Door Handle Replacement 101 The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

· 6 min read
Door Handle Replacement 101 The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Door Handle Replacement

Door handles seem like an insignificant thing, but if you dislike the style or design of them, or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. Installing the new handle on your door is easy if you have patience.

Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates which hide the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't have them attached already.

Remove the old Handle

Door handles are not only an important aesthetic addition to your home but they're also vital for safety since they allow you to lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes your door handle can lose its grip, feel loose, or appear old and worn out. This is an indication that it's the time to replace your door handle.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. This is a problem because it means that you are unable to no longer lock or unlock your door which could be an security risk to you and your family.

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 when your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and end up trapped in the. Luckily, it's quite simple to fix a damaged door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.

Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will work, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will help you to buy the correct sized door handle.

It is easiest 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 have to cut off this to access the screws beneath. Once you've removed your old handle, take note of the way the spindle is attached so that you can be sure to align it when you install the new one.

Alternatively,  www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk  can remove your door handle by unscrewing it from the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the small latch that is located on the edge trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.

The Strike Plate

When replacing your handle, you'll need to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The package the new handles are packaged in will include two different latch plates - either a rectangular or a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular, swap it out for the circular one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use.

The first step is to remove the screw that holds the latch plate in place. The screws can be very tight, and may require some force to loosen. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have a second person assist with this part.

After the screws are removed and the latch plate will slide out of the door easily. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Utilizing the wood screws that came with the new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not tighten the screws too much because this could cause damage to the strike plate.

If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, close and open the door to see whether it locks and closes correctly. If not, you'll need to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or even forward or back, until the door closes and latches properly.

If the door is still jiggling or moving, you may need to increase the size of the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more prevalent for older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or due to damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, using an iron file instead of the hammer and chisel.

Eliminating the Latch

The latch is a bent metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks in an opening in the door's frame so that the door is closed. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch may be all that's needed to correct the issue.



The screws that support the door latch are difficult to see, but you can usually put a screwdriver in a small hole in the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After removal of the trim plate you will be able to pull off the latch and the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle.

If the latch isn't able to be released it is suggested to use a paper clip or a tool to spring it loose from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. You may need to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to take the latch off.

It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot without problems after you have removed the old one. Make sure the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers, and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.

Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the center of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Also, make sure that the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.

You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing locks, however, a new latch will fit in your existing recess and will work with your current keys. Make sure you select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.

Removal of the Cover Plate

You can replace your old door handles with a new lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.

The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and the mechanism within. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It may have an opening on one side or be secured by pins.

When the cover plate is off take the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and plates to the door, which you can accomplish by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.

Some doors don't have this gap. If it doesn't, you'll need to make a hole in the door for the new handle. This is the same procedure as opening a locked door however, you'll need to be extra careful not to scratch the door or frame.

Installing new screws for the door knob is required after the holes have been drilled. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so that you do not end up with a handle that's too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. These aren't included in the majority of door handle sets.

Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are an excellent alternative if you're in search of a top-quality interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory-fit product and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.