5 Door Handle Replacement Projects For Any Budget

Door Handle replacement double glazing handles

It's worth replacing patio door handle replacement handles and hinges if you don't like the way they appear, or if they're difficult to use. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.

Modern door handles are typically equipped with cover plates that hide the screws for a more attractive appearance. If your new handle does not already have them connected, you'll have to attach them separately.

Removing the old Handle

Door handles are not only an important aesthetic addition to your home, but they're also crucial for safety as they let you lock and unlock your door. But, over time your door handle can lose its grip, appear loose, or appear old and worn out. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace your door handle.

One of the first signs that your door handle needs replacing is when it becomes difficult to operate. This is a serious issue since you won't be in a position to lock or unlock the door and put you and your family at risk.

Another reason to replace your door handle is when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be dangerous, particularly for children and elderly family members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's easy to replace a damaged handle on doors.

Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should be able to fit any door. If you're not sure if the new door handle you're buying will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring the holes in its housing. This will help you to buy the correct sized door handle.

It is the easiest way to remove the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is usually done using the screw driver. Some door handles have the cover plate, which conceals the mounting screws. You will need to remove it to get to the screws. After you have removed the handle that was previously used, take note of the way the spindle is attached. This will help you align the new handle.

You can also remove the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is usually done using the screwdriver, but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be just to the left of the trim piece. Once you've removed the latch, you'll need to take the handle off the strike plate, and then remove the latch away from the door's edge.

Remove the Strike Plate

You'll have to replace your latch plate after replacing the handle. It's the part that holds the hole through which the latch of the door hooks when the door is closed. The box that the new handles arrive in will have two different latch plates - either a rectangular or a circular one (see the diagram above for door handle parts). If you have a rectangular latch plate, replace it with a round 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 holding the latch plate. These screws can be quite tight, and will require some force to loosen. If possible, it may be beneficial to have another person assist you with this task.

After the screws have been removed and the latch plate should slide out of the door with ease. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move, use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate up.

Now you can move on to making the new door strike plate to be installed. Using the wood screws that came with your new handles, screw the latch plate to the inside of the doorjamb. Be careful not to tighten too much the screws, as this can damage the strike plate.

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and open the door to check if it latches and closes correctly. If not, you'll need to adjust the strike plate up or down, or move it forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.

If the door still moves or jiggles, then you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent on older bi-fold doors handle. It can be caused by wear and tear hinges that are too narrow, the incorrect size of the latch or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation you can use a metal file instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.

Remove the Latch

The latch is the angled piece of metal that slides in and out of the hole in the inner edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes the latch forward which allows you to open the door. It also catches a hole on the door's frame so that the door stays closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be all that's needed to fix it.

It's hard to see the screws that secure the latch to the door, but there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and remove it. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to take off the latch as well as the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle.

If the latch doesn't easily release, try using the clip of a paper or tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the latch's slot that is recessed and gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to split. It is possible to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to pull the latch out.

It should be possible to slide the new latch into its slot with no issues after you've removed the old one. Make sure that the latch is properly positioned in the slot and is aligned with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to attach it to the strike plate and door frame.

Before installing the new handle, make sure to measure your current backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). You should also check that the latch size on the new handle is in line with this measurement.

If you're replacing the handle or latch or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged, then you'll require a new one. If you're not changing locks the new latch should fit in your existing recess, and be compatible with the keys you have currently. Be sure to choose an entry point with rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.

Then remove the Cover Plate

Door handles may begin to look shabby over time, but if you replace window handles them with a modern lever-on-rose designs, 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 come with the appropriate escutcheons and privacy adjustor kits.

To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Use a flathead for removing the plate. It may have an opening along one side or be held in place by pins.

When the cover plate is removed take off the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. Remove the screws that hold both the outer and inner plates. You can loosen them using a Philips Screwdriver. Then, take the inner plates and latch plate from the door and set them aside.

Most doors have gaps between the jamb of the door and the edge of the frame, which allows for a handle, however not all have. If yours does not have a handle, you'll need to make 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.

Installing new door knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Be sure to purchase the same size as the old ones, so you don't end up with a handle that's too tight or too loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also necessary. They aren't included in all 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 for replacing worn or damaged interior door handle hardware on your Chevy HHR.