Door Handle Replacement
Door handles appear to be something minor, but if you dislike the style or design of them, or are unable to use them and use, you should consider replacing them. With a little patience, you can put in an entirely new handle in a short time.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if your new handle does not have them attached already.
Remove the old handle
The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home, but it's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose, or appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time to replace it.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a serious problem since you won't be able to lock or unlock the door, which could put your family and yourself at risk.
Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and could get trapped within. It's easy to fix a damaged handle on doors.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not certain if the new door handle you are buying will work, take off the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will let you buy the right size door handle.
It is the easiest way to take off the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. This is typically done with the screw driver. repairmywindowsanddoors have a cover plate which hides the screws used to mount them. It is necessary to remove this to get to the screws. After removing the handle that was previously used, take note of the way 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. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. But, you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to take the handle off the strike plate and then remove the latch off the door's edge.
Take off the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate, which holds 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 image above which illustrates the components of the door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, replace it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to hook onto the strike plate and make the handle easier.
The first step is to take off the screw that is holding the old latch plate. These screws are often tight and will require some force to loosen. It is helpful to have a second person assist in this area if it is possible.
The latch plate should be removed from the door once 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 will sometimes free the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. With the wood screws that came with the new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this may damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, close and open the door to check whether it locks and closes correctly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggles, then you may have to enlarge 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 narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or because of a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the case then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Take off the Latch
The latch is an angled metal piece which slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door closed. If your door is wobbling when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be the only thing needed to fix the problem.
The screws that secure the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually insert a screwdriver into a small hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After you've removed your trim plate, it should be easy to remove the latch and the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in the position.
If the latch cannot be easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed latch slot, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. You may have repeat this process a few times before you can remove the latch.
You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure the latch is properly positioned 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 centre of the large hole on the door's front 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 require 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 should fit in your existing recess and will be compatible with your current keys. Be sure to choose the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.
Remove the cover plate
You can replace your door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.
To replace the door handle inside, remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the plate. It could have an opening on one edge or be held by pins.
Once the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place, and then set it aside. It is also necessary to remove the screws that are holding the latch and plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to make a hole through the door. This is the same procedure for opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the frame or door.
After the holes are drilled then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure to buy the same size as the previous ones, so that you do not end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. These are not included in the majority of door handle sets.
If you're looking for a high-quality replacement interior door handle set, try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's factory-fitted and has received hundreds five-star reviews. It's a great option for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.