Door Handle Replacement

Door handles seem like something minor, but if you dislike the appearance of the window handles for Upvc or are finding them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. With a little patience, you can put in a new handle in no time.

Most modern patio door handle locks handles have cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already.

Removal of the Old Handle

The door handle isn't only a decoration for your home, but it's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock your door. Over time, the door handle may become loose or feel a bit loose. It may also appear aged and worn. This is a sign that it's probably time to replace it.

One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem because it means that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door which could be an security risk to you and your family.

Another reason to replace the 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 may struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.

Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you are not sure if your new patio door handle handle will work, take off the old one and measure its housing holes. This will allow 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, a screwdriver is used. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the screws that mount them. It is necessary to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, take a note of how the spindle is attached to ensure that you can align it when you fit your new one.

You can also remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to find the small latch, which should be on the edge of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then remove the latch from the edge of the door.

Remove the Strike Plate

You'll need to replace the latch plate when replacing the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole through which the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The packaging that the new handles are packaged in will include two options for latch plates: either a rectangular or a circular one (see the diagram above detailing the components of a door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, replace it with a round one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook into the strike plate and make the handle more convenient.

The first step is to remove the screw that holds the old latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be helpful to have another person help with this process.

The latch plate should lift itself out of the door once 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 prepare the new strike plate for installation. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that were included with the new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this may damage the strike plate.

If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, shut and open the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If it does not you'll have to adjust the strikeplate either up or down or forward or back until the door locks correctly.

If the door is still moving or jiggles, you might have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or because of damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Removing the Latch

The latch is a curved metal piece which slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into a hole in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door is wobbling when you close, replacing the latch could be all that is needed to fix the problem.

It's hard to see the screws that secure the latch to the door, but there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and remove it. After you've removed your trim plate, it will be simple to take off the latch as well as the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in place.

If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed latch slot and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel handle and latch begin to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to pull out.

Once the old latch is removed it should be possible to move the new latch into the slot with no problems. Make sure the latch is positioned correctly in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.

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. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.

You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the handle and latch or your existing one is damaged. If you are not changing locks, a new lock should fit inside your existing recess and also work with your current keys. Be sure to choose the latch with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.

Removing the Cover Plate

Door handles can begin to look worn over time If you replace them with a modern lever on rose design it's a simple and quick DIY and decorating project that can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.

The first step to replace the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and mechanism inside. Find a release tab on the plate and make use of a flathead screwdriver to pop it off the knob. It could have an opening along one side or be secured by pins.

Once the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and set it aside. You'll also need to take out the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.

Most doors have a gap between the jamb of the door and the inside edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, but not all do. If yours does not, you'll need to drill a hole into the door to accommodate the new handle. It's the same procedure as opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra careful not to scratch the frame or door.

After drilling the holes, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Buy the same size as the old screws to avoid getting the handle that is too loose or tight. You'll also need to install the new latch plate and strike rod, which aren't included with 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-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's an excellent choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.