Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like a small detail, but if you dislike the way they look or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With a bit of patience, you can get a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that hide the screws for a more attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have screws already attached, you will have to attach them separately.
Remove the old handle
The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes, the door handle may begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It might also begin to look worn out and old. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle needs replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. door handles repair near me is a serious issue as you will no longer be able to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members have difficulty opening it and end up trapped within. It's simple to fix a damaged handle on a door.
Most modern door handles are a standard size and so they will fit on any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will work, take out the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will allow you to purchase the right size door handle.
It is the easiest method to remove the door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll have to cut off this to reach the screws beneath. After removing the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the small latch that is located on the edge cut piece. Once you've removed the latch, remove the handle from the strike plate and then the latch away from the door's edge.
Removing the Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles arrive in will include two options for latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the diagram above for the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate is a rectangular shape, switch it out for the round one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to use.
The first step is to remove the screw holding the old latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. It might be beneficial to get a second person to assist in this area if it is possible.
The latch plate should come out of the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free the plate.
Now, you can proceed to making the new door strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with the new handles. Do not overtighten your screws because this could damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, try closing and then opening the door to check if it closes and latches correctly. If it doesn't, you will need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, forward or back until the door closes correctly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent for older doors, but could be due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or the wrong size for the latch, or due to damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, using an iron file instead of an hammer and chisel.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks in a hole on the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door is wobbling when you close it, an upgrade to the latch could be the only thing needed to correct the issue.
It's hard to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and take it off. After taking off the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle in position.
If the latch cannot be easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle begin to split. It may take this several times before the latch is loose enough to pull out.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any problems after you have removed the old one. Use your new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, make certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Also, ensure whether the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.
You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing locks, however, a new latch will fit in your existing recess and will be compatible with the keys you have currently. Be sure to select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.
Then remove the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a new rose and lever designs to improve the look of your house. You can buy complete sets that include privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
To replace an internal door handle take off the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It could have an opening on one edge or be held by pins.
Remove the screw holding the handle inside and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. You'll also want to remove the screws that are holding the latch and plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours does not, you will need to drill a hole in the door. The procedure to do this is similar to the procedure opening a door using the lock, however you'll be taking extra care to avoid damaging the frame or door.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after the holes have been drilled. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, so that you do not end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. It's also necessary to install a new latch plate and strike rod, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets.
If you're looking for a high-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 a plethora of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.