Door Handle Replacement
It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look or if they're difficult to use. With a bit of patience, you can put in an entirely new handle in a short time.
Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates which hide the screws, giving them an attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have screws already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Removal of the Old Handle
Door handles aren't just an an important aesthetic addition to your home but they're also crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. But, over time the door handle could lose its grip, appear loose or start to look old and worn out. This is a good indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be able to lock or unlock the door which could put you and your family at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it, and get trapped within. It's a good thing that it's easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.
Most modern door handles are a standard size and so they are suitable for any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the right door handle.
It is the easiest method to take off the old door handle by unscrewing it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles come with the cover plate, which conceals the mounting screws. You will need to remove this to get to the screws. Once you have removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is connected to ensure you are able to align it when you fit the new one.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. This is usually done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located at the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you can take the handle off the strike plate, and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.
Remove the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk that the new handles arrive with will offer two options for latch plates: a rectangular one and a circular one (see the diagram above detailing door handle parts). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it out for the round one, so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a way that makes the handle easier to use.
The first step is to unhook the screw holding the old latch plate. These screws are often tight and will require some force to loosen. It is helpful to have a second person help with this task if you can.
The latch plate should 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.
Now you can move on to making the new door strike plate to be installed. With the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws as this could damage the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position Try closing and then opening the door to check whether it locks and closes correctly. If not then you'll have to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts and latches correctly.
If the door still moves or jiggles, you might need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent in older doors, however it could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or not the right size for the latch, or due to damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure to adjust the strike plate, but with the use of a metal file instead a chisel and hammer.
Removing the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also catches an opening in the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch could be the only thing needed to correct the issue.
The screws that secure the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After you've removed your trim plate, it'll be simple to remove the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in place.
If the latch won't come out it is suggested to use the clip of a paper or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the recessed latch slot and gently move it around until you feel the handle and latch start to split. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to let it out.
It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without issues once you have removed the old one. Make sure the latch is properly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, make sure that the latch size on the new handle is a good match to this measurement.
If you're replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if your previous lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll need an entirely new one. If you're not changing the locks, however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess and will be compatible with the keys you have currently. Make sure you select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your handles.
Remove 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 purchase complete sets that include matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits.
The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and mechanism inside. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It could have an opening on one edge or be held in place by a pin.
When the cover plate is removed take off the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. You'll also want to remove the screws that are holding the latch and the plates inside and the latch plate, which can be done 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 allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours does not, you will need to make a hole into the door. The process for doing this is the same procedure opening a door using the lock, however you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door or frame.
After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new door knob screws. Choose the same size as your old screws to avoid getting a handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. These are not included in most 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 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 to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.