Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they are difficult to use. With some patience, you can install a 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. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Remove the handle that was previously used
The door handle isn't just a decorative feature 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, appear loose, or appear old and worn. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a problem because it means that 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 if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is risky, particularly for elderly and children members who struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's simple to replace a broken handle on the door.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size, so they should fit any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will let you purchase the right size door handle.
It is the easiest way to remove the old door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll need to pry off this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. After you have removed the old handle, take note of how the spindle is attached. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. This is usually done with a screwdriver but you'll need to find the small latch, which is located just to the left of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you can unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then the latch away from the door's edge.
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 new handles will have two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the above diagram which illustrates the components of the door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it over to 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 use.
The first step is to remove the screw holding the old latch plate. These screws are often tight, and may require some force to loosen. If you can, it might be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.
After the screws have been removed the latch should slide out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate up.
Now, Repair My Windows And Doors can proceed to creating the new door strike plate for installation. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that came with the new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the right position Try closing and opening the door to see if it closes and latches correctly. If it doesn't you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or even forward or back until the door shuts and latches correctly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, then it may be necessary to expand the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more common with older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or not the right size for the latch, or due to damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case, use a metal filing instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Eliminating the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece that slides into and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also hooks into the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close, replacing the latch could be the only thing needed to fix the issue.
The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make a small hole in the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle in position.
If the latch cannot be easily removed then use a paperclip tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle start to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to let it out.
After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot with no problems. Make sure that the latch is properly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Check that the latch size of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks however, a new latch will fit in your existing recess, and work just fine with your current keys. Be sure to select a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.
Removal of the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets with matching escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and mechanism inside. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It may have an opening along one side or be held in place by a pin.
When the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place, and then set it aside. You'll also need to remove the screws that hold the latch and plates 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. Place them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If it doesn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole in the door for the new handle. The process for doing this is similar to the procedure for opening a door with the lock, however you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door or frame.
After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Choose the same size as your old screws to prevent getting the handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. These are not included in all door handle sets.
If you're looking for a quality replacement set of interior door handles look no further than 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 a great option to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.