Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. With a little patience, you can put in the new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates which hide the screws for an attractive look. However, you'll need to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't already have them.
Remove the old Handle
Door handles aren't just an an important aesthetic addition to your home but they're also essential for security as they let you lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle could start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It may also appear old and worn. upvc door handles Repair My Windows And Doors is a sign that it's probably time for a replacement.
One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem because you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door which could put your family and yourself at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly and children members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.
Most modern door handles are a standard size and so they should fit any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle.
It is easiest to remove the door handle by taking it off from the door. This is usually done with a screw driver. Some door handles have a cover plate which hides the screws used to mount them. You'll need to remove this to get to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is attached to ensure you are able to align it when you fit your new one.
You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. But, you'll need to locate the small latch which 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.
Removal of the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole through which the latch for the door is inserted when the door closes. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram that shows the parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it out for the 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 unhook the screw that is holding the latch plate. These screws are often tight and will require some force to loosen. If possible, it may be beneficial to have another person help with this process.
The latch plate should lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes open the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that came with the new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, shut and open the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate up or down or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common 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 you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removing the Latch
The latch is an angled metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the door's frame so that the door stays closed. If your door shakes when you close it, a new latch may be all you need to fix the problem.
It's difficult to identify the screws that secure the latch to the door, but there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver and pry it off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle that holds it.
If the latch isn't easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch start to split. You may have to do this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to pull out.
Once the old latch is removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to insert the new latch into the slot without any issues. Use the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, be certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Also, ensure that the size of the latch on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle.
If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need an entirely new one. If you're not changing the locks, however, a new latch will fit into your existing recess, and work just fine with the keys you have currently. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your old handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and the mechanism within. Find an release tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver lift it off the knob. It could have a slot along one edge or be held in place by a pin.
Remove the screw holding the handle in the interior and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that secure both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have a gap between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours doesn't, you'll need to drill a hole into the door to accommodate the new handle. The process for doing this is the same procedure for opening a door with a lock, but you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is required after the holes have been drilled. Choose the same size as the old screws to prevent getting a handle too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. They aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
If you're looking for a quality replacement for your interior door handle set Try 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 choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.