Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be a small detail, but if you dislike the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. With a bit of patience, you can put in the new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates which hide the screws, giving them a more attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Removal of the old Handle
The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home, but it's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. However, as time passes the door handle could lose its grip, become loose, or look old and worn out. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace your door handle.
One of the first signs that your door handle needs replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door, which could pose the risk of security for you and your family.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly or children members who struggle to open it. They may get trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and therefore are suitable for any door. If you are not certain that your new door handle will work, take out the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will enable you to purchase the correct size door handle.
The easiest way to take off the handle from your door is to remove it from the door itself. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws, so you'll have to cut off this to reach the screws beneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take note of the way the spindle is attached to ensure 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. This is usually done using an screwdriver however you'll need to find the small latch, which is located just to the left of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Take off the Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll also need to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles come with will offer two options for latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it out for the round one, so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to unscrew the screw that's holding the old latch plate in place. The screws are typically tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be helpful to have another person assist with this part.
After the screws have been removed, the latch plate should pull out of the door with ease. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Screw the latch plate into the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with the new handles. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this may damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, try closing and opening the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If not then you'll have to adjust the strike plate up or down, or even forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, then it may be necessary to expand the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more prevalent with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or are not sized correctly for the latch, or from a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that slides in and out of the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also connects to an opening in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door is wobbling when you close it, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix the issue.
The screws that support the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually insert a screwdriver into a small hole in the trim plate and pry the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it should be simple to remove the latch as well as the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in the position.
If upvc door handle is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently move it around until you feel the handle and latch start to split. It may take 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 use of the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Take note of the backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.
You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess and will be compatible with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your existing handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a modern lever and rose design to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of escutcheons, privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.
The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and the mechanism within. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It could have a slot on one edge or be secured by a pin.
When the cover plate is off take off the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. It is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the latch and inner plates, which you can do by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours does not allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a new hole through the door. This is the same procedure for opening a locked door however you'll need to be extra careful not to scratch the door's frame or frame.
After the holes are drilled then you'll need to install new door knob screws. Purchase the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also mandatory. They aren't included in most door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable replacement interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's a factory-fit product and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's a great option for replacing worn out or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.