Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they appear, or if they are difficult to use. With some patience, you can put in a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws, giving them a more attractive appearance. If your new handle does not have them already attached, you will have to attach them separately.
Removing the old Handle
The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home, but it's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. Over upvc door handles can become loose 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 your door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem because you won't be able to lock or unlock the door and put you and your family at risk.
Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, especially for elderly or children members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's easy to fix a damaged handle on a door.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're not certain that your new door handle will work, take out the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will allow you to purchase the right size door handle.
It is the easiest way to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. Some door handles have 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, make an outline of how the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can align it when you fit the new one.
You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. However, you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you'll need to take the handle off the strike plate, and then the latch away from the door's edge.
Removing the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole through which the latch of the door hooks when the door closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the above diagram which illustrates the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it to a round one, so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to operate.
The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist in this area if it is possible.
After the screws are removed and the latch plate should pull out of the door easily. If it is stuck or doesn't move then use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with the new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this may damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and open the door to check whether it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or move it forward or back until the door shuts 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 on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that aren't shallow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, using an iron file instead of a chisel and hammer.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that slides through the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door closed. If your door wobbles when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be all that is needed to fix the problem.
The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make a small hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle in position.
If the latch cannot be easily removed, use 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 you feel the that the latch and handle are beginning to split. It may take this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any problems after you have removed the old one. Use your new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, be sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the handle and latch or your existing one is damaged. If you're not switching locks the new lock should fit in your existing recess, and will work with the keys you have already. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match your old handles.
Remove the cover plate
You can replace your door handles with a new design of roses and levers to improve the look of your home. You can purchase complete sets that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by pins.
Once the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place, and then set it aside. You'll also need to remove the screws that hold the latch and plates, which you can do by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours doesn't, you'll need to drill a hole in the door for the new handle. The process for doing this is the same procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll be taking extra care not to damage the door or frame.
Installing new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you won't have an handle that is either too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also necessary. These are not included in all door handle sets.
If you're looking for a high-quality replacement set of interior door handles 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 an excellent choice to replace damaged or worn interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.
