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 a little patience, you can get the new handle in no time.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle does not have them attached already.
Take off the handle from the old one.
The door handle isn't just a decorative feature for your home, but it's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes the door handle could lose its grip, appear loose, or appear old and worn. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle needs replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be capable of locking or unlocking the door which could put your family and yourself at risk.
Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly in the event that your children or senior family members are unable to open it, and get trapped inside. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one.
Most modern door handles are standard size, so they are suitable for any door. If you are not certain that the new door handle you are buying will work, take out the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will enable you to purchase the right size door handle.
The easiest method to take off the handle from your door is to unscrew it from the door itself. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles have the cover plate, which conceals the screws that mount them. You will need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. 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 usually done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be at the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
When replacing the handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The box that the new handles are packaged in will include two latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the diagram above for the parts of the door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a round one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.
The first step is to remove the screw that holds the old latch plate. The screws can be very tight, and may require some force to loosen. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have a second person help with this process.
Repair My Windows And Doors should easily lift itself out of the door once the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate up.
Now you can move on to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that came with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto 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 if the latch plate is in the right position, try closing and opening the door to see whether it locks and closes correctly. If not, you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or even forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, then it may be necessary to expand the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too narrow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with an iron file instead of the hammer and chisel.
Take off the Latch
The latch is an angled metal piece that slides into and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also catches the door's frame so that the door stays closed. If your door is wobbling when you close, replacing the latch could be all that is needed to fix the issue.
It's hard to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and pry it off. After you've removed your trim plate, it will be simple to take off the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in place.
If the latch isn't easily removed then use a paperclip tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to separate. You may have to do this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to let it out.
It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is properly positioned 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 installing the new handle, be sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the centre of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle matches the measurement.
You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch or your existing one is damaged. If you're not switching locks the new lock should fit inside the recess you have already installed, and also work with the keys you have already. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles may begin to look worn over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's a quick and easy DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets that come with 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. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It could have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw that is holding the handle in the interior and place it aside when the cover plate is removed. Take off the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.
Most doors have gaps between the door jamb and the edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours does not allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a hole through the door. The procedure to do this is similar to the procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the door or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after the holes have been made. Choose the same size as your old screws to avoid getting the handle too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install the new latch plate and strike rod, which aren't included with most 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-finished handle set. It's factory-fitted and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's an excellent choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.