Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be a small detail however, if you don't like the style or design of them, or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. Installing the new handle on your door is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them an attractive appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle does not already have them.
Removal of the Old Handle
Door handles are not only an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're vital for safety since they let you lock and unlock your door. But, over time your door handle can lose its grip, feel loose, or look old and worn out. This is a sign that it's time to replace your door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a serious problem as you will no longer be able to lock or unlock the door which could put your family and yourself at risk.
It is also recommended to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members struggle to open it and could get trapped within. It's easy to fix a damaged handle on the door.
Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will enable you to buy the right size door handle.
It is easiest to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is usually done using the screw driver. 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, make a note of how the spindle is attached. This will help you align the new handle.
Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by removing 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 of the 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.
Removing the Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll also need to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The package the new handles are packaged in will have two different latch plates: either a rectangular or a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate is a rectangular shape, switch 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 loosen the screw that's holding the old latch plate in place. These screws can be quite tight and will require some force to loosen. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.
The latch plate should come out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the wood screws that came with the new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this can damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in its proper position, shut and open the door to see whether it latches and closes correctly. If not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate up or down or forward or back until the door closes properly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more prevalent in older doors, however it could also be caused by wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or not the right size for the latch, or due to a broken or damaged strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation, use a metal filing instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Remove the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece which slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door wiggles when you close it, changing the latch might be the only thing needed to fix it.
The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make an insignificant hole on the trim plate and then pry 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 is not easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch is loose enough to pull out.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Also, ensure that the latch size on the new handle matches the measurement of your existing handle.
You'll need a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the handle and latch or your existing one is damaged. If you're not changing locks, however, a new latch will fit into your existing recess, and work just fine with your current keys. Be sure to select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
Door handles can start to look worn over time If you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
The first step to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and mechanism inside. Find an release tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver lift it off the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.
Once the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and plates, which you can do by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Put them away.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours doesn't, you will need to drill a new hole in the door. The procedure for this is the same as for opening a door with the lock, however you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the door or frame.
After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Choose upvc door handle as your old screws to prevent getting the handle too tight or loose. You'll also need to install an additional latch plate and strike rod that aren't included in most door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable replacement for your interior door handle set, try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's an excellent option for replacing worn out or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.