Door Handle Replacement
Door handles may seem like something minor but if you aren't happy with the appearance of the handles or are finding them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience.
Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that conceal the screws, giving them an attractive look. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle doesn't already have them.
Removal of the old Handle
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, as door handle replacement bexhill-on-sea repairmywindowsanddoors passes the door handle could lose its grip, appear loose or start to look old and worn out. This is a good indication that it's time to replace the 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 issue as you will no longer be in a position to lock or unlock the door which could put your family and yourself at risk.
It is also a good 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 struggle to open it. They could become trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the handle that was broken.
The majority of modern door handles are a standard size and so they will fit on any door. If you aren't sure if your new door handle will work, take off the old one and take measurements of its holes in the housing. This will enable you to buy the right size door handle.
The easiest way to remove your old door handle is to take it off of the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the screws used to mount them. You'll need to remove the cover plate to gain access to the screws. After you've removed the old handle, take an outline of how the spindle is connected 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. This is typically done with the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be at the edge of the trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and strike plate. Then remove the latch from the edge of the door.
Remove the Strike Plate
When you replace your handle, you'll also be required to replace the latch plate that holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the diagram above which shows the various parts of a door handle). If you have an rectangular latch plate, swap it with an oval one. This will let the latch hook onto the strike plate, making the handle easier to use.
The first step is to unhook the screw that is holding the old latch plate. These screws can be quite tight, and may require some force to loosen. It might be beneficial to have a second person help with this task if you can.
After the screws have been removed, the latch plate will slide out of the door with ease. If it's stuck or won't move using a nail file to scrape around the edges of the latch plate. This can sometimes free up the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Using the wood screws that were included with your new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Do not overtighten your screws as this could damage the strike plate.
If you are not sure whether the latch plate is in its correct position, close and open the door to determine whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.
If the door is still moving or jiggling, then you may need to enlarge the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more prevalent for older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear hinge mortises that are not deep enough or the wrong size for the latch, or because of damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case, follow the same procedure as adjusting the strike plate, but with an iron file instead of the hammer and chisel.
Take off the Latch
The latch is the metal piece that is angled that moves through the hole that runs along the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward, allowing you to open the door. It also catches a hole on the door frame to ensure that the door remains closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch could be all that is needed to fix the problem.
It's difficult to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, however there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver in order to remove it. Once you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to take off the latch and the remaining bolts that hold the spindle and latch in the position.
If the latch won't come out it is suggested to use the clip of a paper or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle are beginning to break off. You may have to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to take the latch off.
After the old latch is removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot without any difficulties. Use the new screws to connect 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 installing the new handle, be sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the big hole on the front of the door to the edge). Check that the latch size of the new handle is in line with the measurement.
You'll require a brand new lock cylinder if you're replacing the handle and latch, or your old one is damaged. If you're not changing the locks the new latch will fit into your existing recess, and be compatible with the keys you have currently. Be sure to select the latch with a rectangular cover plate that match your old handles.
Removing the Cover Plate
You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to enhance the appearance of your home. You can purchase complete sets that come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.
To replace the door handle inside, remove the cover plate (or rose), which covers the screws and mechanism. Look for a release tab on the plate, and employ a flathead screwdriver remove it from the knob. It could have an opening on one side or be held by pins.
When the cover plate is removed take off the screw that holds the interior handle in place, and then set it aside. Remove the screws that secure both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them by using a Philips Screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside.
Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the inner edge of the frame that allows for a handle, however not all have. If yours does not, you'll need to drill a hole into the door to install the new handle. The process for doing this is the same procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is necessary after holes have been drilled. Choose the same size as the old screws to ensure that you don't get the handle that is too loose or tight. Installing a new latch and strike rod is also required. These aren't included in most door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable 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 been praised with hundreds of five-star reviews. It's a great choice to replace damaged or worn door handle hardware inside your Chevy HHR.