There Are Myths And Facts Behind Door Handle Replacement
Door Handle Replacement Door handles appear to be a small detail but if you aren't happy with the style or design of them, or are unable to use them then it's time to replace them. With a bit of patience, you can get a new handle in no time. Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. However, you'll have to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't already have them. Remove the Old Handle The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. But, over time the door handle could lose its grip, feel loose, or look old and worn. This is a sign that it's time to replace the door handle. If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it might be time to replace it. upvc replacement door handles is a serious problem because you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door which could put your family and yourself at risk. Another reason to replace the door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be extremely dangerous, particularly in the event that your children or senior family members have difficulty opening it, and get trapped inside. It's easy to replace a broken handle on doors. Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not certain if the new door handle you are buying will work, remove the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will allow you to purchase the right size door handle. The easiest way to take off your old door handle is to take it off of the door itself. Usually you'll need a screwdriver. However, some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to pry off this to access the screws beneath. Once you have removed the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one. You can also remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with an screwdriver however you'll need to locate the small latch, which is located on the edge of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, take the handle off the strike plate, and then remove the latch from the door edge. Removing the Strike Plate When replacing the handle, you'll need 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 different latch plates – either a rectangular or circular (see the diagram above for the parts of the door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, replace it with a round one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook onto the strike plate and make the handle easier. The first step is to remove the screw that's holding the old latch plate in place. These screws are often tight, and will require some force to loosen. It is helpful to get a second person to assist with this part if possible. Once the screws are removed and the latch plate will slide out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small hammer to scrape the edges. This can sometimes open the plate. You can now move on to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. With the screws made of wood that were included with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws because this could cause damage to the strike plate. If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and open the door to check whether it locks and closes correctly. If it does not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down or forward or back until the door locks correctly. If the door is still moving or jiggling, you may need to enlarge the latch hole in the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear, hinges that are too narrow, the wrong size latch, or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with the use of a metal file instead an hammer and chisel. Removing the Latch The latch is the angled piece of metal that moves through 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 a hole on the door frame to ensure that the door remains closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch may be the only thing needed to correct the issue. It's difficult to identify the screws that secure the latch to the door, however there's usually a small slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and remove it. After removing the trim plate, you will be able to pull off the latch, as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle in position. If the latch cannot be easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the latch's slot that is recessed and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to separate. You may have to repeat this process several times before you can remove the latch. After the old latch has been removed, you should be able to move the new latch into the slot without difficulties. Use your new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers. Take note of the backset (the distance between the center of the large hole in the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Check that the latch size of the new handle is equal to the measurement. You'll require a new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or your existing one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess, and work just fine with your current keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates to match your existing handles. Removal of the Cover Plate You can replace your door handles with a new rose and lever designs to make a difference in the appearance of your house. You can purchase complete sets that come with matching escutcheons as well as privacy adaptor kits. The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which hides the screws and mechanism inside. Find an release tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver pop it off the knob. It could have an opening on one edge or be held by a pin. Remove the screw that holds the handle inside and place it aside when the cover plate is removed. You'll also want to remove the screws that are holding the latch and plates, which you can do by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside. Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the inside edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all do. If yours doesn't allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a hole into the door. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked however, you'll have to be extra careful not to scratch the frame or door. After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new door knob screws. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, so you do not end up with an handle that is either too tight or loose. It's also necessary to install an additional strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in most door handle sets. Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a great choice if you're in the market of a premium interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great choice for replacing worn out or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.