Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be an insignificant thing however, if you don't like the style or design of them, or are finding them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle does not already have them.
Remove the handle that was previously used
The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home, but it's also an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. But, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, become loose, or appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably the time to replace your door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means that you can not lock or unlock your door which could pose a security risk for you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly or children members who might struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's simple to replace a broken handle on the door.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will let you purchase the correct size door handle.
The easiest method to take off your old door handle is to take it off of the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the screws that mount them. It is necessary to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. After you have removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the tiny latch that is located on the edge cut piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to remove the handle from the strike plate and then remove the latch from the door edge.
The Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the diagram above which shows the various parts of the door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, swap it with an oval one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate, making the handle easier.
The first step is to take off the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It is helpful to have a second person assist with this part if possible.
The latch plate should lift itself 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 may help free the plate up.
Now you can move on to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. Utilizing the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and open the door to determine whether it locks and closes properly. If it doesn't then you'll have to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or even forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door is jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more prevalent with older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or the wrong size for the latch, or from a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Remove the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece which slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door wobbles when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be all that is needed to correct the issue.
It's hard to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver and pry it off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to remove the latch as well as the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in place.
If the latch cannot be easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed slot of the latch and then gently twist or jiggle until the handle and latch begin to separate. door handle repairs may take this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot with no issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is properly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
If you are replacing the latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged, then you will need an entirely new one. If you're not changing locks the new lock will fit inside your existing recess, and will work with the keys you have already. Be sure to select an entry point with rectangular cover plates that match your handles.
Removal of the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a contemporary design of roses and levers to enhance the appearance of your house. You can buy complete sets of escutcheons, the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the plate. It may have an opening along one side or be held in place by a pin.
Remove the screw that holds the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Most doors have a gap between the jamb of the door and the inside edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all have. If yours does not, you will need to make a hole into the door. This is the same process as opening a locked door however you'll need to be extra careful not to damage the door's frame or frame.
Installing new door knob screws is required after the holes have been drilled. Buy the same size as the old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also mandatory. They aren't included in all door handle sets.
If you're looking for a high-quality replacement for your interior door handle set Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It is a factory-fit and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's an excellent choice for replacing worn or damaged interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.