Why Door Handle Replacement Is Your Next Big Obsession
Door Handle Replacement Door handles seem like something minor but if you aren't happy with the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. With some patience, you can install a new handle in no time. Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that hide the screws, giving them a more attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already attached, you will have to attach them separately. Remove the old handle The door handle is not only a decoration for your home, but it's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle can start to lose its grip or feel loose. It may also appear aged and worn. This is a sign that it's probably the time to replace your door handle. One of the first signs that your door handle needs replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is an issue because it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door, which could be the risk of security for you and your family. It is also recommended to replace the handle on your door if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly when your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it, and get trapped in the. It's easy to replace a broken handle on the door. Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and will fit any door. If you are not certain that the new door handle you are buying will work, take off the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the right door handle. The most straightforward method to take off your old door handle is to remove it from the door itself. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However, some door handles have the cover plate which hides the mounting screws so you'll have to cut off this to access the screws underneath. After removing the handle that was previously used, take note of how the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle. You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. This is usually done using the screwdriver, but you'll need to find the small latch, which is located just to the left of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the edge of the door. The Strike Plate When replacing your handle, you'll also be required to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram which illustrates the components of the door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, replace it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to hook onto the strike plate, making the handle easier. The first step is to unhook the screw that is holding the latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be beneficial to have a second person help with this process. The latch plate should easily be removed from the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This can help loosen the plate. Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Using the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much because this could cause damage to the strike plate. If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and then open the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly. If the door still moves or jiggles, you might have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent in older doors, however it could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or due to damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but with an iron file instead of an hammer and chisel. Removal of the Latch The latch is an angled metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also catches an opening in the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door wobbles when you close it, a new latch may be the only thing needed to fix the problem. The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to see, 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 will be simple to remove the latch and the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in place. If the latch is not easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out. You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without issues after you've removed the old one. Use your new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers. Before you install the new handle, make sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle is equal to 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 replacing the locks however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess, and work just fine 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 modern lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits. To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver pop it off the knob. It could have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin. After the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and the plates inside 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. Not all doors have this gap. If yours does not then you'll have to drill a hole in the door for the new handle. The procedure to do this is the same as for opening a door with the lock, however you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the frame or door. After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new door knob screws. Buy the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install a new strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with most 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 delighted customers. It's a great option to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.