Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. With a bit of patience, you can get the new handle in no time.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. If your new handle does not have them already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Removal of the Old Handle
The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home, but it's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. However, as time passes your door handle can lose its grip, become loose, or appear old and worn out. This is a good indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem because you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door and put your family and yourself at risk.
It's also an excellent idea to replace the handle on your door if it is 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 get trapped in the. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one.
The majority of modern door handles are standard size and so they will fit on any door. If you aren't certain if your new door handle will work, take off the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will help you buy the correct sized door handle.
It is the easiest method to remove the door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the screws used to mount them. You'll need to remove it to get to the screws. Once you've removed your old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to align it when you fit the new one.
You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, unscrew the handle from the strike plate, and then remove the latch from the door edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate when you replace the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole through which the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The box that the new handles come in will include two different latch plates - a rectangular one and circular (see the diagram above detailing door handle parts). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it to a round one, so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to loosen the screw that is holding the old latch plate in place. door handle repair are often tight, and will require some force to loosen. If possible, it may be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.
The latch plate should easily come out of the door once the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now, you can proceed to creating the new door strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that came with your new handles. Do not tighten the screws too much as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, shut and open the door to determine whether it latches and closes properly. If it does not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate up or down, forward or back until the door locks correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, you may need to increase the size of the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more prevalent in older doors, however it could be due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or because of a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead an hammer and chisel.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece that slides into and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door is wobbling when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be all that is needed to correct the issue.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make a small hole in the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it should be easy to remove the latch as well as the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in the position.
If the latch cannot be easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle start to split. It may take this several times before the latch is loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
After the old latch is removed, you should be able to move the new latch into the slot with no issues. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, make sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing the locks the new latch will fit into the existing recess and work just fine with your current keys. Be sure to select an entry point with rectangular cover plates that match your handles.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles can begin to look shabby with 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 that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and the mechanism within. Look for an opening tab on the plate, and make use of a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It may have a slot on one edge or be secured by a pin.
Remove the screw that holds the handle in the interior and place it aside when the cover plate is removed. You'll also need to take out the screws that hold the latch and inner plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.
Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the inside edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all do. If yours does not then you'll have to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. The procedure for this is similar to the procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door or frame.
The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been made. Be sure to purchase the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you don't end up with an handle that is either too tight or too loose. It's also necessary to install an additional latch plate and strike rod, which aren't included with 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 is a factory-fit and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's an excellent choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.