Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they are difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if your new handle does not have them attached already.
Removing the old Handle
The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home It's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. But, over time your door handle can lose its grip, appear loose, or look 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 may be time to replace it. This is a serious issue since you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door, which could put you and your family at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially if your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and could get trapped inside. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.
Most modern door handles are a standard size and therefore should fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will work, take out the old one and measure its housing holes. This will let you purchase the correct size door handle.
The easiest method to take off the handle from your door is to unscrew it from the door itself. This is usually done using the screw driver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the screws that mount them, so you'll need to pry off this to reach the screws underneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is positioned to ensure that you can align it when you fit your new one.
You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. This is usually done using a screwdriver but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be at the edge of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.
Removal of the Strike Plate
If you are replacing your handle, you'll want to replace the latch plate, which is the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The package the new handles come in will include two latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other a circular one (see the diagram above detailing door handle parts). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, replace it with an oval one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook into the strike plate, making the handle easier to use.
The first step is to unhook the screw holding the old latch plate. The screws can be very tight and will require some force to loosen. It is helpful to get a second person to assist with this part if possible.
The latch plate should easily be removed from the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this may 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 latches and closes correctly. If not then you'll have to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.
If the door is jiggling or moving, you may need to enlarge the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more prevalent for older doors, but could be due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow or not the right size for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of the hammer and chisel.
Removing the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that moves between the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the door frame to keep the door closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, changing the latch might be all that's needed to correct the issue.
It's difficult to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver and take it off. After you've removed your 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 is not easily removed using a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item into the recessed slot of the latch, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle are beginning to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out.
After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to move the new latch into the slot with no difficulties. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use your new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) prior to installing the new handle. Also, make sure that the latch size on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.
You'll require a new cylinder for your lock if you're replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks the new latch will fit into your existing recess, and work with your current keys. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.
Take off the cover plate
Door handles can start to look worn over time, but if you replace them with a contemporary lever on rose design it's a simple and quick DIY project to decorate and can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets of door handles that come with matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.
To replace the door handle inside remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Look for an release tab on the plate, and use a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It may have a slot on one edge or be held by pins.
Once 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 remove the screws that are holding the latch and inner plates and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours isn't, you will need to drill a new hole in the door. The procedure to do this is the same as opening a door using locks, but you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the door or frame.
Installing new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Buy the same size as the old screws to avoid getting a handle that is too loose or tight. It's also necessary to install the new latch plate and strike rod that aren't included in 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 finish handle set. It's a factory fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.