Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you don't like the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. Installing a new door handle is simple if you have patience.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates which hide the screws to give them an attractive look. If the new handle doesn't have screws already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Take off the handle from the old one.
The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle could start to lose its grip or feel loose. It may be beginning to appear old and worn. This is a clear 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 be an security risk to you and your family.
It is also recommended to replace the handle on your door when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly when your children or elderly family members struggle to open it and could get trapped inside. It's easy to fix a damaged handle on the door.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not sure whether the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the right door handle.
The most straightforward method to take off the door handle you have been using is to unscrew it from the door. This is usually done with the screw driver. Some door handles come with the cover plate, which conceals the mounting screws. You'll need to remove it to get to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.
You can also remove the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the small latch which is located on the edge cut piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and the strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door.
The Strike Plate
If you are replacing your handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate, which is the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The package the new handles come with will offer two options for latch plates: either a rectangular or a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, swap it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook into the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.
The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the old latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.
The latch plate should be removed from the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with your new handles. Do not overtighten your screws as this could damage the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, close and open the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't you'll have to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door locks correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, then you may need to enlarge the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too shallow, the wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure to adjust the strike plate, using a metal file instead of an hammer and chisel.
Remove the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that slides through the hole on the inside edge of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch might be all you need to correct the issue.
It's hard to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver in order to pry it off. After you've removed your trim plate, it should be simple to remove the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch isn't easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch start to split. It may take this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot with no issues after you've removed the old one. Make use of the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before installing the new handle, make sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). You should also check that the size of the latch on the new handle matches this measurement.
If you're replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll need an entirely new one. If you're not replacing the locks the new latch will fit into your existing recess and will be compatible with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have.
Removing the Cover Plate
Door handles can begin to look worn over time, but if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's a simple and quick DIY and decorating project that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets with matching escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and inner mechanism. Look for an opening tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver pop it off the knob. It may have an opening on one side or be held by a pin.
When the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.
Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the inside edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all do. If yours isn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a new hole into the door. The procedure for this is the same procedure opening a door using a lock, but you'll need to take extra care not to damage the door or frame.
After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new screws for the door knob. Choose door handles repairmywindowsanddoors as the old screws to avoid getting the handle too tight or loose. You'll also have to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable replacement for your interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's an excellent choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.