8 Tips For Boosting Your Door Handle Replacement Game

· 6 min read
8 Tips For Boosting Your Door Handle Replacement Game

Door Handle Replacement

It's worth replacing door handles if you don't like the way they appear, or if they are difficult to use. With some patience, you can get a new handle in no time.

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

Take off the handle from the old one.

The door handle is not only a decoration for your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. However, as time passes, your door handle may lose its grip, feel loose, or appear old and worn. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace your door handle.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a problem since it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door which could be a security risk for you and your family.

Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be risky, particularly for elderly and children members who might struggle to open it. They could be trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.

Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will let you buy the right size door handle.

It is easiest to take off the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles come with the cover plate, which conceals the screws used to mount them. You'll need to remove this to get to the screws. After removing the old handle, make a note of the way the spindle is connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle.

Alternately, you can take off your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you will have to locate the small latch which is located on the edge cut piece. Once you've removed the latch, remove the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch away from the door's edge.

Removing the Strike Plate

You'll need to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole where the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The box that the new handles arrive in will have two different latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the above diagram that outlines door handle parts). If your current latch plate is a rectangular shape, switch it out for the circular one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to operate.

The first step is to unscrew the screw that is holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to have a second person assist in this area if it is possible.

The latch plate should lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This may help free 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 were included with your new handles. Do not overtighten your screws as this can damage the strike plate.

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and open the door to determine whether it latches and closes properly. If it does not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.

If the door still moves or jiggles, then you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or not the right size for the latch, or because of damage or a broken strike plate. If  door handles repair near me repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk  is the case, follow the exact procedure to adjust the strike plate, but with the use of a metal file instead an hammer and chisel.

Remove the Latch

The latch is the angled piece of metal that moves through the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also catches a hole on the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door wobbles when you close it, an upgrade to the latch could be all that is needed to fix the issue.

The screws that support the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make an insignificant hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle in position.

If the latch isn't easily removed then use a paperclip tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle start to split. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out.

You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without any issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.

Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Also, ensure whether the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with this measurement.

If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll require an entirely new one. If you're not changing the locks, however, a new latch will fit in your existing recess, and work just fine with your current keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.

Removal of the Cover Plate

Door handles can begin to look shabby over time, but if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor 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 cover plate. It could have a slot on one edge or be held by pins.

Remove the screw that is holding the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. It is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.

Some doors don't have this gap. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a new hole into the door. This is the same process for opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door.

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



If you're in search of a reliable replacement for your interior door handle set, try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit product 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.