The Little Known Benefits Of Door Handle Replacement
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they are difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If your new handle does not have screws already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Remove the handle that was previously used
The door handle isn't just a decorative feature for your home it also serves as an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes your door handle can lose its grip, become loose, or look old and worn. This is a clear indication 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 an issue because it means that you can no longer 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 can be dangerous, particularly for children and elderly family members who might struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's simple to replace a damaged handle on the door.
Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure whether the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will help you purchase the right size door handle.
It is easiest to remove the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. This is usually done using a screw driver. Some door handles come with 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 removing the old handle, take note of how the spindle is connected. This will help you align the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. This is usually done using the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Take off the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole where the latch of the door hooks when the door is closed. The box that the new handles are packaged with will offer two different latch plates - one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it over to the round one, so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to use.
The first step is to unhook the screw that is holding the old latch plate. The screws are typically tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.
After the screws have been removed and the latch plate will slide out of the door easily. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with your new handles. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and then open the door to determine whether it locks and closes properly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door shuts and latches correctly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, then you may need to increase the size of the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more frequent in older doors, however it can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or the wrong size for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure for adjusting the strike plate, using an iron file instead of the hammer and chisel.
Eliminating the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks in an opening in the door frame to ensure that the door stays closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix it.
It's hard to see the screws that secure the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot 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 remove the latch as well as the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in the position.
If the latch isn't easily removed using a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle begin to separate. upvc door handles may take this several times before the latch is loose enough to let it out.
After the old latch is removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without any issues. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Also, ensure that the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with the measurement of your existing handle.
If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged, then you will need an entirely new one. If you are not changing locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess, and also work with your existing keys. Be sure to select an entry point with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles may begin to look shabby over time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's a quick and easy DIY project to decorate and will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets of escutcheons, the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace an internal door handle, remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find a release tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It could have an opening on one side or be held by a pin.
Remove the screw that holds the handle inside and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.
Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all do. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked however, you'll have to be extra cautious not to damage the frame or door.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after the holes have been drilled. Buy the same dimensions as your old screws to prevent getting a handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. These aren't included in most door handle sets.
Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a fantastic option if you're in need of a top-quality interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from delighted customers. It's a great option for replacing worn or damaged interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.