10 Unexpected Door Handle Replacement Tips

Door Handle Replacement Door handles seem like a small detail but if you aren't happy with the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them and use, you should consider replacing them. With some patience, you can get the new handle in no time. Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already. Remove the handle that was previously used Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're also crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. Over time, the door handle may start to lose its grip or feel loose. It may also begin to look old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time for a replacement. If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be capable of locking or unlocking the door which could put you and your family at risk. It is also a good idea to replace the handle on your door if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, particularly for children and elderly family members who might struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on the door. Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will help you to buy the correct sized door handle. The easiest way to take off the handle from your door is to remove it from the door itself. Usually, a screwdriver is used. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the screws that mount them. You'll need to remove this to get to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, make an outline of how the spindle is connected to ensure that you can make sure it is aligned when you put in the new one. You can also remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done with an screwdriver however you'll need to find the small latch, which should be on the edge of the trim 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 You'll need to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole where the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The package the new handles are packaged with will offer two options for latch plates: either a rectangular or a circular one (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular, swap it out for the circular one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to use. The first step is to take off the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It might be beneficial to have a second person help with this part if possible. After the screws have been removed the latch should pull out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free the plate. Now, you can proceed to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the screws made of wood that came with the 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 correct position, try closing and then opening the door to see if it closes and latches correctly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or even forward or back until the door shuts and latches correctly. If the door is moving or jiggling, then you may need to increase the size of the latch hole 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 narrow or the wrong size for the latch, or due to a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with an iron file instead of the hammer and chisel. Removing the Latch The latch is the angled metal piece that slides between the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also hooks into the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch may be all you need to fix it. It's difficult to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver in order to take it off. After you've removed your trim plate, it should be simple to take off the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in the position. If the latch isn't able to release it is suggested to use a paper clip or a tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle start to split. You may have to repeat this process several times before you are able to pull the latch out. It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame. Before you install the new handle, be sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Also, make sure that the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle. You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you're not changing locks the new latch will fit in the existing recess and be compatible with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your old handles. Removing the Cover Plate Door handles can begin to look worn over time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever on rose design it's a quick and easy DIY project and decorating idea that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets of escutcheons, escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons. The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and mechanism inside. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It could have a slot along one edge or be held in place by a pin. Remove the screw that is holding the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate has been removed. It is also necessary to remove the screws that are holding the latch and the plates inside to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside. Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the inside edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all do. If yours doesn't, you will need to drill a hole in the door. The procedure for this is the same procedure for opening a door with locks, but you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door or frame. Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after holes have been made. Be sure to purchase the same size as the old ones, so you won't have an handle that is either too tight or too loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. These are not included in all 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 an excellent option to replace worn or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.