What Door Handle Replacement Should Be Your Next Big Obsession

· 6 min read
What Door Handle Replacement Should Be Your Next Big Obsession

Door Handle Replacement

It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. With some patience, you can get an entirely new handle in a short time.

Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. If your new handle does not already have them attached, you will have to attach them separately.

Remove the handle that was previously used

Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're also essential for security as they let you lock and unlock your door. As  upvc door handle repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk  passes the door handle can start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It may be beginning to appear worn out and old. This is a good indication that it's time to replace the door handle.

One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem since you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.

It's also recommended to replace the handle on your door when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is dangerous, especially for elderly or children members who might struggle to open it. They could be trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.

Most modern door handles are a standard size and therefore will fit on any door. If you aren't certain if the new door handle you are buying will work, take out the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will help you to purchase the right size door handle.

It is the easiest method to remove the door handle by taking it off from the door. This is typically done with a screw driver. However certain door handles come with the cover plate which hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to pry off this to reach the screws underneath. After removing the handle that was previously used, take note of the way in which the spindle is attached. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.

You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the tiny latch that is located on the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then remove the latch from the door edge.

The Strike Plate

You'll need to replace the latch plate when replacing the handle. This is the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the latch of the door hooks when the door closes. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram which shows the various parts of the door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, swap it with a circular one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier to use.

The first step is to remove the screw holding the old latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It might be beneficial to have a second person assist with this task if you can.

Once the screws are removed the latch should pull 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 may help free the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with the new handles. Don't over tighten your screws as this could cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the right position You can try closing and then opening the door to determine if it closes and latches correctly. If it doesn't then you'll have to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or even forward or back until the door shuts and latches correctly.

If the door still moves or jiggles, you might have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too shallow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, but using an iron file instead of the hammer and chisel.

Eliminating the Latch

The latch is a curved metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame so that the door remains closed. If your door wobbles when you close it, a new latch may be the only thing needed to fix the issue.

The screws that support the door latch are difficult to locate, but you can usually insert a screwdriver into an insignificant hole on the trim plate and pry the latch off. After you've removed your trim plate, it'll be simple to take off the latch and the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in place.

If the latch isn't easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed latch slot and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle are beginning to break off. It is possible to repeat this procedure several times before you can remove the latch.

After the old latch is removed, you should be able to move the new latch into the slot with no difficulties. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.

Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.

If you are replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged then you'll need a new one. If you're not replacing the locks the new latch will fit in your existing recess and will be compatible with the keys you have currently. Be sure to select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.

Removal of the Cover Plate

You can replace your old door handles with a modern rose and lever designs to improve the look of your house. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.

The first step in replacing an internal door handle 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 a slot along one edge or be held in place by a pin.



When the cover plate is removed, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. You'll also want to take out the screws that hold the latch and inner plates, which you can do by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.

Most doors have gaps between the door jamb and the edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all do. If yours doesn't, you will need to make a hole into the door. This is the same procedure as opening a locked door however you'll have to be extra cautious not to harm the door's frame or frame.

After drilling the holes after which you'll have to put in new screws for the door knob. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, so you do not end up with a handle that's too tight or loose. You'll also have to install an additional latch plate and strike rod that aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.

If you're looking for a high-quality replacement set of interior door handles Try 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 inside your Chevy HHR.