come with an enclosure plate that hides the screws that mount them. You will need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of how the spindle is connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle. You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you will need to locate the small latch that is located on the edge trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door's edge. The Strike Plate When you replace your handle, you'll also want to replace the latch plate that holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The package the new handles are packaged in will include two latch plates – one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the diagram above for the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it to a round one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to use. The first step is to unscrew the screw that is holding the old latch plate in place. These screws are often tight and will require some force to loosen. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have another person help with this process. The latch plate should be removed from the door after the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move using a nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes open the plate. Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. With the wood screws that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this could cause damage to the strike plate. If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and then open the door to see if it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't you'll have to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, forward or back until the door locks correctly. If the door is jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more frequent for older doors, but could be due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or not the right size for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the situation, use a metal filing instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate. Take off the Latch The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move between the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks in a hole on the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door is wobbling when you close it, replacing the latch could be the only thing needed to fix the problem. The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can insert a screwdriver into a small hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it'll be simple to take off the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in place. If the latch isn't easily removed then use a paperclip tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed latch slot, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle are beginning to separate. You may have to repeat this procedure several times before you can pull the latch out. After the old latch is removed, you should be able to move the new latch into the slot without difficulties. Use your new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers. Take note of the 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 that the latch size on the new handle is in line with this measurement. If you are replacing the latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged, then you will need an entirely new one. If you're not changing locks the new latch should fit in your existing recess, and work with the keys you have currently. Be sure to choose the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles. Removal of the Cover Plate You can replace your old door handles with a new lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your house. You can buy complete sets that include escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons. The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and mechanism inside. Find an release tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It could have a slot along one edge or be held in place by a pin. Once the cover plate is off take the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. Remove the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Place repairmywindowsanddoors . Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all have. If yours does not, you'll need to make a hole in the door to install the new handle. The procedure for this is similar to the procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door or frame. After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Buy the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle that is too loose or tight. You'll also have to install an additional strike rod and latch plate that aren't part of the majority of door handle sets. If you're looking for a high-quality replacement interior door handle set Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit product and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's a great choice to replace worn or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.