What Door Handle Replacement Will Be Your Next Big Obsession?

Door Handle Replacement

Door handles may seem like something minor, but if you dislike the way they look or find them difficult to use, it's worth replacing them. Installing a new door handle is easy if you have patience.

The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that conceal the screws for an attractive appearance. If your new handle does not already have them connected, you'll need to attach them separately.

Removing the old aluminium window handles Handle

The door handle isn't only a decorative addition to your home, but it's also a safety feature that allows you to lock and unlock the door. However, as time passes your door handle can lose its grip, feel loose, or appear old and worn out. This is a sign that it's probably time to replace it.

One of the first indications that your door handle is in need of replacing is the fact that it is becoming difficult to operate. This is a problem since it means you can no longer sash lock door handles or unlock your door, which could pose a security risk for you and your family.

It is also a good idea to replace the handle on your external door handles and locks when it's damaged or broken. A damaged or broken door handle can be quite dangerous, especially when your children or elderly family members are unable to open it and end up trapped inside. It's simple to replace a damaged handle on the door.

Most modern door handles are standard size, so they should fit any door. If you aren't certain if the new door handle you are buying will work, take off the old one and measure its housing holes. This will allow you to buy the right size door handle.

It is the easiest way to remove the old door handle by removing it from the door. This is usually done using a screw driver. However some door handles have an outer cover plate that hides the mounting screws so you'll need to pry off this cover plate to get access to the screws underneath. After you've removed the old handle, take note of the way the spindle is connected to ensure you are able to be sure to align it when you install the new one.

You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. This is usually done using a screwdriver but you'll need to locate the small latch, which should be at the edge of the trim piece. After you have removed the latch, take off the handle and strike plate. Then remove the latch from the edge of the door.

Take off the Strike Plate

When you replace your handle, you'll also be required to replace the latch plate, which is the hole that the door's latch is inserted into when it closes. The new handles will have two latch plates which are a circular and a rectangular plate (see the diagram above that shows the parts 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 operate.

The first step is to unhook the screw that holds the latch plate. The screws can be very tight, and may require some force to loosen. It may be helpful to have a second person assist with this part if possible.

After the screws are removed, the latch plate should slide out of the door easily. If it is stuck or doesn't move then use a small nail file to scratch around the edges of the latch plate. This will sometimes free the plate.

Now you can prepare the new strike plate for installation. With the wood screws that came with your new handles, screw the latch plate onto 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 determine whether it latches and closes properly. If not, you'll need to adjust the strike plate either up or down, or even forward or back, until the door closes and latches correctly.

If the door is still moving or jiggling, then it may be necessary to expand the hole for latching in the strike plate. This is more prevalent with older bi-fold doors handle, but could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are too narrow or not the right size for the latch, or due to damaged or broken 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.

Take off the Latch

The latch is the angled metal piece that is able to move in and out of the hole on the inside edge of your door. When you turn the handle, it pushes this latch forward and allows you to open the door. It also hooks in a hole on the door frame to ensure that the door is closed. If your door shakes when you close it, replacing the latch could be the only thing needed to correct the issue.

The screws that hold the door latch are difficult to see however, you can insert a screwdriver into an insignificant hole on the trim plate, and then pull the latch off. After removing the trim plate, you should be able to remove the latch and the bolts that hold it in place and the spindle.

If the latch won't come out, try using a paper clip or a tool to release it from the handle mechanism. Insert the item in the recessed slot of the latch, and gently twist it or jiggle until you feel the that the latch and handle begin to split. You may need to repeat this several times before the latch is loose enough to let it out.

You should be able to slide the new latch into its slot without any problems after you have removed the old one. Use the new screws to secure the latch to the strike plate or door frame. Make sure it's properly positioned in the slot, and aligned with the screw chambers.

Before you install the new handle, be certain to measure your existing backset (the distance from the centre of the big hole on the front surface of the door to the edge). Also, make sure whether the size of the latch on the new handle matches this measurement.

You'll require a brand new cylinder for your lock if replacing the latch and handle 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 work with your current keys. Choose a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have.

Take off the cover plate

Door handles can start to look shabby over time If you replace them with a modern lever-on-rose designs, it's a simple and quick DIY and decorating project that will improve the overall look of your home. You can buy complete sets that include escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons.

To replace an internal door handle, remove the cover plate (or rose) that covers the screws and inner mechanism. Find a release tab on the plate and employ a flathead screwdriver pop it off the knob. It could have an opening on one side or be secured by a pin.

When the cover plate is removed take the screw that holds the interior handle in place, and then set it aside. You'll also need to remove the screws that are holding the latch and the plates inside and the latch plate, which can be done by loosening them with a Philips screwdriver. Remove the plates that hold the inner plate and latch from the door. Place them aside.

Not all doors have this gap. If yours doesn't, you will need to drill a hole in the door. This is the same process as opening a locked door, but you will have to be extra careful not to damage the door or frame.

Installing new Mila Door Handles knob screws is necessary after holes have been drilled. Make sure you purchase the same size as the previous ones, so that you do not end up with an upvc handle window that is either too tight or too loose. You'll also have to install an additional latch plate and strike rod that aren't part of 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 top-quality interior door handle replacement set. It's a factory-fit and has received hundreds of five-star reviews from satisfied customers. It's an excellent option to replace worn or damaged door hardware on your Chevy.