The History Of Door Handle Replacement In 10 Milestones
Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like an insignificant thing, but if you dislike the style or design of them, or are finding them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.
Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. If your new handle doesn't already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately.
Remove the old Handle
The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose, or look old and worn. This is a good 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 serious problem since you won't be able to lock or unlock the door and put you and your family at risk.
It's also a good idea to replace your door handle when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly or children members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.
The majority of modern door handles are standard size, so they are suitable for any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will let you purchase the correct size door handle.
The most straightforward method to take off the handle from your door is to remove it from the door itself. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the mounting screws. You'll need to remove this to get to the screws. After you have removed the old handle, make a note of the way in which the spindle is attached. This will help you align the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using a screwdriver but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be on the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you'll need to unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then the latch off the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The packaging that the new handles come with will offer two options for latch plates - either a rectangular or circular (see the above diagram that outlines door handle parts). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with an oval one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate and make the handle easier to use.
The first step is to unscrew the screw that holds the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws can be very tight and will require some force to loosen. If you can, it might be helpful to have another person help with this process.
The latch plate should be removed from the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. With the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much because this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the correct position, try closing and then opening 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 still moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more frequent for older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or are not sized correctly for the latch, or due to a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that slides through the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the frame of the door to keep the door closed. If your door is wobbling when you close it, a new latch may be the only thing needed to fix the issue.
The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to see however, you can insert a screwdriver into a small hole in the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch and the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle.
If the latch won't come out you can try using a paper clip or a tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed slot of the latch and gently twist it or jiggle until the that the latch and handle are beginning to separate. It is possible to repeat this procedure several times before you can pull the latch out.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without problems after you have removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Take note of the backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, ensure that the latch size on the new handle is in line with the measurement of your existing handle.
You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you're not changing the locks, however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess and will be compatible with the keys you have currently. Make sure you select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your handles.
Take off the cover plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to improve the look of your house. You can buy complete sets that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
To replace an internal door handle, remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.
Once the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove upvc door handle that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Place 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 handle. It's the same procedure as opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the frame or door.
After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, to ensure that you don't end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. These aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
If you're looking for a high-quality replacement interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's factory-fitted and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's a great option for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.