Door Handle Replacement
It's worth it to replace door handles if you aren't happy with the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. With some patience, you can get a new handle in no time.
Modern door handles are usually equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws, giving them a more attractive appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll need to attach them separately.
Remove the handle that was previously used
The door handle isn't just a decorative feature for your home, but it's also an important safety feature that lets you to lock and unlock the door. As time passes the door handle could start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could also begin to look aged and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace your door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious issue as you will no longer be capable of locking or unlocking the door and put you and your family at risk.
It's also recommended to replace your door handle if it is damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, particularly for children and elderly family members who may struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Fortunately, additional hints 's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size, so they are suitable for 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 purchase the right size door handle.
The easiest method to take off your old door handle is to take it off of the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However certain door handles come with a cover plate that conceals the mounting screws, so you'll need to remove this to reach the screws beneath. After you have removed the old handle, make a note of the way in which the spindle is connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by removing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the tiny latch which is located on the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the door's edge.
Removing the Strike Plate
When replacing your handle, you'll also need to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the image above which illustrates the components of the door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it over to the circular one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to operate.
The first step is to loosen the screw that is holding the latch plate that was previously in place. The screws can be very tight, and will require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to get a second person to assist with this part if possible.
The latch plate should lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small nail file to scrape the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate up.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. With the screws made of wood that came with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws because this could cause damage to the strike plate.
If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the correct position, shut and open the door to determine whether it locks and closes correctly. If it doesn't you'll have to adjust the strikeplate up or down or forward or back until the door shuts properly.
If the door is still moving or jiggles, then you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common with older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or are not sized correctly for the latch, or from a broken or damaged strike plate that is damaged or broken. If this is the case then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Eliminating the Latch
The latch is a bent metal piece which slides in and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch moves forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the door's frame so that the door remains closed. If your door is wobbling when you close it, an upgrade to the latch could be the only thing needed to correct the issue.
It's difficult to see the screws that attach the latch to the door, but there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver in order to pry it off. After you've removed your trim plate, it should be easy to remove the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in place.
If the latch isn't able to release it is suggested to use an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and then gently twist or jiggle until you feel that the latch and handle begin to split. You may need to repeat this process several times before you are able to take the latch off.
After the old latch has been removed, you should be able to insert the new latch into the slot without any difficulties. Use the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is correctly placed in the slot, aligned with the screw chambers.
Before you install the new handle, be sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the centre of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). You should also check whether the size of the latch on the new handle is in line with the measurement of your existing handle.
You'll require a brand new lock cylinder if you're replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks the new latch will fit in the existing recess and be compatible with the keys you have currently. Make sure you select a latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your handles.
Remove the cover plate
Door handles may begin to look shabby with time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose designs, it's a simple and quick DIY and decorating project that will enhance the overall appearance of your home. You can purchase 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 covers the screws and inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It could have an opening on one side or be held by a pin.
Remove the screw that is holding the interior handle and set it aside once the cover plate is removed. Remove the screws that secure both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Some doors don't have this gap. If yours does not allow for a handle, you'll have to drill a new hole through the door. It's the same procedure as opening a locked door, but you will need to be extra careful not to harm the frame or door.
After the holes are drilled, you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, so you do not end up with an handle that is either too tight or too loose. It's also necessary to install an additional 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's a factory fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great choice to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.