Door Handle Replacement

Door handles may seem like an insignificant thing but if you aren't happy with the way they look or find them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. With a little patience, you can get an entirely new handle in a short time.

Modern door handles are often equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them a more attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't already have them.

Removal of the Old Handle

Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're crucial for safety as they allow you to lock and unlock your patio door handle with lock. But, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, become loose, or appear old and worn out. This is a good indication that it's time to replace the door handle.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a serious problem since you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door and 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 could be quite dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it, and get trapped inside. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on doors.

Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will allow you to purchase the right size door handle.

It is easiest to remove the door handle by unscrewing it from the door. This is usually done using a screw driver. Some door handles come with the cover plate, which conceals the mounting screws. You will need to remove this to get to the screws. After removing the old handle, take note of how the spindle is connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.

You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. But, 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 from the door edge.

Removal of the Strike Plate

If you are replacing the handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles are packaged in will include two latch plates - a rectangular one and circular (see the diagram above for door handle parts). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it out for 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 use.

The first step is to unscrew the screw that's holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws are often quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. It is helpful to get a second person to assist with this part if possible.

After the screws have been removed, the latch plate should pull out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the wood screws that came with the new handles, attach the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this could 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 see whether it locks and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll need 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 need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent for older bi-fold doors handle, but could be due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or are not sized correctly for the latch, or from a broken or damaged strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the situation, use a metal filing instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Remove the Latch

The latch is the metal piece that is angled that is able to move between the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also catches the door frame to ensure that the door is closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch might be all that's needed to correct the issue.

The screws that hold the door latch are hard to spot however, you can put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After you've removed the trim plate, it should be easy to remove the latch as well as the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in place.

If the latch isn't able to be released, try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose from the upvc handle window mechanism. Place the item in the recessed latch slot and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. It is possible to repeat this process several times before you are able to pull the latch out.

Once the old latch is removed it should be possible to move the new latch into the slot without any problems. Make use of the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is properly positioned in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.

Before installing the new handle, make sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the double glazed front door handles of the external door handles and locks to the edge). Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.

If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need an entirely new one. If you're not replacing the locks, however, a new latch will fit in your existing recess, and work with the keys you have currently. Make sure you select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.

Remove the cover plate

You can replace your old door handles with a new lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your house. 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 hides the screws and mechanism inside. Look for an release tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver remove it from the knob. It may have an opening on one edge or be secured by a pin.

After the cover plate is off take 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 inner plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.

Most doors have an opening between the door jamb and the inside edge of the frame that allows for a upvc handle window, but not all do. If yours isn't, you will need to drill a hole into the door. The procedure to do this is the same as opening a door using the lock, however you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door or frame.

Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after holes have been drilled. Buy the same size as the old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also mandatory. These aren't included in all door handle sets.

If you're looking for a high-quality replacement 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 a plethora of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great option to replace worn or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.