10 Unexpected Door Handle Replacement Tips

Door Handle Replacement

Door locking window handles seem like something minor however, if you don't like the style or design of them, or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. Installing a new door handle is simple 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 have them already attached, you will have to attach them separately.

Take off the handle from the old one.

The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock your door. As time passes, the door handle may start to lose its grip or feel loose. It may also begin to look worn out and old. This is a sign that it's probably time to replace it.

If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a problem since it means that you can no longer lock or unlock your door, which could pose the risk of security for you and your family.

Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's 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 be trapped. Fortunately, it's fairly simple to fix a damaged door handle by simply replacing the old one.

Modern door handles are generally standard sizes and should fit 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 allow you to purchase the right size door handle.

The easiest method to remove your old door handle is to remove it from the door itself. This is usually done using the screw driver. Some door handles have a cover plate which hides the screws used to mount them. It is necessary to remove this to get to the screws. After you have removed the old handle, take note of how the spindle has been connected. This will help you align the new handle.

Alternately, you can take off the door handle by uncrewing it from the latch mechanism. This is typically done with a screwdriver but you'll need to find the small latch, which is located just to the left of the trim piece. After removing the latch, unscrew the handle and strike plate. Then remove the latch from the edge of the door.

Remove the Strike Plate

You'll need to replace your latch plate when replacing the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole where the door's latch hooks in when the door is closed. The packaging that the new handles for patio Doors come in will include two options for latch plates: one that is rectangular and the other circular (see the above diagram that outlines the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it over to the round one, so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a way 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. These screws are often tight, and will require some force to loosen. If you are able, it could be beneficial to have a second person assist you with this task.

The latch plate should easily be removed from the aluminium door handles once the screws have been removed. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This can help loosen the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that came with the new handles, attach the latch plate onto the inside of the doorjamb. Don't over tighten your screws as this could damage the strike plate.

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and then open the door to determine if it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't you'll have to adjust the strikeplate either up or down, or forward or back until the door shuts correctly.

If the door still moves or jiggles, then you may have to expand your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more common for 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 due to a broken or damaged strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure for adjusting the strike plate, but with a metal file instead of a chisel and hammer.

Eliminating the Latch

The latch is an angled metal piece that slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks into an opening in the frame of the door to keep the door shut. If your door shakes when you close, a new latch may 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 small slot on the trim plate that lets you to insert a screwdriver in order to take it off. Once you've removed the trim plate, it will be simple to take off the latch as well as the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in place.

If the latch is not easily removed then use a paperclip tool to remove it from the handle mechanism. Place the item in the slot for the latch that is recessed. gently turn or jiggle it until you feel the handle tilt and turn window handles latch start to separate. You may have to repeat this procedure several times before you can 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. Make use of the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure that it is properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.

Before installing the new handle, make sure to measure your existing backset (the distance from the center of the large hole on the front of the door to the edge). Also, ensure that the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to the measurement of your existing handle.

If you are replacing the latch or handle or handle, or if the old lock cylinder is damaged then you will need a new one. If you are not changing locks the new lock should fit into the recess you have already installed, and also work with your current keys. Be sure to select an entry point with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.

Take off the cover plate

You can replace your old door handles with a contemporary lever and rose design to improve the look of your house. You can purchase complete sets that include matching escutcheons and privacy adaptor kits.

To replace an internal door handle remove the cover plate (or rose), which protects the screws and the inner mechanism. Utilize a flathead to take off the plate. It could have an opening along one side or be secured by a pin.

Remove the screw that holds the interior handle and place it aside when the cover plate has been removed. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them with the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.

Most bi-fold doors handle have gaps between the door jamb and the inside edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all have. If yours doesn't, you'll need to drill a hole in the door for the new handle. The process for doing this is similar to the procedure opening a door using locks, but you'll need to take extra care not to damage the door or frame.

After drilling the holes then you'll need to install new screws for the door knob. Make sure you purchase the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you won't have an handle that is either too tight or too loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. They aren't included in most door handle sets.

Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a great option if you're in need of a premium interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's a great choice to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.