8 Tips To Enhance Your Door Handle Replacement Game
Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they are difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is easy if you have patience.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates which hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If your new handle does not have screws already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Take off the handle from the old one.
Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're vital for safety since they allow you to lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose or start to look old and worn. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious problem because 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 a good idea to replace the handle on your door if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly in the event that your children or senior family members struggle to open it, and get trapped within. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size, so they are suitable for any door. If you're not certain that your new door handle will work, take out the old one and measure its housing holes. This will help you to purchase the right size door handle.
It is easiest to remove the door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. 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 underneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is attached to ensure that you can be sure to align it when you install your new one.
Alternately, you can take off your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to find the small latch, which is located just to the left of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can unscrew the handle from the strike plate, and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.
Removing the Strike Plate
When you replace the handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The box that the new handles are packaged in will include two different latch plates: a rectangular one and circular (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it to a round one, so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way that makes the handle more comfortable to use.
The first step is to remove 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 get a second person to assist in this area if it is possible.
The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This can help loosen the plate.
You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate for installation. With the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and then open the door to check if it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door closes and latches properly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, then it may be necessary to expand the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more prevalent in older doors, however it can happen due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or the wrong size for the latch, or because of damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure to adjust the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of a chisel and hammer.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the angled piece of metal that slides between the hole on the inside edge of your door. The latch is moved 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 is wiggles when you close it, changing the latch could be the only thing needed to fix it.
The screws that support the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make a small hole on the trim plate and then 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 latch and spindle in the position.
If the latch doesn't easily come out, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. You may need to repeat this process several times before you can pull the latch out.
Once the old latch is removed and the old latch is removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot without any issues. Make sure the latch is properly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Verify that door handles Repair My Windows And Doors of the latch of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks the new latch should fit in your existing recess and will work with the keys you have currently. Be sure to choose a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.
Removing the Cover Plate
Door handles may begin to look worn over time However, if you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
To replace an internal door handle, remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead to remove the plate. It could have a slot along one edge or be secured by pins.
Remove the screw holding the interior handle and place it aside when the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Most doors have an opening between the jamb of the door and the inside edge of the frame that allows for a handle, however not all have. If yours isn't allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a new hole in the door. The procedure to do this is the same as for opening a door with a lock, but you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the door or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after holes have been made. Buy the same dimensions as your old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. You'll also have to install a new latch plate and strike rod that aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable replacement for your interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's a factory fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great option for replacing worn out or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.