Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like something minor but if you aren't happy with the style or design of them, or find them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.
Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates which hide the screws, giving them an attractive appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if your new handle doesn't already have them.
Take off the handle from the old one.
Door handles are not only important for their aesthetic value to your home but they're also essential for security as they let you lock and unlock your door. But, over time, your door handle may lose its grip, become loose, or appear 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 when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a serious problem since you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door and put your family and yourself at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be very dangerous, especially in the event that your children or senior family members struggle to open it and could get trapped in the. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on doors.
Modern door handles are usually standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're unsure if the new door handle you're buying will work, try removing the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will let you buy the right size door handle.
It is the easiest method to take off the old door handle by taking it off from the door. Usually, a screwdriver is used. However certain door handles come with a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws, so you'll have to cut off this to reach the screws beneath. Once you have removed the old handle, make note of the way the spindle is positioned to ensure you are able to align it when you fit your new one.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can make use of a screwdriver to take off the door handle. But, you'll have to locate the tiny latch, which is located on the edge trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and the strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the edge of the door.
The Strike Plate
When replacing the handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The packaging that the new handles are packaged in will have two different latch plates - a rectangular one and a circular one (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has a rectangular shape, switch it over to the round one so that the latch hooks onto the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to use.
The first step is to unscrew the screw that's holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws can be very tight and will require some force to loosen. If you can, it might be beneficial to have a second person assist with this part.
After the screws have been removed, the latch plate should slide out of the door with ease. 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.
You can now move on to making the new door strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that came with your new handles. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this may damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, close and open the door to see if it latches and closes correctly. If it does not then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door locks 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 frequent on older doors. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too shallow, the wrong size latch, or damaged strike plate. If this is the case, follow the exact procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but using a metal file instead of a chisel and hammer.
Removing the Latch
The latch is a curved metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch is pushed forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into a hole in the frame of the door to keep your door closed. If your door wiggles when you close it, changing the latch might be all that's needed to correct the issue.
The screws that secure the door latch are difficult to see however, you can insert a screwdriver into an insignificant hole on the trim plate and pry the latch off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it'll be simple to remove the latch and the bolts that keep the latch and spindle in place.
If the latch isn't able to come out you can try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the recessed latch slot and gently move it around until you feel the latch and handle start to separate. You may have 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 with no issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is correctly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame.
Measure the existing backset (the distance between the center of the large hole on the door's front and the edge) before installing the new handle. Make sure that the size of the latch of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the latch and handle or if your current one is damaged. If you're not changing locks, a new lock should fit into your existing recess, and will work with the keys you have already. Be sure to select an entry point with a rectangular cover plate that match your handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
Door handles can begin to look worn over time However, if you replace them with a modern lever on rose design it's an easy and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as 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 inner mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver remove it from the knob. It may have a slot along one edge or be secured by a pin.
After the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. Remove the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.
Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to install the new handle. This is the same procedure as opening a door locked however you'll have to be extra careful not to damage the door's frame 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 avoid getting the handle that is too loose or tight. You'll also need to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't part of most door handle sets.
If you're looking for a high-quality replacement set of interior door handles Try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome finish handle set. It is a factory-fit and has received hundreds five-star reviews. It's an excellent option to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.