Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they look or if they are difficult to use. With a little patience, you can install the new handle in no time.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If your new handle does not have them 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's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. However, as time passes the door handle could lose its grip, feel loose or start to look old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time for a replacement.
One of the first signs that your door handle is in need of replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door, which could pose the risk of security for you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is dangerous, especially for children and elderly family members who might struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on doors.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you are buying will work, take off the old one and measure its housing holes. This will let you purchase the correct size door handle.
It is the easiest way to remove the old door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws so you'll have to cut off this to reach the screws beneath. 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 depressing the latch mechanism. This is typically done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to find the small latch, which is located at the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Removing the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the latch of the door hooks when the door closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the diagram above which shows the various parts of the door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier.
The first step is to remove the screw that holds the old latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist in this area if it is possible.
The latch plate should easily be removed from the door after the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the door jamb using the screws that were included with your new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, try closing and opening the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate up or down, forward or back until the door locks correctly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, then you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too shallow, the wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Removing the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece which slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also catches a hole on the door's frame so that the door stays closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch could be all that's needed to correct the issue.
The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually put a screwdriver in a small hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it should be simple to take off the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in the position.
If the latch isn't easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the recessed latch slot and gently move it around until you feel the handle and latch start to split. You may need repeat this process a few times before you are able to remove the latch.
After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without issues. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, ensure whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches this measurement.
If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder is damaged then you'll need a new one. If you are not changing locks the new lock will fit in your existing recess, and work with your current keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
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 house. You can buy complete sets with matching escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
door handles repairmywindowsanddoors to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and inner mechanism. Look for an release tab on the plate, and make use of a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It could have an opening on one edge or be held by pins.
Once the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. It is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the latch and plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them with 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 doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole in the door to install the new handle. The process for doing this is similar to the procedure for opening a door with the lock, however you'll be taking extra care not to harm the door or frame.
After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new screws for the door knob. Buy the same dimensions as your old screws to prevent getting the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. They aren't included in all door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable replacement for your interior door handle set look no further than 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 delighted customers. It's a great option for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.