What Experts From The Field Want You To Know?

Door Handle Replacement Door handles may seem like a small detail but if you aren't happy with the appearance of the handles or are unable to use them and use, you should consider replacing them. Installing a new door handle is simple if you've got patience. Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates which hide the screws, giving them an attractive appearance. If your new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll need to attach them separately. Removal of the Old Handle Door handles aren't just an an important aesthetic addition to your home but they're also crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your door. But, over time the door handle could lose its grip, feel loose, or look old and worn out. This is an indication that it's the 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 an issue because it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door, which could create the risk of security for you and your family. Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and end up trapped within. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one. The majority of modern door handles are standard size, so they will fit on any door. If you aren't certain that your new door handle will work, take out the old one and measure its housing holes. This will allow you to purchase the right size door handle. The easiest method to take off your old door handle is to remove it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However, some door handles have a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws so you'll need to pry off this to access the screws beneath. Once you have removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is connected to ensure you are able to be sure to align it when you install the new one. You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. This is usually done using an screwdriver however you'll need to find the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can unscrew the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch off the door's edge. Take off the Strike Plate When replacing the handle, you'll 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 which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above that shows the parts of a door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, replace it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier to use. The first step is to take off the screw that is holding the old latch plate. The screws can be very tight, and will require some force to loosen. It might be beneficial to have a second person assist with this part if possible. After the screws have been removed, the latch plate should slide out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free the plate. You can now move on to making the new door strike plate to be installed. With the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate. If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, try closing and opening the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If not you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or move it forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly. If the door is moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too small, a wrong size latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate. Remove the Latch The latch is the angled metal piece that moves through the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. upvc door handle hooks into a hole on the door frame to ensure that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close, replacing the latch could be all you need to correct the issue. It's difficult to identify the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and remove it. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to take off the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle in position. If the latch doesn't easily come out it is suggested to use the clip of a paper or tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the recessed latch slot and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. It may take this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out. After the old latch has been removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot without problems. Make sure that the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame. Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement. You'll need a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing locks the new lock will fit inside your existing recess, and also work with the keys you have already. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles. Take off the cover plate You can replace your door handles with a new design of roses and levers to make a difference in the appearance of your house. You can purchase complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons. To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Find a release tab on the plate and make use of a flathead screwdriver to remove it from the knob. It could have an opening on one edge or be held by pins. Once the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. Remove the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Place them aside. Some doors don't have this gap. If yours does not then you'll have to drill a hole into the door to accommodate the new handle. It's the same procedure as opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra cautious not to harm the door or frame. After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new door knob screws. Choose the same size as the old screws to avoid getting a handle 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 finish handle set. It's a factory-fit product and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's an excellent choice to replace damaged or worn interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.