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Door Handle Replacement

Door handles appear to be a small detail, but if you dislike the way they look or are finding them difficult to use then it's time to replace them. With a little patience, you can install a new handle in no time.


Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws, giving them an attractive look. If your new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.

Take off the handle from the old one.

Door handles are not only essential for aesthetics of your home, but they're crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. However, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose, or look old and worn. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle.

One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is an issue because it means you can no longer lock or unlock your door, which could be an security risk to you and your family.

It's also an excellent idea to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be risky, particularly for elderly and children members who may struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's simple to fix a damaged handle on a door.

Most modern door handles are a standard size, so they will fit on any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will let you purchase the correct size door handle.

It is the easiest way to remove the old door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with the cover plate which hides the mounting screws, so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws underneath. After removing the old handle, make a note of how the spindle is attached. This will help you align the new handle.

You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. However, you'll need to locate the small latch which is located on the edge trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and the strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the door's edge.

Removal of the Strike Plate

You'll need to replace the latch plate when replacing the handle. This is the plate that is the one that holds the hole in which the door's latch hooks in when the door closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the image above which shows the various parts of the door handle). If you have an old rectangular latch plate, swap it with a round one. This will allow the latch to hook into the strike plate and make the handle easier.

The first step is to remove the screw that is holding the old latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a fair amount 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, the latch plate will 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 up.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the doorjamb using the wood screws that were included with the new handles. 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 then open the door to check whether it latches and closes properly. If not then you'll have to adjust the strike plate up or down, or move it forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.

If the door still moves or jiggles, you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent with older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or not the right size for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of an hammer and chisel.

Remove the Latch

The latch is the angled piece of metal that slides in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also catches the door's frame so that the door is closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, changing the latch could be all you need to fix it.

The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can use a screwdriver to make an insignificant hole on the trim plate and pry the latch off. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch and the bolts that hold it and the spindle that holds it.

If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed slot of the latch and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel handle and latch begin to break off. It is possible repeat this process a few times before you are able to remove the latch.

You should be able slide the new latch into its slot without issues once you have removed the old one. Use your new screws to secure 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, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Also, ensure that the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with this measurement.

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 into the existing recess and work with your current keys. Be sure to choose a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.

Removing the Cover Plate

You can replace your door handles with a modern rose and lever designs to make a difference in the appearance of your house. You can buy complete sets with matching escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.

The first step to replace an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which conceals the screws and inner mechanism. Find upvc door handle replacement bexley www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk 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 side or be held by pins.

After the cover plate is off take the screw that holds the interior handle in place, and then set it aside. It is also necessary 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, remove 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 edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, but not all have. If it doesn't then you'll have to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. The procedure for this is the same as opening a door using the lock, however you'll need to take extra care not to harm the door or frame.

Installing new screws for the door knob is required after the holes have been made. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you don't end up with the handle that is too tight or too loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. These are not included in all 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 and has received hundreds of 5-star reviews from happy customers. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.

Member since: Thursday, November 21, 2024

Website: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/bexley-door-handle-repairs-near-me/

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