Door Handle Replacement
Door handles seem like something minor, but if you dislike the way they look or are finding them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. With a bit of patience, you can get the new handle in no time.
Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If the new handle doesn't have them already connected, you'll have to attach them separately.
Remove the old handle
Door handles aren't just an important for their aesthetic value to your home, but they're vital for safety since they let you lock and unlock your door. Over time the door handle could start to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could also begin to look old and worn. This is a good indication that it's time to replace the door handle.
If your door handle is becoming difficult to use, it could be time to replace it. This is a serious problem because you won't be capable of locking or unlocking the door which could put your family and yourself at risk.
Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle is dangerous, particularly for elderly and children members who struggle to open it. They could be trapped. It's simple to replace a damaged handle on the door.
Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and will fit any door. If you're not certain that the new door handle you are buying will work, take off the old one and measure the holes in its housing. This will help you purchase the right size door handle.
repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is the easiest method to take off the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is typically done with the screw driver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the mounting screws. It is necessary to remove it to get to the screws. After removing the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is connected. This will help you align the new handle.
You can also remove the door handle by depressing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you will have to locate the tiny latch that is located on the edge trim piece. After taking off the latch, remove the handle and strike plate. Then, remove the latch from the door's edge.
The Strike Plate
When replacing the handle, you'll be required to replace the latch plate, which holds the hole which the door's latch hooks into when it closes. The new handles will come with two latch plates that are circular and rectangular plate (see the above diagram which shows the various parts of a door handle). If your current latch plate is rectangular in shape, swap it over to the 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 is holding the old latch plate. The screws are typically tight and require a lot of force to loosen them. If you can, it might be beneficial to have a second person assist with this part.
The latch plate should easily be removed from the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or won't move use a small file to scrape the edges. This may help free the plate.
Now you can prepare the new strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that came with the new handles. Be careful not to over-tighten the screws, as this could damage the strike plate.
If you're unsure if the latch plate is in the proper position, try closing and then opening the door to check whether it latches and closes correctly. If it doesn't then you'll have to adjust the strike plate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door shuts and latches properly.
If the door is moving or jiggling, you may need to increase the size of the hole for the latch in the strike plate. This is more frequent for older doors, but can happen due to wear and tear, hinge mortises that are too shallow 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, use a metal filing instead of a chisel, or hammer to adjust the strike plate.
Remove the Latch
The latch is a bent 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 connects to an opening in the frame of the door to keep your door shut. If your door is wobbling when you close it, a new latch may be all you need to fix the issue.
It's hard to see the screws that hold the latch to the door, however there's usually a small hole on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver in order to pry it off. After removal of the trim plate you should be able to remove the latch and the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle.
If the latch won't be released it is suggested to use the clip of a paper or tool to free it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item into the recessed latch slot and gently twist or jiggle it until you feel the latch and handle begin to separate. It may take this several times before the latch comes loose enough to pull out.
After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to slide the new latch into the slot with no issues. Make use of the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it is properly positioned in the slot and aligned with the screw chambers.
Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the centre 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 in line with the measurement.
You'll require a brand new lock cylinder if you're replacing the latch and handle or your existing one is damaged. If you're not changing locks the new latch should fit in the existing recess and work with the keys you have currently. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.
Removal of the Cover Plate
Door handles can begin to look shabby over time However, if you replace them with a contemporary lever-on-rose design, it's a simple and quick DIY and decorating project that can improve the overall appearance of your home. You can buy complete sets that include the escutcheons as well as privacy adaptors and escutcheons.
To replace the door handle inside take off the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find an opening tab on the plate and make use of a flathead screwdriver to lift it off the knob. It could have a slot on one edge or be held by a pin.
After the cover plate is off take off the screw that holds the interior handle in place, and then set it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Place them aside.
Most doors have gaps between the door jamb and the edge of the frame that allows for a handle, but not all do. If it doesn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole in the door to accommodate the new handle. It's the same procedure as opening a door locked, but you will have to be extra cautious not to scratch the door's frame or frame.
Installing new screws for the door knob is required after the holes have been drilled. Be sure to purchase the same size as the old ones, so you won't have the handle that is too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install the new strike rod and latch plate, which aren't included with the majority of door handle sets.
If you're in search of a reliable replacement set of interior door handles look no further than the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from delighted customers. It's a great option to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.