Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like a small detail, but if you dislike the way they look or find them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. With some patience, you can get a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Remove the handle that was previously used
Door handles are not only essential for aesthetics of your home but they're also crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. As time passes, the door handle may become loose or feel loose. It could be beginning to appear aged 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 might be time to replace it. This is a problem since it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door, which could pose an security risk to you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members are unable to open it, and get trapped inside. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.
Most modern door handles are standard size, so they will fit on any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will allow you to purchase the right size door handle.
It is the easiest method to take off the old door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the screws used to mount them. You'll need to remove it to get to the screws. Once you've removed your old handle, make note of the way the spindle is attached to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.
Alternately, you can take off your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you will need to locate the small latch that is located on the edge trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and the strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll also need to replace the latch plate that holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The package the new handles come in will have two latch plates - either a rectangular or circular (see the diagram above for the parts of the door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, swap it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier to use.
The first step is to remove the screw that holds the latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be beneficial to have a second person help with this process.
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 can help loosen the plate.
Now, you can proceed to making the new door strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that came with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, close and open the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If it does not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate either up or down or forward or back until the door locks correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, it may be necessary to expand the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or the wrong size for the latch, or because of damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but using the use of a metal file instead a chisel and hammer.
Remove the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that moves between the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to an opening in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch might be all you need to fix it.
The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate and pry the latch off. Once repairmywindowsanddoors 've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to remove the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in place.
If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed and then gently twist or jiggle until the that the latch and handle are beginning to break off. It is possible to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to pull the latch out.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure the latch is properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to fasten it to the strike plate and door frame.
Take note of the backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. You should also check whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle.
You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks, the new latch should fit in your existing recess and will work just fine with the keys you have currently. Be sure to select a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.
Then remove the Cover Plate
Door handles may begin to look worn over time However, if you replace them with a modern lever on rose design it's a quick and easy DIY project to decorate and will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets that include matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and the mechanism within. Use a flathead to remove the cover plate. It may have an opening on one side or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw that is holding the interior handle and put it aside after the cover plate has been removed. Take off the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all do. If yours does not allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a hole in the door. The procedure for this is the same as opening a door using a lock, but you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the door or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after the holes have been made. Purchase the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. These aren't included in all door handle sets.
If you're looking for a quality replacement for your interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's a factory fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great choice for replacing worn out or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.