Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they're difficult to use. 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 a more attractive appearance. If your new handle does not already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately.
Remove the old Handle
The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home it also serves as a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. But, over time the door handle could lose its grip, feel loose, or look old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace your door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a problem since it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door which could pose an security risk to you and your family.
Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, especially for elderly or children members who struggle to open it. They could become trapped. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one.
Most modern door handles are standard size and so they are suitable for any door. If you aren't sure if your new door handle will work, take off the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will help you buy the correct sized door handle.
The most straightforward method to remove your old door handle is to take it off of the door. This is typically done with the screw driver. However certain door handles come with an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll need to remove this to access the screws beneath. After removing the old handle, take note of how the spindle is attached. This will aid in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the tiny 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, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Take off the Strike Plate
When you replace the handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The box that the new handles are packaged in will have two latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the diagram above detailing the parts of the door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a circular one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate and make the handle more convenient.
The first step is to unscrew the screw that's holding the old latch plate in place. These screws can be quite tight, and may require some force to loosen. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have another person assist with this part.
After the screws are removed, the latch plate should pull out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes open the plate.
Now you can prepare the new 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 may cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position Try closing and opening the door to see if it closes and latches correctly. If it doesn't then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door locks correctly.
If the door continues to move or jiggles, then you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or the wrong size for the latch, or because of damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the situation, use a metal filing instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that slides through the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks into a hole in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door shakes when you close it, a new latch may be all you need to correct the issue.
The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually insert a screwdriver into a small hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to remove the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it and the spindle in position.
If the latch won't release you can try using a paper clip or a tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed slot of the latch and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel handle and latch begin to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out.
It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is properly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Before installing the new handle, make sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Also, ensure whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches this measurement.
You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not switching locks, a new lock should fit into your existing recess, and will work with your existing keys. Be sure to select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles can begin to look worn over time If you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's a quick and easy DIY project to decorate and can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the plate. It may have a slot along one edge or be secured by a pin.
Remove the screw that holds the handle inside and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using a Philips Screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.
Most doors have a gap between the jamb of the door and the inside edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all have. If yours does not allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a hole through the door. The procedure to do this is the same as for opening a door with a lock, but you'll be taking extra care to avoid damaging the door or frame.
The installation of new door knob screws is required after the holes have been made. Purchase the same size as the old screws to prevent getting a handle that is too loose or tight. You'll also have to install the new strike rod and latch plate that aren't part of the majority of door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable replacement set of interior door handles 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 delighted customers. It's a great choice for replacing worn or damaged interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.