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. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.
Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If your new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Take off the handle from the old one.
Door handles are not only an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're vital for safety since they allow you to lock and unlock your door. However, over time the door handle could lose its grip, become loose, or look old and worn out. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem as you will no longer be in a position to lock or unlock the door, which could put your family and yourself at risk.
It's also a good idea to replace the handle on your door if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, especially for elderly and children members who might struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the right door handle.
It is easiest to remove the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is usually done using the screw driver. Some door handles come with the cover plate, which conceals the screws used to mount them. It is necessary to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is connected so that you can be sure to align it when you install your new one.
Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the small latch that is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll also want to replace the latch plate, which is the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, replace it with a round one. This will let the latch hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier.
The first step is to unscrew the screw that holds the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. It is helpful to have a second person help with this part if possible.
The latch plate should easily come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that were included with the new handles. Don't over tighten your screws as this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, close and open the door to see whether it locks and closes correctly. If not then you'll have to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or forward or back until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door is still jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more frequent in older doors, however it could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or are not sized correctly for the latch, or because of damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Take off the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece which slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. describes it hooks into 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 that's needed to fix it.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make a small hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it should be easy to remove the latch and the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch isn't able to be released you can try using a paper clip or a tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed slot of the latch, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle begin to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to let it out.
After the old latch is removed it should be possible to move the new latch into the slot with no problems. Use your new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, make sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing the locks, however, a new latch will fit into your existing recess and will work just fine with your current keys. Make sure you select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your handles.
Then remove the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a new rose and lever designs to improve the look of your home. You can purchase complete sets with matching privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and mechanism inside. Look for an release tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It could have a slot along one edge or be held in place by pins.
After the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. You'll also want to remove the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours isn't allow for a handle, you'll have to make a hole in the door. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked, but you will have to be extra careful not to damage the frame or door.
Installing new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Choose the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. These are not included in most door handle sets.
If you're looking for a 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 five-star reviews. It's an excellent choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.