Why Is Everyone Talking About Door Handle Replacement Right Now
Door Handle Replacement Door handles may seem like an insignificant thing, but if you dislike the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them, it's worth replacing them. With a bit of patience, you can put in a new handle in no time. Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If your new handle does not have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately. Remove the old handle The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle can begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It may also appear old and worn. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle. One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem because it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could pose an security risk to you and your family. Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members have difficulty opening it and could get trapped inside. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken. The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and therefore should fit any door. If you're not certain if the new door handle you are buying will work, take off the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will enable you to buy the right size door handle. The easiest way to remove the door handle you have been using is to take it off of the door itself. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. Some door handles have a cover plate which hides the mounting screws. You will need to remove it to get to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, make note of the way the spindle is attached to ensure you are able to be sure to align it when you install the new one. Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door's edge. Remove the Strike Plate When replacing your handle, you'll also need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles are packaged in will have two different latch plates: a rectangular one and circular (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a round one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier to use. The first step is to loosen the screw that's holding the old latch plate in place. These screws are often tight, and will require some force to loosen. It might be beneficial to get a second person to assist with this part if possible. The latch plate should come out of the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate. Now, you can proceed to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that came with your new handles. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate. If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, shut and then open the door to see if it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly. If the door continues to move or jiggles, you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or due to damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case, use a metal filing instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate. Removal of the Latch The latch is the angled metal piece that moves in and out of the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also hooks into a hole on the door frame so that the door stays closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch could be all you need to correct the issue. The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can 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 simple to remove the latch and 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 the clip of a paper or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed slot of the latch, and gently twist it or jiggle until the handle and latch begin to split. You may have to do this several times before the latch is loose enough to pull out. After the old latch has been removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot with no issues. Make sure the latch is properly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to fasten 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) before installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement. You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch or your existing one is damaged. If you're not changing locks, a new lock should fit into your existing recess, and also work with your current keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match your old handles. Removal of the Cover Plate You can replace your door handles with a modern lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your house. You can buy complete sets that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits. To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Find 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 in place by pins. Remove the screw that is holding the handle inside and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. It is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the latch and inner plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't then you'll have to make a hole in the door to install the new handle. This is the same procedure as opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra cautious not to scratch the door's frame or frame. Installing new screws for the door knob is required after the holes have been made. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, so you don't end up with an handle that is either too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install an additional latch plate and strike rod that aren't part of the majority of door handle sets. Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a fantastic alternative if you're in search of a high-quality interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory-fit product and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's a great option to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.