Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they look, or if they're difficult to use. With a little patience, you can put in the new handle in no time.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't have them attached already.
Removal of the old Handle
The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home, but it's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. Over time the door handle could begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It may be beginning to appear aged 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 could be time to replace it. This is a serious issue because you won't be able to lock or unlock the door and put your family and yourself at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be very dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and end up trapped within. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and therefore will fit on any door. If you are not sure if your new door handle will work, take out the old one and measure its housing holes. 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, a screwdriver is used. Some door handles come with an enclosure plate that hides the screws used to mount them. It is necessary to remove this to get to the screws. Once door handle repair near me have removed the old handle, make an outline of how the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.
You can also remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with a screwdriver but you'll need to find the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can take the handle off the strike plate, and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
When replacing the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which is the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The package the new handles come with will offer two different latch plates - either a rectangular or circular (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a round one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate and make the handle easier to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the latch plate. These screws are often tight, and will require some force to loosen. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have a second person assist you with this task.
The latch plate should lift itself out of the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate.
Now, you can proceed to preparing the new door strike plate to be installed. Attach the latch plate to the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with the new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, try closing and then opening the door to see if it closes and latches correctly. If it doesn't then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down or forward or back until the door closes properly.
If the door is still jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too narrow, the wrong size latch or a 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.
Eliminating the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that moves between the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also connects to a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch could be all that's needed to correct the issue.
It's hard to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver in order to pry it off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it will be easy to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in place.
If the latch cannot be easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the recessed latch slot and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle start to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot with no issues after you've 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 the new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame.
Before installing the new handle, make certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle matches 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 are not changing locks the new lock will fit into the recess you have already installed, and also work with your existing keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Remove the cover plate
Door handles can start to look shabby with time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets with matching escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It could have a slot along one edge or be secured 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 secure both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours doesn't then you'll have to make a hole in the door for the new handle. The procedure to do this is similar to the procedure opening a door using the lock, however you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the door or frame.
After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Buy the same dimensions as your old screws to prevent getting the handle that is too loose or tight. You'll also have to install an additional strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with most door handle sets.
If you're looking for a quality replacement set of interior door handles 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 an excellent option to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.