Door Handle Replacement Tips From The Top In The Industry

· 6 min read
Door Handle Replacement Tips From The Top In The Industry

Door Handle Replacement

It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look, or if they're difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.

Modern door handles are equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle does not already have them.

Removal of the old Handle

Door handles are not only an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're essential for security as they let you lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose, or look old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle.

One of the first signs that your door handle requires replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is an issue because it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door which could create the risk of security for you and your family.

It's also a good idea to replace your door handle when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly if your children or elderly family members struggle to open it and end up trapped within. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one.

The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and therefore are suitable for any door. If you're not certain that the new door handle you are buying will work, take off the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will enable you to buy the right size door handle.

The easiest way to remove the handle from your door is to unscrew it from the door. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. Some door handles have a cover plate which hides the mounting screws. It is necessary to remove it to get to the screws. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of the way in which the spindle has been connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle.



You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing 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, remove the handle from the strike plate and then the latch from the door edge.

The Strike Plate

You'll need to replace the latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The packaging that the new handles arrive in will include two options for latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the diagram above for door handle parts). If you have an rectangular latch plate, swap it with a circular one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate, making the handle easier to use.

The first step is to loosen the screw that's holding the latch plate in place. These screws can be quite tight, and may require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to have a second person help with this task if you can.

After the screws are removed and the latch plate should slide out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or refuses to move use a small file to scrape the edges. This will sometimes free the plate.

Now, you can proceed to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Utilizing the wood screws that came with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this could damage the strike plate.

If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, shut and open the door to see if it latches and closes properly. If it doesn't you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or even forward or back until the door closes and latches properly.

If the door is still jiggling or moving, it may be necessary to expand the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too shallow, the wrong size latch, or a damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, using a metal file instead of an hammer and chisel.

Removing the Latch

The latch is the angled piece of metal that is able to move through the hole in the inner edge of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door wiggles when you close it, changing 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, but there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver and pry it off. Once  upvc door handle repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk 've removed the trim plate, it should be easy to remove the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in the position.

If the latch isn't easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed latch slot and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the handle and latch begin to separate. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch becomes loose enough to let it 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 that it is correctly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.

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 of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle matches the measurement.

You'll need 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 changing locks the new latch will fit in your existing recess and will work just fine with the keys you have currently. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have.

Remove the cover plate

Door handles may begin to look shabby over time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever on rose design it's a simple and quick DIY project to decorate and will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets with matching privacy adaptors, escutcheons, and escutcheons.

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

Remove the screw that holds the interior handle and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. It is also necessary to remove the screws that hold the latch and inner plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them using a Philips screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.

Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, but not all have. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door. The process for doing this is similar to the procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll need to take extra care not to damage the door or frame.

After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Buy the same size as the old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle too tight or loose. You'll also need to install an additional strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets.

If you're in search of a reliable replacement set of interior door handles look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It's factory-fitted and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's an excellent option to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.