Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like something minor however, if you don't like the appearance of the handles or are finding them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. Installing a new door handle is simple if you have patience.
The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If your new handle does not have them already attached, you will have to attach them separately.
Removing the Old Handle
Door handles aren't just an an important aesthetic addition to your home but they're also vital for safety since they allow you to lock and unlock your door. Over time, the door handle may begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It might also begin to look aged and worn. 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 if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is an issue because it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door which could pose a security risk for you and your family.
It's also recommended to replace your door handle in the event that it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, especially for children and elderly family members who might struggle to open it. They may get trapped. Luckily, window handles 's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the old one.
Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're unsure if the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you to purchase the right size door handle.
It is the easiest way to remove the door handle by removing it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However, some door handles have the cover plate which hides the mounting screws, so you'll have to cut off this to reach the screws underneath. Once you've removed your old handle, make a note of how the spindle is attached to ensure you are able to make sure it is aligned when you put in the new one.
You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing 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 trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you'll need to remove the handle from the strike plate, and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
You'll need to replace the latch plate when replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole where the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The package the new handles are packaged in will include two different latch plates - a rectangular one and circular (see the diagram above for the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular, swap it over to the round one, so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to take off the screw holding the latch plate. The screws are typically tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be beneficial to have a second person assist with this part.
The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door once the screws have been removed. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate.
Now, you can proceed to making the new door strike plate for installation. Using the wood screws that came with the new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this may cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, close and open the door to determine if it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't you'll have to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, forward or back until the door locks correctly.
If the door is jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too small, a incorrect size of the latch or a damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but with the use of a metal file instead an hammer and chisel.
Remove the Latch
The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move in and out of the hole in the inner edge of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door shakes when you close, a new latch may be all you need to fix the issue.
It's difficult to identify the screws that attach the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver in order to remove it. After you've removed the 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 won't come out it is suggested to use a paper clip or a tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle begin to split. You may have to repeat this process several times before you can remove the latch.
Once the old latch is removed it should be possible to move the new latch into the slot without any problems. Use the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.
Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is equal to the measurement.
You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing locks however, a new latch should fit in the existing recess and be compatible with your current keys. Make sure you select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match the handles you have.
Then remove the Cover Plate
You can replace your door handles with a contemporary rose and lever designs to make a difference in the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets 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 hides the screws and the mechanism within. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It could have an opening on one edge or be held in place by pins.
Remove the screw holding the handle in the interior and put it aside after the cover plate is removed. It is also necessary to take out the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.
Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all have. If it doesn't, you'll need to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. The procedure to do this is the same as for opening a door with a lock, but you'll be taking extra care not to damage the door or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after the holes have been made. Be sure to purchase the same size as the old ones, so that you won't have an handle that is either too tight or loose. You'll also have to install the new latch plate and strike rod that aren't included in most door handle sets.
If you're looking for a quality replacement interior door handle set Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's factory-fitted and has received hundreds five-star reviews. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.