Door Handle Replacement It's worth replacing door handles if you don't like the way they appear, or if they are difficult to use. Installing the new handle on your door is simple if you have patience. The majority of modern door handles come with cover plates that conceal the screws to give them a beautiful appearance. If your new handle does not have them already attached, you will have to attach them separately. Remove the old Handle The door handle is not just a decorative feature for your home it also serves as an element of security that allows you to lock and unlock the door. As time passes the door handle can begin to lose its grip or feel a bit loose. It could also appear aged and worn. This is a clear indication that it's time to replace the door handle. One of the first signs 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 that you are unable to not lock or unlock your door which could be an security risk to you and your family. Another reason to replace your door handle is if it's damaged or broken. A broken door handle is dangerous, especially for children and elderly family members who may struggle to open it. They may get trapped. It's easy to fix a damaged handle on the door. Most modern door handles are a standard size, so they will fit on any door. If you're not sure whether your new door handle will fit, try taking out the old one and measuring its housing holes. This will help you to purchase the right size door handle. The most straightforward method to take off the handle from your door is to remove it from the door. Usually it is a matter of using a screwdriver. Some door handles have an enclosure plate that hides the screws that mount them. It is necessary to remove it to get to the screws. Once you've removed your old handle, make an outline of how the spindle is connected to ensure you are able to make sure it is aligned when you put in your new one. You can also remove the door handle by unscrewing the latch mechanism. You can use a screwdriver for removing the door handle. However, you'll have to locate the tiny latch, which is located on the edge cut piece. Once you've removed the latch, you can remove the handle from the strike plate, and then the latch off the door's edge. Take off the Strike Plate You'll need to replace the latch plate when replacing the handle. It's the plate that holds the hole through which the latch for the door is inserted when the door is closed. The new handles will have two latch plates: a rectangular and circular plate (see the image above which illustrates the components of a door handle). If you have a rectangular latch plate, swap it with a round one. This will allow the latch to be able to hook onto the strike plate and make the handle more convenient. The first step is to unhook the screw that is holding the old latch plate. The screws are usually quite tight and require a bit of force to loosen them. It may be helpful to have a second person assist with this part if possible. The latch plate should easily lift itself out of the door once the screws have been removed. If the latch plate is stuck or doesn't move use a small file to scrape the edges. https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/hayes-windowrepair/ can sometimes free up the plate. You can now move on to creating the new door strike plate to be installed. Install the latch plate in the door jamb using the screws that were included with the new handles. Don't over tighten your screws because this could damage the strike plate. If you're unsure whether the latch plate is in the right position Try closing and opening the door to check if it closes and latches correctly. If not, you will need to adjust the strikeplate up or down, forward or back until the door locks correctly. If the door continues to move or jiggles, then you may need to increase the size of your latch hole on the strike plate. This is more prevalent in older doors, however it could also be caused by wear and tear hinge mortises that are too narrow or are not sized correctly for the latch, or from damage or a broken strike plate. If this is the case then you should use a filing made of metal instead of a chisel or hammer to adjust the strike plate. Remove the Latch The latch is a bent metal piece that slides into and out of a hole on the inside of your door. The latch is moved forward when you turn the handle. It also hooks in an opening in the door frame so that the door stays closed. If your door shakes when you close it, changing the latch might be all that's needed to correct the issue. It's hard to see the screws that secure the latch to the door, but there's usually a tiny slot on the trim plate that permits you to insert a screwdriver in order to remove it. After taking off the trim plate you should be able to take off the latch and the bolts that hold it, as well as the spindle. If the latch doesn't easily be released you can try using an old-fashioned paper clip or tool to spring it loose 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 split. You may have to do this several times before the latch comes loose enough to allow it to be pulled out. After the old latch has been removed it should be possible to insert the new latch into the slot without any problems. Make sure the latch is properly positioned in the slot and lined up with the screw chambers and then use the new screws to secure it to the strike plate and door frame. Check the backset of the current handle (the distance between the centre of the large hole in the front of the door and the edge) before installing the new handle. Also, make sure whether the size of the latch on the new handle is a good match to this measurement. If you are replacing the latch or handle, or if your old lock cylinder has been damaged, then you'll require a new one. If you're not changing locks the new latch should fit in your existing recess and will work just fine with the keys you have currently. Pick a latch that has rectangular cover plates that match the handles you have. Removing the Cover Plate You can replace your old door handles with a modern rose and lever designs to improve the look of your home. You can buy complete sets of escutcheons, escutcheons, privacy adaptors and escutcheons. The first step in replacing the door handle inside is to remove the cover plate or rose, which covers the screws and mechanism inside. Use a flathead for removing the cover plate. It could have an opening on one side or be held by pins. After the cover plate is removed take off the screw that holds the interior handle in place and set it aside. You'll also want to remove the screws that hold the latch and inner plates, which you can do by loosening them with the help of a Philips screwdriver. Then, you can remove the outer plates and latch plate from the door and put them aside. Most doors have a gap between the door jamb and the edge of the frame that makes room for a handle, however not all have. If yours isn't have a handle, you'll need to make a hole through the door. The procedure to do this is the same procedure for opening a door with a lock, but you'll need to take extra care not to damage the door or frame. After drilling the holes after which you'll have to put in new screws for the door knob. Make sure to buy the same size as the old ones, to ensure that you do not end up with a handle that's too tight or loose. Installing a new strike rod and latch is also required. These are not included in all door handle sets. If you're looking for a high-quality replacement for your interior door handle set, try the Amazon's Choice FAERSI two-piece chrome-finished handle set. It's a factory fit and has received a plethora of five-star reviews from delighted customers. It's a great choice for replacing worn or damaged door handle hardware in the interior of your Chevy HHR.