Five Door Handle Replacement Lessons Learned From Professionals
Door Handle Replacement Door handles appear to be a small detail however, if you don't like the way they look or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you've got patience. Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates which hide the screws to give them an attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle does not have them attached already. Remove the handle that was previously used The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home It's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle could begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might also appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle. If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be in a position to lock or unlock the door which could put your family and yourself at risk. Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be risky, particularly for children and elderly family members who struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's simple to replace a damaged handle on a door. Most modern door handles are standard size and so they should fit any door. If you are not sure if the new door handle you are buying will work, take out the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle. The easiest way to remove the door handle you have been using is to unscrew it from the door itself. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However, some door handles have the cover plate which hides the screws that mount them, so you'll need to pry off this cover plate to get access to the screws beneath. After you have removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is attached. This will aid in aligning the new handle. You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to take the handle off the strike plate and then the latch from the door edge. Removal of the Strike Plate When replacing your handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The package the new handles come in will include two different latch plates – one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it out for the circular one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to use. The first step is to unscrew the screw that is holding the old latch plate in place. These screws can be quite tight and will require some force to loosen. If you can, it might be helpful to have another person assist you with this task. The latch plate should easily come out of the door once the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This will sometimes free the plate up. You can now move on to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that were included with your new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this could damage the strike plate. If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position You can try closing and then opening the door to determine if it closes and latches correctly. If not, you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or move it forward or back until the door closes and latches correctly. If the door is still moving or jiggles, you might have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't narrow, the wrong size latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead a chisel and hammer. Removal of the Latch The latch is the metal piece that is angled that moves between the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also connects to an opening in the door frame to keep the door shut. If your door wiggles when you close it, changing the latch could be all you need to correct the issue. The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can insert a screwdriver into a small hole on the trim plate and pry the latch 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 spindle and latch in the position. If the latch is not easily removed using a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. You may need repeat this process a few times before you can remove the latch. You should be able slide the new latch into its slot with no issues once you have removed the old one. Use the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers. Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement. If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged, then you'll require a new one. If you're not switching locks the new lock should fit in your existing recess and work with the keys you have already. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have. Remove the cover plate Door handles may begin to look shabby with time, but if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY project and decorating idea that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons. To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It could have an opening on one edge or be held in place by a pin. Remove the screw holding the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate has been removed. Take off the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Put them away. Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the inside edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole into the door to accommodate the new handle. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked however you'll have to be extra cautious not to scratch the door's frame or frame. After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Buy the same dimensions as your old screws to avoid getting the handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. upvc replacement door handles repairmywindowsanddoors included in the majority of door handle sets. If you're looking for a quality replacement interior door handle set, try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's factory-fitted and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.