Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be a small detail but if you aren't happy with the way they look or are finding them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. Installing a new door handle is simple if you've got patience.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to create a stylish appearance. If the new handle doesn't have screws already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Removal of the Old Handle
Door handles aren't just an an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. As time passes, the door handle may start to lose its grip or feel loose. It could be beginning to appear aged and worn. This is an indication that it's time to replace it.
One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means you can not lock or unlock your door which could be the risk of security for you and your family.
It's also a good idea to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for children and elderly family members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you buy the right door handle.
The most straightforward method to take off your old door handle is to remove it from the door. 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 cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. After you've removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one.
You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. This is usually done using a screwdriver but you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take the handle off the strike plate and then remove the latch off the door's edge.
Removal of the Strike Plate
If you are replacing the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The package the new handles come with will offer two options for latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it to a 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 loosen the screw that is holding the old latch plate in place. The screws are typically tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to have a second person help in this area if it is possible.
After the screws have been removed and the latch plate should pull out of the door with ease. If it is stuck or doesn't move then use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This will sometimes free the plate up.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Utilizing the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and open the door to check if it latches and closes properly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or move it forward or back until the door shuts and latches properly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent for older doors, but could be due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or not the right size for the latch, or because of damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure to adjust the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead the hammer and chisel.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that moves in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also hooks into the door frame to ensure that the door stays closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch may be the only thing needed to correct the issue.
The screws that hold the door latch are hard to spot however, you can put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle that holds it.
If the latch isn't able to be released it is suggested to use the clip of a paper or tool to spring it loose 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 are beginning to break off. It is possible to repeat this process several times before you can take the latch off.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any problems after you have removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to secure 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 is in line with the measurement.
If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged, then you'll need a new one. If you're not switching locks, a new lock should fit into your existing recess, and will work with your current keys. Be sure to select an entry point with a rectangular cover plate that match your handles.
Take off the cover plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.
To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It may have an opening along one side or be held in place by a pin.
When the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. upvc door handle is also necessary to take out the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. The process for doing this is the same as opening a door using locks, but you'll be taking extra care not to damage the door or frame.
The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been made. Buy the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. They aren't included in most door handle sets.
If you're looking for a quality replacement interior door handle set Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews from happy customers. It's an excellent choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.