Why Door Handle Replacement Is Your Next Big Obsession

Door Handle Replacement Door handles seem like a small detail, but if you dislike the style or design of them, or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With a bit of patience, you can put in the new handle in no time. Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates which hide the screws for a more attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already. Take off the handle from the old one. Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home but they're also vital for safety since they let you lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes your door handle can lose its grip, become loose, or appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle. One of the first signs that your door handle needs replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem as you will no longer be capable of locking or unlocking the door and put you and your family at risk. It's also a good idea to replace the handle on your door in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members struggle to open it, and get trapped within. It's a good thing that it's simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one. Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're unsure if the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will let you purchase the right size door handle. It is the easiest method to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is typically done with a screw driver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws underneath. After you have removed the old handle, take note of how the spindle has been connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle. You can also remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using an screwdriver however 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 can take the handle off the strike plate, and then the latch away from the door's edge. Take off the Strike Plate When you replace your handle, you'll also want to replace the latch plate, which is the hole which 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 a door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, you can replace it with a round one. This will let the latch hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier. The first step is to remove the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It is helpful to get a second person to assist with this task if you can. The latch plate should lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes open the plate up. Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this can cause damage to the strike plate. If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and then open the door to check whether it latches and closes properly. If not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts properly. If the door is moving or jiggling, you may need to increase the size of the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more frequent in older doors, however it could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or the wrong size for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead an hammer and chisel. Eliminating the Latch The latch is an angled metal piece which slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into the door frame to ensure that the door stays closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch might be the only thing needed to correct the issue. The screws that support the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to take off the latch and the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in place. If the latch isn't able to come out it is suggested to use a paper clip or a tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle start to split. It may take this several times before the latch is 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. Make use of the new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers. Before installing the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement. If you are replacing the handle or latch, or if your old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you will need a new one. If you're not changing locks the new lock will fit inside your existing recess, and also work with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your old handles. Take off the cover plate Door handles can start to look shabby with time If you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose design, it's an easy and quick DIY project to decorate and will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits. The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and inner mechanism. Look for a release tab on the plate, and make use of a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It may have a slot on one edge or be secured by a pin. Remove the screw holding the interior handle and place it aside when the cover plate is removed. You'll also want to remove the screws that hold the latch and plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away. Not all doors have this gap. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a new hole through the door. It's the same procedure as opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door. The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Purchase the same size as the old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle that is too loose or tight. You'll also have to install the new strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets. Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a fantastic choice if you're in the market of a premium interior door handle replacement set. It is a factory-fit and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. upvc door handle 's an excellent option to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.