What Door Handle Replacement You'll Use As Your Next Big Obsession
Door Handle Replacement Door handles may seem like something minor, but if you dislike the way they look or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With a little patience, you can put in a new handle in no time. The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't already have them connected, you'll have to attach them separately. Remove the old handle Door handles are not only essential for aesthetics of your home, but they're crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. As time passes the door handle can begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It may also begin to look aged and worn. This is an indication that it's time to replace it. One of the first signs that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem as you will no longer be capable of locking or unlocking the door which could put your family and yourself at risk. Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, especially for elderly or children members who might struggle to open it. They may get trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the old one. Most modern door handles are standard size and therefore will fit on any door. If you are not sure if your new door handle will work, take off the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will allow you to buy the right door handle. It is the easiest way to remove the door handle by taking it off from the door. This is typically done with the screw driver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the mounting screws. You will need to remove this to get to the screws. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of the way in which the spindle is connected. This will help you align the new handle. You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. This is usually done with a screwdriver but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge. Remove the Strike Plate When you replace your handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram which shows the various parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate is a rectangular shape, switch it to a round one, so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to operate. The first step is to unscrew the screw that holds the latch plate in place. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist with this part if possible. Once the screws are removed, the latch plate will slide out of the door easily. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate up. You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with the new handles. Do not tighten the screws too much as this could cause damage to the strike plate. If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position You can try closing and then opening the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If it does not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate up or down or forward or back until the door shuts properly. If upvc door handle repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk continues to move or jiggles, then you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too shallow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate. Remove the Latch The latch is an angled metal piece that slides into and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks in a hole on the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix it. The screws that support the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually insert a screwdriver into an insignificant hole on the trim plate and pry the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it should be simple to take off the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in place. If the latch cannot be easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. You may need to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to pull the latch out. After the old latch is removed, you should be able to insert the new latch into the slot without problems. Use your new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly placed in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers. Measure the existing backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Check that the latch size of the new handle matches the measurement. You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the latch and handle or your existing one is damaged. If you're not changing the locks, the new latch will fit into the existing recess and be compatible with your current keys. Make sure you select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your handles. Removing the Cover Plate You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary rose and lever designs to enhance the appearance of your house. You can purchase complete sets that include the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits. To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose) that protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Find an release tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver pop it off the knob. It could have a slot on one edge or be held by pins. Remove the screw holding the handle in the interior and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer 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 that allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to make a hole in the door to install the new handle. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked however you'll need to be extra careful not to scratch the frame or door. After the holes are drilled then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, to ensure that you don't end up with a handle that's too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. These are not included in most door handle sets. If you're looking for a quality replacement interior door handle set look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's factory-fitted and has been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's an excellent choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.