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Door Handle Replacement

It's worth it to replace door handles if you don't like the way they look or if they're difficult to use. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.

Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws for an attractive appearance. If your new handle doesn't have screws already attached, you will have to attach them separately.

Removal of the old Handle

Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're also vital for safety since they let you lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle can begin to lose its grip or feel loose. It might also appear aged and worn. This is a sign that it's probably the time to replace your door handle.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it may be time to replace it. This is a problem because it means you can not lock or unlock your door which could pose the risk of security for you and your family.

It's also an excellent idea to replace the handle on your door if it is damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it, and get trapped inside. It's simple to replace a broken handle on a door.

Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're not certain if the new door handle you are buying will work, take off the old one and measure its housing holes. This will enable you to buy the right size door handle.


The easiest method to remove the door handle you have been using is to remove it from the door. This is usually done using the screw driver. Some door handles come with an enclosure plate that hides the mounting screws. It is necessary to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. Once you've removed your old handle, make note of the way the spindle is attached so that you can be sure to align it when you install your new one.

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 trim piece. After you have removed the latch, unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then the latch off the door's edge.

Remove the Strike Plate

If you are replacing your handle, you'll also need to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles arrive in will have two different latch plates - a rectangular one and circular (see the diagram above for the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it over to the round one, so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use.

The first step is to loosen the screw that holds the latch plate in place. The screws are usually quite tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.

After the screws are removed, the latch plate should pull out of the door easily. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This can sometimes free up the plate.

Now you can move on to preparing the new door strike plate for installation. Screw the latch plate into the door jamb using the screws that were included with the new handles. Do not tighten the screws too much as this could cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're not sure if the latch plate is in the right position You can try closing and opening the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If it does not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door closes properly.

If the door is still moving or jiggles, then you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent with older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear, hinge mortises that are not deep enough or are not sized correctly for the latch, or due to a broken 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 the hammer and chisel.

Take off the Latch

The latch is the angled piece of metal that is able to move in and out of the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks in a hole on the door frame to ensure that the door is closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be all you need to fix it.

The screws that support the door latch are hard to spot however, you can use a screwdriver to make a small hole in the trim plate and then pry the latch off. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle.

If the latch isn't easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed slot of the latch, and gently twist it or jiggle until the handle and latch begin to separate. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to pull out.

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

Before you install the new handle, be sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Verify that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.

If you're replacing the latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder is damaged, then you'll require an entirely new one. If you are not changing locks the new lock should fit into the recess you have already installed, and also work with the keys you have already. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates to match the handles you have.

Removal of the Cover Plate

You can replace your old door handles with a new lever and rose design to improve the look of your home. You can buy complete sets with matching escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.

To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and mechanism. 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 in place by a pin.

After the cover plate is off take off the screw that holds the interior handle in place and put it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Take the inner plates and latch from the door. Set them aside.

Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the inner edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all have. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door for the new handle. The procedure for this is the same procedure opening a door using the lock, however you'll be taking extra care not to damage the door or frame.

After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Purchase the same dimensions as your old screws to avoid getting a handle that is too loose or tight. You'll also need to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in most door handle sets.

If door handle repair leighton-buzzard Repair My Windows And Doors looking for a high-quality replacement set of interior door handles, try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received a plethora of 5-star reviews from happy customers. It's a great choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.

Member since: Friday, November 22, 2024

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