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 some patience, you can install a 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 doesn't have them already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Remove the old Handle
The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle can start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might be beginning to appear aged and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time to replace it.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious problem as you will no longer be in a position to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.
It is 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 extremely dangerous, particularly in the event that your children or senior family members have difficulty opening it and could get trapped within. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not certain if the new door handle you are buying will work, take off the old one and measure its housing holes. This will allow you to buy the right size door handle.
The most straightforward method to remove the handle from your door is to take it off of the door itself. This is typically done with a screw driver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll need to remove this to access the screws beneath. After you've removed the old handle, take a note of how the spindle is attached 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 the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be on the edge of the trim piece. Once door handle repairs billericay 've removed the latch, you'll need to take the handle off the strike plate and then remove the latch from the door edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
You'll have to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole where the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the diagram above which shows the various parts of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, swap it with a round one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.
The first step is to remove the screw that holds the old latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. It is helpful to get a second person to assist with this part if possible.
Once the screws are removed the latch should slide out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. With the wood screws that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this may damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and then open the door to see whether it locks and closes correctly. If not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate up or down or forward or back until the door closes properly.
If the door is still jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too 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.
Removing the Latch
The latch is an angled metal piece that slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also catches a hole on the door's frame so that the door is closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch might be all that's needed to fix it.
It's difficult to identify the screws that secure the latch to the door, however there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and pry it off. After taking off the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch and the bolts that hold it and the spindle.
If the latch won't come out, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. It may take this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot with no issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Take note of the 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. Also, make sure that the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with this measurement.
You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the latch and handle, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing the locks, however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess, and work just fine with the keys you have currently. Be sure to choose a latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Remove the cover plate
Door handles may begin to look shabby with time However, 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 purchase complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It may have an opening along one side or be secured by pins.
After the cover plate is off take the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. You'll also want to remove the screws that are holding the latch and plates and the latch plate, which can be done 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.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours doesn't, you will need to make a hole through the door. The procedure for this is the same procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll be taking extra care to avoid damaging the frame or door.
After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new door knob screws. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you won't have the handle that is too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. These aren't included in all door handle sets.
If you're looking for a high-quality replacement set of interior door handles Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great option for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.