10 Door Handle Replacement Tricks Experts Recommend
Door Handle Replacement It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they're difficult to use. Installing a new door handle is simple if you've got patience. Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that hide the screws, giving them an attractive look. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle does not have them attached already. Take off the handle from the old one. The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home It's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. But, over time your door handle can lose its grip, become loose, or appear old and worn out. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement. One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem because it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door, which could create an security risk to you and your family. It is also a good idea to replace your door handle in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be very dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members struggle to open it and could get trapped within. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken. Most modern door handles are a standard size and so they should fit any door. If you're unsure if 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 to buy the right door handle. The easiest way to remove the door handle you have been using is to take it off of the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles have 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 a note of how the spindle is attached so that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one. You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you'll need to locate the small latch that is located on the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the edge of the door. The Strike Plate When you replace the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which is the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the above diagram which shows the various parts of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook onto the strike plate and make the handle more convenient. The first step is to loosen the screw that holds the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are often quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be beneficial to have a second person assist with this part. The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door once the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate. Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the wood screws that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this could cause damage to the strike plate. If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and open the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't, you will need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down or forward or back until the door locks correctly. If the door continues to move or jiggles, you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't small, a wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, use a metal filing instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate. Remove the Latch The latch is the angled piece of metal that moves between the hole on the inside edge of your door. repairmywindowsanddoors is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch could be all you need to correct the issue. It's difficult to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and take it off. After you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to take off the latch and the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in the position. If the latch won't come out it is suggested to use the clip of a paper or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed latch slot, and gently twist it or jiggle until the that the latch and handle begin to break off. You may need to repeat this process several times before you are able to remove the latch. Once the old latch is removed it should be possible to move the new latch into the slot without problems. Make sure the latch is properly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame. Before you install the new handle, be certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement. You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you are not changing locks the new lock will fit in your existing recess, and also work with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your existing handles. Removing the Cover Plate You can replace your door handles with a contemporary design of roses and levers to enhance the 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), which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Look for an release tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be held in place by a pin. When the cover plate is removed take the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them with the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside. Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all do. If yours does not then you'll have to make a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. This is the same process as opening a door locked however, you'll have to be extra cautious not to harm the door's frame or frame. After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure to buy the same size as the previous ones, so that you do not end up with a handle that's too tight or too loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. These are not included in all door handle sets. If you're in search of a reliable replacement set of interior door handles look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews from happy customers. It's a great choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.