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It's The Myths And Facts Behind Door Handle Replacement
Door Handle Replacement

Door handles may seem like an insignificant thing however, if you don't like the way they look or are finding them difficult to use and use, you should consider replacing them. Installing the new handle on your door is easy if you have patience.

Most modern door handles have cover plates that conceal the screws to create a stylish appearance. However, you'll need to attach them separately if the new handle does not have them attached already.

Remove the handle that was previously used

The door handle isn't just a decorative feature for your home It's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock your door. However, as time passes, your door handle may lose its grip, appear loose, or look old and worn out. This is a sign that it's probably time for a replacement.

One of the first indications that your door handle requires replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a serious problem as you will no longer be able to lock or unlock the door, which could 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 extremely dangerous, particularly when your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and could get trapped within. Luckily, it's quite easy to fix a broken door handle by replacing the handle that was broken.

Modern door handles are typically standard sizes and should fit any door. If you're unsure if your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and determining the holes in its housing. This will help you buy the correct sized door handle.

The easiest way to remove the handle from your door is to take it off of the door itself. This is typically done with the screw driver. However, some door handles have the cover plate which hides the mounting screws so you'll have to cut off this to access the screws beneath. After removing the old handle, take note of how the spindle is connected. This will aid in aligning the new handle.

You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. This is usually done with a screwdriver but you'll need to find the small latch, which is located at the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, you can unscrew the handle from the strike plate and then the latch away from the door's edge.

Take off the Strike Plate

If you are replacing your handle, you'll also need to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that 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 image above which illustrates the components of a door handle). If your current latch plate has rectangular in shape, swap it to a round one so that the latch hooks into the strike plate in a manner that makes the handle easier to use.

The first step is to unscrew the screw that holds the latch plate in place. These screws are often tight, and may require some force to loosen. If possible, it may be helpful to have another person help with this process.

After the screws are removed the latch will slide out of the door with ease. If it is stuck or doesn't move, use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This may help free the plate up.

Now you can move on to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Screw the latch plate into the doorjamb using the wood screws that came with the new handles. Do not tighten the screws too much as this could cause damage to the strike plate.

If you're not sure whether the latch plate is in the proper position, shut and open the door to see whether it locks and closes properly. If it doesn't then you'll need to adjust the strikeplate upwards or down, or forward or back until the door shuts properly.

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 common with older doors, but could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are too narrow or the wrong size for the latch, or due to damaged or broken strike plate. If this is the situation, follow the same procedure to adjust the strike plate, using the use of a metal file instead an hammer and chisel.

Removing the Latch

The latch is an angled metal piece which slides in and out of a hole in the inside of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward which allows you to open the door. upvc replacement door handles hooks into an opening in the door frame so that the door is closed. If your door is wiggles when you close it, replacing the latch could be all that's needed to correct the issue.

It's difficult to identify the screws that hold the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that allows you to insert a screwdriver into the slot and take it off. After you've removed your trim plate, it will be simple to take off the latch and the bolts that keep the spindle and latch in place.

If the latch isn't easily removed using a paperclip or tool to take it off the handle mechanism. Place the item into the slot for the latch that is recessed and then gently twist or jiggle until the that the latch and handle are beginning to separate. You may need to repeat this procedure several times before you are able to remove the latch.

You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any issues after you've removed the old one. Use the new screws to attach the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's correctly placed in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.

Take note of the backset (the distance between the centre of the large hole on the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Also, ensure that the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to this measurement.

You'll need a new cylinder for your lock if replacing the handle and latch or if your current one is damaged. If you're not replacing the locks, however, a new latch should fit in your existing recess and will be compatible with the keys you have currently. Select a latch with rectangular cover plates that match your old handles.

Removal of the Cover Plate

Door handles can start to look shabby with time If you replace them with a contemporary lever on rose design it's a quick and easy DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can purchase complete sets with matching escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.

The first step in replacing an internal door handle is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and mechanism inside. Utilize a flathead to take off the cover plate. It may have an opening on one edge or be held by a pin.

Once the cover plate is off, remove the screw that holds the inside handle in place and put it aside. Take off the screws that hold both the inner and outer plates. You can loosen them by using the help of a Philips Screwdriver. Remove the inner plates and latch from the door. Put them away.

Some doors don't have this gap. If yours isn't have a handle, you'll need to drill a hole into the door. The procedure for this is the same as for opening a door with the lock, however you'll be taking extra care not to damage the frame or door.

After the holes are drilled after which you'll have to put in new screws for the door knob. Purchase the same size as your old screws to ensure that you don't get a handle too tight or loose. You'll also need to install a new strike rod and latch plate that aren't included in most door handle sets.

Amazon's Choice FAERSI 2-piece chrome finish handle sets are a great alternative if you're in search 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 interior door hardware on your Chevy.