Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like something minor but if you aren't happy with the way they look or find them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. With a bit of patience, you can install the new handle in no time.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Take off the handle from the old one.
The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home, but it's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. Over time the door handle can begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might also appear aged and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace your door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem because you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door which could put you and your family at risk.
It's also a good idea to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be very dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members struggle to open it and end up trapped within. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the old one.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and so they will fit on any door. If you are not certain if the new door handle you are buying will work, remove the old one and measure its housing holes. This will allow you to buy the correct sized door handle.
The easiest method to remove your old door handle is to take it off of the door itself. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However certain door handles come with the cover plate which hides the screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws beneath. Once you have removed the old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can align it when you fit the new one.
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 on the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can remove the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch from the door edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace your latch plate when you replace the handle. It's the part that holds the hole where the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The package the new handles come in will include two latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines door handle parts). If your current latch plate is a rectangular shape, switch it out for the round one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to operate.
The first step is to take off the screw that is holding the old latch plate. The screws can be very tight, and will require some force to loosen. It might be beneficial to have a second person help in this area if it is possible.
The latch plate should easily be removed from the door once the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small 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 for installation. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with the new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position Try closing and then opening the door to check whether it locks and closes correctly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or move it forward or back until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, it may be necessary to expand the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, 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 slides between the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks in the door frame to ensure that the door remains closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be all that's needed to fix it.
It's hard to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and remove it. Once Repair My Windows And Doors 've removed the trim plate, it should be simple to take off the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch is not easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the recessed latch slot and gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle begin to separate. You may need to repeat this procedure several times before you can remove the latch.
Once the old latch is removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot without problems. Make use of the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front 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.
If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged then you'll require an entirely new one. If you're not switching locks the new lock should fit inside the recess you have already installed, and will work with the keys you have already. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles.
Removal of 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 project to decorate and will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.
The first step to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It may have a slot along one edge or be secured by pins.
After the cover plate is removed take the screw that holds the inside 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. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If it doesn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole in the door to install the new handle. This is the same procedure as opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door.
The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been made. Buy the same size as the old screws to avoid getting a handle too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't part of most door handle sets.
Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a great alternative if you're in search of a high-quality interior door handle replacement set. It is a factory-fit and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.
