Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like a small detail however, if you don't like the style or design of them, or find them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. Installing a new door handle is simple if you have patience.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't already have them.
Remove the Old Handle
The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle can start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might also begin to look old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace the 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 an excellent idea to replace the handle on your door when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly or children members who might struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on a door.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and will fit any door. If you are not certain that the new door handle you are buying will work, remove the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will enable you to buy the right size door handle.
The most straightforward method to take off your old door handle is to unscrew it from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. Some door handles come with the cover plate, which conceals the screws that mount them. You will need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is connected to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.
Alternately, you can take off the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you'll need to locate the small latch which is located on the edge cut piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and the strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.
The Strike Plate
If you are replacing your handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate that holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The package the new handles come with will offer two different latch plates - either a rectangular or circular (see the diagram above for the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular, swap it out for the round one so that the latch hooks 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. It is helpful to have a second person assist with this task if you can.
The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate up.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. With the wood screws that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws because this could damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position You can try closing and opening the door to see whether it latches and closes correctly. If not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more common in older doors, however it could be due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too shallow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or because of damaged or broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. 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.
Removal of the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece that 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 connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door wobbles when you close, a new latch may be the only thing needed to correct the issue.
The screws that support the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make an insignificant hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it'll be simple to take off the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in the position.
If the latch cannot be easily removed then use a paperclip tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. It may take this several times before the latch comes loose enough to pull out.
You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without any issues once you have removed the old one. Use your new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly placed in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, make sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged then you'll require a new one. If you are not changing locks, a new lock should fit into the recess you have already installed, and work 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 begin to look worn over time However, if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's a simple and quick DIY and decorating project that can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets of door handles that come with 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 mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the plate. It could have an opening on one side or be secured by pins.
When the cover plate is removed take off the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. You'll also want to remove the screws that are holding the latch and inner plates, which you can do by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all have. If yours isn't, you will need to drill a hole into the door. The procedure to do this is the same as for opening a door with locks, but you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the frame or door.
After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new door knob screws. Be sure to purchase the same size as the old ones, so you don't end up with a handle that's too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install the new latch plate and strike rod that aren't part of most 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-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from delighted customers. Continuing 's an excellent choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.