Five Door Handle Replacement Lessons Learned From Professionals
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 little patience, you can put in an entirely new handle in a short time. The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle does not have them attached already. Remove the old Handle Door handles are not only essential for aesthetics of your home, but they're also essential for security as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle could become loose or feel 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 when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a problem because it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door, which could pose a security risk for you and your family. Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, especially for elderly or children members who might struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one. The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and therefore should fit any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the correct sized door handle. The most straightforward method to take off your old door handle is to remove it from the door itself. This is typically done with the screw driver. However, some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the screws that mount them, so you'll need to pry off this to reach the screws beneath. After removing the old handle, make a note of how the spindle has been connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle. You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. This is usually done using an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be 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. Removal of the Strike Plate When replacing the handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The box that the new handles come in will include two different latch plates – a rectangular one and circular (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it over to the round one, so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to use. The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have another person help with this process.
After the screws are removed and the latch plate should pull out of the door easily. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes open the plate up. Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the door jamb using the screws that came with the new handles. Do not overtighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate. If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and open the door to check whether it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or move it forward or back until the door closes and latches properly. If the door is still moving or jiggles, you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too narrow, the incorrect size of the latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, use a metal filing instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate. Removing the Latch The latch is the angled metal piece that slides through the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door wobbles when you close, replacing the latch could be all that is needed to fix the issue. It's hard to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver and remove it. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch and the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle in position. If the latch doesn't easily 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 slot for the latch that is recessed and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle begin to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out. After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to move the new latch into the slot with no difficulties. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and is aligned 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, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is equal to the measurement. You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle or your existing one is damaged. If you're not changing locks the new lock will fit into the recess you have already installed, and work with the keys you have already. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have. Removal of the Cover Plate Door handles can begin to look shabby with time, but if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits. To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be held in place by pins. Remove the screw holding the handle in the interior and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. It is also necessary 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 a Philips screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Set them aside. Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all have. If yours isn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door. The procedure for this is the same procedure for opening a door with a lock, but you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the door or frame. Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after holes have been made. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, so you do not end up with the handle that is too tight or loose. You'll also need to install an additional strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets. Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a great choice if you're in the market of a high-quality interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.