Door Handle Replacement

Door handles seem like an insignificant thing however, if you don't like the way they look or find 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.

Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle does not already have them.

Removing the Old Handle

The door handle is not only a decoration for your home, but it's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. But, over time, your door double glazed window handle may lose its grip, feel loose, or appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle.

One of the first indications that your door handle requires 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 you and your family at risk.

Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle could be very dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and could get trapped inside. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.

Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're not sure whether the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will let you purchase the right size door handle.

It is the easiest way to remove the old door handle by taking it off from the door. This is typically done with the screw driver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll need to pry off this to reach the screws underneath. After removing the handle that was previously used, take note of how the spindle is attached. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.

Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you can remove the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch away from the door's edge.

Remove the Strike Plate

You'll have to replace your latch plate when you replace the handle. This is the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above which illustrates the components of the door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, swap it with an oval one. This will let the latch hook into the strike plate, making the handle more convenient.

The first step is to take off the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws can be very tight, and will require some force to loosen. If you can, it might be helpful to have another person help with this process.

Once the screws are removed and the latch plate should slide 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 help loosen the plate.

You can now move on to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. With the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws as this could cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, try closing and opening the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down or forward or back until the door closes properly.

If the door is jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more frequent for older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or the wrong size for the latch, or due to a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of the hammer and chisel.

Removal of the Latch

The latch is the metal piece that is angled that is able to move in and out of the hole in the inner edge of your patio door handle with lock. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door closed. If your door shakes when you close, an upgrade to the latch could be the only thing needed to correct 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 lets you to insert a screwdriver and take it off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch and the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle.

If the latch won't come out you can try using a paper clip or a tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to separate. It may take this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to pull out.

You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without issues after you've removed the old one. Use your new screws to connect the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is correctly placed in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.

Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. You should also check that the latch size on the new handle matches this measurement.

You'll need a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you're not changing the locks however, a new latch will fit in your existing recess and will work with your current keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have.

Then remove the Cover Plate

Door handles may begin to look shabby over time, but 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 of escutcheons, privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.

To replace the door handle inside, remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and mechanism. Find a 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 held in place by a pin.

When the cover plate is off take off the screw that holds the interior handle in place, and then set it aside. You'll also want 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, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.

Most bi-fold doors handles have an opening between the jamb of the door and the edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all have. If it doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. The procedure to do this is similar to the procedure for opening a door with the lock, however you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the frame or door.

The installation of new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been made. Choose the same dimensions as your old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. You'll also need to install the new latch plate and strike rod that aren't part of the majority of patio door handle replacement handle sets.

If you're looking for a quality replacement for your interior door handle set, try 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 an excellent option to replace worn or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.