Door Handle Replacement

Door handles seem like a small detail however, if you don't like the style or design of them, 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.

The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.

Take off the handle from the old one.

The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home It's also an element of security that allows you to sash lock door handles and unlock your door. Over time the door handle can start to lose its grip or feel loose. It may 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 might 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 and put your family and yourself at risk.

It's also a good idea to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly and children members who may struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on doors.

Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you are not certain if your new door handle will work, remove the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will allow you to buy the right door handle.

It is the easiest method to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles come with an enclosure plate that hides the screws that mount them. You'll need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, take a note of how the spindle is connected to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install your new one.

You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. This is typically done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door's edge.

Removal of the Strike Plate

You'll have to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. This is the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The new handles for internal bifold doors will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the diagram above which illustrates the components of the door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, replace it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to hook onto the strike plate and make the handle more convenient.

The first step is to unscrew the screw that holds the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist with this task if you can.

Once the screws are removed and the latch plate should slide out of the door with ease. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that came with the new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this may damage the strike plate.

If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, close and open the door to check whether it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or even forward or back until the door closes and latches correctly.

If the door is moving or jiggling, then it may be necessary to expand the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more frequent in older doors, however it could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or the wrong size for the latch, or because of damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation, use a metal filing instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Eliminating the Latch

The latch is the angled piece of metal that moves through the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame to ensure that the door is closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch could be the only thing needed to correct the issue.

It's difficult to identify the screws that attach the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and pry it off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to remove the latch as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle.

If the latch is not easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle begin to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.

After the old latch is removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot without any difficulties. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.

Before installing the new handle, make certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the double glazed front door handles of the door to the edge). Also, make sure whether the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to this measurement.

You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you are not changing locks the new lock will fit inside your existing recess, and work with your current keys. Be sure to select a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.

Removing 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 that include matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.

The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and mechanism inside. Look for an release tab on the plate, and use 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 holding the interior handle and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. You'll also want to remove the screws that hold the latch and plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.

Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to install the new double glazing handle. This is the same process for opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra careful not to scratch the door's frame or frame.

After the holes are drilled then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, so that you do not end up with the handle that is too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. These aren't included in all door handle sets.

If you're looking for a quality replacement for your interior door handle set, try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's factory-fitted and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's a great choice to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.