Five Door Handle Replacement Projects To Use For Any Budget

Door Handle Replacement It's worth replacing door handles if you aren't happy with the way they look or if they are difficult to use. Installing a new door handle is simple if you have patience. Most modern door handles have cover plates that hide the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. However, you will need to attach them separately if the new handle does not already have them. Remove the old Handle The door handle is not only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. However, over time the door handle could lose its grip, become loose, or appear old and worn. This is a sign that it's probably the time to replace your door handle. One of the first signs that your door handle is in need of replacing is if it's becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem because you won't be able to lock or unlock the door, which could put your family and yourself at risk. It is also an excellent idea to replace your door handle in the event that it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members have difficulty opening it and end up trapped in the. Fortunately, it's fairly easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the handle that was broken. Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not sure if your new door handle will fit, try removing the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will help you to buy the correct sized door handle. It is the easiest method to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the screws that mount them, so you'll need to pry off this cover plate to get access to the screws beneath. After you have removed the old handle, make a note of the way the spindle is connected. This will assist you in aligning the new handle. You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver to remove the door handle. But, you'll need to locate the small latch that is located on the edge trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and strike plate. Then, you can remove the latch from the edge of the door. Removing the Strike Plate When replacing your handle, you'll also need to replace the latch plate that holds the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the above diagram that shows the parts of the door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it to a round one, so that the latch is able to hook into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle more comfortable to use. The first step is to remove the screw that holds the old latch plate in place. The screws are typically tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. If possible, it may be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task. The latch plate should lift itself out of the door after the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate. Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. Utilizing the wood screws that came with the new handles, screw the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Be cautious not to tighten too much the screws, as this could cause damage to the strike plate. If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the proper position You can try closing and opening the door to determine if it closes and latches correctly. If it doesn't, you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or forward or back until the door closes and latches correctly. If the door is still moving or jiggles, you might need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more frequent on older doors. It could be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too small, a wrong size latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the case you can use a metal file instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate. Removing the Latch The latch is the angled piece of metal that slides 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 which allows you to open the door. It also connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch may be the only thing needed to fix it. The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to locate however, you can put a screwdriver in an insignificant hole on the trim plate and pry the latch 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 the position. If the latch is not easily removed, use a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the handle and latch begin to split. It is possible to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to pull the latch out. After the old latch has been removed, you should be able to slide the new latch into the slot without problems. Make sure the latch is properly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use your 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 front of the door 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 handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not switching locks the new lock will fit in your existing recess, and also work with your existing keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates that 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 with matching escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons. To replace an internal door handle, remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It may have an opening along one side or be secured by pins. Remove the screw holding the interior handle and set it aside once the cover plate has been removed. Remove the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using a Philips Screwdriver. Then, remove the inner plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside. Not all doors have this gap. If it doesn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. This is the same process as opening a door locked however, you'll need to be extra careful not to scratch the door or frame. Installing new door knob screws is necessary after the holes have been made. Make sure to buy the same size as the previous ones, so you don't end up with the handle that is too tight or loose. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also necessary. These aren't included in most door handle sets. Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are an excellent option if you're in need of a high-quality interior door handle replacement set. It's factory-fitted and has received hundreds five-star reviews. It's an excellent option for replacing worn out or damaged interior door hardware on your Chevy.