10 Door Handle Replacement Tricks Experts Recommend

Door Handle Replacement

It's worth replacing door handles if you don't like the way they look, or if they're difficult to use. With some patience, you can install an entirely new handle in a short time.

Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that hide the screws for a more attractive appearance. If your new handle does not have screws already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.

Take off the handle from the old one.

The door handle isn't just a decorative feature for your home, but it's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. As time passes, the door handle may begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It may also begin to look old and worn. This is an indication that it's time for a replacement.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. 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.

It's also a good idea to replace the handle on your door if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, especially for children and elderly family members who struggle to open it. They may get trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.

Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and will fit any door. If you are not certain that the new door handle you are buying will work, take out the old one and measure its housing holes. This will allow you to buy the right size door handle.

It is the easiest method to take off the old door handle by taking it off from the door. This is usually done using a screw driver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the screws that mount them, so you'll need to remove this to access the screws beneath. After removing the old handle, make a note of the way in which the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle.

Alternatively, you can remove the door handle by removing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you will have to locate the tiny latch that is located on the edge trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and strike plate. Then remove the latch from the door's edge.

The Strike Plate

You'll need to replace the latch plate when replacing the handle. This is the plate that holds the hole where the latch of the door hooks when the door is closed. The new handles will come with two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the image above which illustrates the components of the door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it to a round one so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to use.

The first step is to take off the screw holding the old latch plate. The screws are often quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have a second person assist you with this task.

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

You can now move on to making the new door strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the wood screws that came with the new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws as this can cause damage to the strike plate.

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

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 common in older doors, however it could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or due to a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure as adjusting the strike plate, using a metal file instead of an hammer and chisel.

Remove the Latch

The latch is the angled metal piece that slides in and out of 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 hooks into a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, changing the latch might be all that's needed to correct the issue.

The screws that secure the door latch are hard to spot, but you can usually use a screwdriver to make a small hole in the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After you've removed your trim plate, it'll be simple to take off the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the latch and spindle in place.

If the latch doesn't easily be released it is suggested to use an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed and then gently twist or jiggle until the handle and latch begin to separate. You may have to do this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.

After  door handles repairmywindowsanddoors  has been removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot with no problems. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers, and then use your new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.

Before you install the new handle, make sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle matches the measurement.

If you are replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged then you'll need an entirely new one. If you're not switching locks the new lock will fit into your existing recess, and also work with your current keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have.

Removal of the Cover Plate

You can replace your door handles with a contemporary design of roses and levers to enhance the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.

To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate and use a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It could have a slot along one edge or be secured by pins.

Remove the screw holding the interior handle and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. It is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the latch and the plates inside, which you can do by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.

Some doors don't have this gap. If yours does not allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a hole into the door. This is the same process for opening a locked door however, you'll have to be extra cautious not to damage the door or frame.

The installation of new door knob screws is required after the holes have been made. Be sure to purchase the same size as the previous ones, so that you won't have the handle that is too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install the new latch plate and strike rod that aren't part of 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 hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great option for replacing worn out or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.