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. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates that hide the screws, giving them an attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle does not already have them.
Removing the Old Handle
Door handles are not only essential for aesthetics of your home, but they're vital for safety since they allow you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes, the door handle may become loose or feel a bit loose. It may also appear old and worn. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious issue because you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door and put your family and yourself at risk.
It is 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 can be very dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members struggle to open it and could get trapped in the. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.
Most modern door handles are standard size and therefore should fit any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you buy the right door handle.
The easiest way to take off the handle from your door is to take it off of 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'll need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. Once you've removed your old handle, make an outline of how the spindle is attached to ensure that you can align it when you fit the new one.
Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using an screwdriver however you'll need to find the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can unscrew the handle from the strike plate, and then remove the latch off the door's edge.
Removal of the Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll also need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The box that the new handles arrive in will include two different latch plates - a rectangular one and circular (see the diagram above for the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it out for the circular one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the old latch plate in place. The screws can be very tight and will require some force to loosen. If you can, it might be beneficial to have another person assist with this part.
The latch plate should come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move, use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Using the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws as this can damage the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, close and open the door to determine whether it latches and closes properly. If not, you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or forward or back until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, you may need to increase the size of 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 narrow, the wrong size latch, or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that is able to move in and out of the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When Repair My Windows And Doors turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also connects to an opening in the door frame to keep the door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch might be all you need to correct the issue.
It's difficult to identify 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 in order to pry it off. After taking off the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch and the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle that holds it.
If the latch isn't able to be released, try using a paper clip or a tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed slot of the latch and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. You may have repeat this process a few times before you can take the latch off.
After the old latch is removed, you should be able to insert the new latch into the slot with no issues. Make sure the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the center of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Check that the latch size of the new handle is in line with 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 switching locks the new lock should fit in the recess you have already installed, and will work with your existing keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have.
Remove the cover plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to improve the look of your house. You can purchase complete sets that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It could have a slot on one edge or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw holding the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate is removed. You'll also need to remove the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside, which you can do by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours does not then you'll have to drill a hole into the door for the new handle. The process for doing this is the same procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll have to be extra careful not to harm 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 need 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 fantastic choice if you're in the market of a premium 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 option to replace damaged or worn interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.