Door Handle Replacement Tools To Streamline Your Daily Life

Door Handle Replacement

Door handles appear to be something minor however, if you don't like the way they look or are unable to use them, it's worth replacing them. Installing a new door handle is simple if you've got patience.

Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws, giving them an attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle does not have them attached already.

Remove  upvc door handle  handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. But, over time the door handle could lose its grip, become loose, or look old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably the time to replace your door handle.

One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem since you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.

Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly and children members who may struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on doors.

Most modern door handles are standard size, so they are suitable for any door. If you're not certain if the new door handle you are buying will work, take off the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will allow you to purchase the right size door handle.

The easiest way to take off the door handle you have been using is to take it off of the door. This is usually done using the screw driver. Some door handles come with an enclosure plate that hides the mounting screws. You will need to remove this to get to the screws. After removing the old handle, take note of how the spindle is attached. This will help you align the new handle.

You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing 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 cut piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the door's edge.

The Strike Plate

You'll have to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole through which the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the diagram above which shows the various parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate is a rectangular shape, switch it to a round one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to use.

The first step is to unhook the screw holding the latch plate. The screws can be very tight, and will require some force to loosen. It is helpful to have a second person assist with this task if you can.

The latch plate should be removed from the door after the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move then use a small nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that were included with the new handles. Do not overtighten your screws because this could damage the strike plate.

If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, try closing and then opening the door to see whether it latches and closes correctly. If it does not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down or forward or back until the door closes correctly.

If the door is still moving or jiggles, you may have to enlarge your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too small, a wrong size latch, or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead a chisel and hammer.

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. It also connects to an opening in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch may be all that's needed to correct the issue.

The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate and pry the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch and the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle in position.

If the latch isn't able to be released, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed latch slot and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel the handle and latch begin to separate. It may take this several times before the latch is loose enough to pull out.

Once the old latch is removed, you should be able to move the new latch into the slot without any issues. Use your new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.

Before installing the new handle, be certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.

You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or your existing one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks however, a new latch will fit into your existing recess, and work just fine with your current keys. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match your old handles.

Removing the Cover Plate

Door handles can begin to look shabby over time However, if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose designs, it's a simple and quick DIY project to decorate and will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.

To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It may have an opening on one side or be held by a pin.

Remove the screw that holds the interior handle and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.

Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours does not, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to install the new handle. The process for doing this is similar to the procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll be taking extra care not to harm the door or frame.

After drilling the holes then 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 an handle that is either 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 in search of a reliable replacement set of interior door handles look no further than 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 to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.