How To Tell If You're Ready For Door Handle Replacement
Door Handle Replacement Door handles seem like an insignificant thing, but if you dislike the way they look or are unable to use them, it's worth replacing them. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience. Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't already have them. Remove the old Handle The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home, but it's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle can begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could be beginning to appear worn out and old. This is a clear indication 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 problem 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's also an excellent idea to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members struggle to open it and could get trapped inside. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on doors. Most modern door handles are a standard size and therefore are suitable for any door. If upvc replacement door handles 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 purchase the right size door handle. It is the easiest method to take off the old door handle by taking it off from the door. This is typically done with the screw driver. Some door handles come with a cover plate which hides the mounting screws. You will need to remove this to get to the screws. After removing the handle that was previously used, take note of how the spindle is attached. This will help you align the new handle. Alternately, you can take off your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to find the small latch, which should be on the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can remove the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch from the door edge. Removal of the Strike Plate You'll need to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole where the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The packaging that the new handles come with will offer two latch plates: a rectangular one and circular (see the diagram above for the components of a door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, replace it with a round one. This will let the latch hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier to use. The first step is to loosen the screw that holds the old latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to have a second person help with this task if you can. After the screws have been removed, the latch plate should pull out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes open the plate up. Now you can move on to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that came with your new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this could damage the strike plate. If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and open the door to see whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't 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 jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more common with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or the wrong size for the latch, or from damaged or broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, using an iron file instead of the hammer and chisel. Removal of 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 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 wobbles when you close, a new latch may be the only thing needed to correct the issue. The screws that hold the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually put a screwdriver in a small hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it'll be easy to remove the latch and the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in place. If the latch is not 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 twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch start to separate. It is possible to repeat this process several times before you can take the latch off. You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot with no problems after you have removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame. Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). You should also check that the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with the measurement of your existing handle. 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 changing locks, the new latch should fit in your existing recess and will work just fine with the keys you have currently. Make sure you select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your handles. Then remove the Cover Plate Door handles can start to look shabby over time If you replace them with a contemporary lever on rose design it's a simple and quick DIY project and decorating idea that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits. The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and the mechanism within. Look for a release tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It could have an opening along one side or be held in place by pins. Remove the screw that holds the interior handle and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. You'll also want to take out the screws that hold the latch and plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them 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 jamb of the door and the inside edge of the frame that allows for a handle, however not all do. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. The process for doing this is the same as for opening a door with the lock, however you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door. After the holes are drilled, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so that you don't end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. These aren't 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 a factory fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.